As so many other Americans today, I
am sitting here reflecting on where I was on the day life changed
forever. Working on a military installation outside Washington DC,
business was as usual that morning. I was opening a new office on the
base and was alone in the small building. A civil engineer was walking
through with me planning minor renovations required to open to our military
family by 1 October 2001. You see it was to be a one stop shop for requesting
child care for all children and youth eligible to use the facilities. We
were all excited to open this office to serve so many families more
efficiently.
The engineer left and I went into my
office to start my business day making preparations for this new venture.
Excitement was in the air and the anticipation in starting something new and so
beneficial to so many was exhilarating. I only had a desk, a chair, a
computer and a small radio in the office at that time. I opened my computer
and clicked on my email to find an email from my daughter who lived in
Pennsylvania. She very seldom emailed or called during the work
day. Her message was short and very to the point. It
read..."Mom, are you alright?"... I was so puzzled by her statement
question I replied back..."Yes, WHY???" At that point all
computer communications went dead. At first I did not think too much
about because the system was a dial up and went dead often.
When I could not get it back up and
running I went over to the radio to get some background music to keep the mind
focused and to start a more minimal task of sorting lists and supplies.
To my horror the radio did not have music but somber voices describing what was
happening in New York City and the World Trade Center. I listened in
shock and disbelief of this freighting accident happening. Then the
newscaster soon interrupted that the second building was hit by another
plane. Then the ominousness truth of the day began screaming into
reality. Here, I was alone and dismayed but still so innocent of what was
about to transpire just twenty plus miles away.
Shortly thereafter the same
newscaster urgently announced that the Pentagon had been hit by yet another
airplane. Empathy for all those in dire need in NYC was joined by fear
for acquaintances, friends and family who were working at or close to the
Pentagon. Many of the military families that our programs served worked
at the Pentagon. My husband worked in Virginia and frequently had
business to conduct there. Our son worked in and around Washington
DC. I became frantic and immediately tried to contact my family by
cell phone but all communication was down. At this point I no longer
wanted to be alone. I needed to do something to help somewhere, what I
could do was so unknown, but something had to be done.
The installation was shut down; no
one was entering or leaving. The silence in the atmosphere was
horrendous. That perfect beautiful late summer day was so
different. I contacted my supervisor to let her know that I was leaving
my office and going to help at our youth program. Once there I was with
others who were desperately trying to reach loved ones and consoling parents as
they were trying to find out where their children were. All the youngest
children were safe and accounted for but the school age children were outside
the base at their schools. Their buses were not allowed to enter the
installation. They were transported back to the schools. The
parents were having difficulty getting from their jobs to get their
children. The children were only released to their parent. It was
total chaos. We were prepared to face whatever needed to be done to help
our military family. No matter what it was, we were preparing to do
it. Gradually communication systems were restored and information was
soon getting to us. I was able to finally reach my husband. He had
spoken with our son and both were fine. Parents were calling to let us
know that they found their children and all were safe. Then another shock,
a plane crashed in Pennsylvania.
The following days were so sobering
as all the facts of the day’s events became known. For those of us who
could go back to work to what had not physically changed, had changed. I
returned to my one man office that next day to continue getting it ready for
our opening. The heightened security was profound. The little old
building was next to an entrance gate. Reinforcements guarding the gate
were phenomenal. A very large truck was stationed outside my office with its
engine running 24/7. The drone of the noise was heart pounding.
Sitting here 10 years later I can hear that drone and feel the vibrations
within my body. But I knew that if necessary that person behind the wheel
of that truck needed to help protect the installation he or she would do so
without any questions asked. Even though we were vulnerable, I felt a
sense of security.
Over time we would speak with others
about where we were on the "Day Life Changed Forever". Our stories
are intertwined forever of a theme of memories of lost loved ones, of heroes,
of near escapes, of compassion, but most of all of a since of family. In
the words of Todd Beamer of Flight 93, "Let's Roll!" We are
united together forever as a family of millions.
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