In September 2001 I went on a "girls only" trip with two of my college friends Amy and Kati. The plan was to spend a few days with our old roomie Kris in Washington DC then head up to NYC.
While in DC we did all the great sight seeing for the first few days.
Then on the morning of September 11 we were heading to NYC for the last 4 days of our trip. While Kris was up getting ready for work that morning she was watching the Today Show and woke up with the horrible news. We all sat there glued to the TV. We were in her apartment when we heard the crash of the plane into the Pentagon. We could smell the burning from where we were. We decided to head to the grocery store to get extra water and some food "just in case". That night we drove by the Pentagon and saw it burning (I couldn't find the pictures to post). The phone lines were too busy to call out so it took a long time for me to get a hold of Todd and let him know I was ok. He thought we were already in NYC since that was the plan.
Obviously, at this point our trip to NYC was cancelled. We spent a few days doing nothing but watching TV and crying. It was next to impossible to get a rental car, but Kati's dad (who travels a lot) got us a rental car "just in case". Luckily, the airports were back up and running by the 15th when we flew out. My flight was scheduled to leave at 5:30 pm - I don't remember what time I finally left Baltimore but I finally got to SLC at 3:45 am.
It's hard to explain the way I felt at the time. I missed Todd SO much (thank goodness I didn't have any kids yet). I felt so much pride in our country and so much hurt for those who died as well as their families. I am so grateful that we were safe and hadn't left for NY yet.
3 comments:
We could see the twin towers from the beach near our home. It was odd to go there that morning and see nothing but pillars of smoke.
My ward is full of bankers who all work in, or next, to those buildings. And yet, on that morning each one of them was sick, out of town, late, or away for some other unusual reason. We felt very blessed.
We drove to Manhattan the next morning and ashes were still falling, candles with peoples photos were lining the street asking if anyone had seen them. The city sounded like a chorus of fire engines and applause. People were so grateful for the work that was going on, but there was a lot heartbreak that everyone could feel.
I'm glad you never made it up and were safe! I'm sure Todd was beside himself.
I remember that you were there. I was freaking out for you guys and JJ told me to calm down. Hadn't you just found out your pregnant with Tayson? I'm just glad that you were safe and sound.
Wow Kathy... I had no idea that you were so close to the action.
You never miss anything do you?
I am so glad that you guys were safe.
And, I loved the photos and the reminiscing.
I was up all night with a sick kid and I was a little loopy that morning when I turned on the news...didn't quite catch the scope of the events until I got a little more sleep.
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