My first September 11th in NYC
I woke up this morning with a sense of humility and sadness. Today marks the 5th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The very thought of that event, that day makes me tear up. The very idea that NY'ers woke up one morning just like me today, got ready for work and proceeded on with a typical Monday then found themselves in the midst of one of the most horrible days in history breaks my heart.
Five years ago today I was going through my own heartbreak. Nothing in comparison to those who suffered from the 9/11 attacks, but horrible none-the-less. My ex-husband and I had just separated from an 8 year marriage two weeks earlier. I was living with my mother and was going through the hardest time of my life. So this day, this memory takes me to a sad part of my own past as well as our country's past.
As I got ready, I couldn't find my smile this morning. I got a text message from Chrissy asking me how NYC was doing this morning. I was still home getting ready. The text reminded me that things will be somber today in the city. I proceeded to the train station on 39th ave as always and noticed the trains were stopped. My first gut reaction was there was a problem. Both the train that had just left and the one right behind it at 36th were sitting still. I looked down at my phone at it was 8:46am. My heart fell to my stomach. It was the moment the first airplane hit the first tower. What a moment. The trains started up again about 9am and was very slow. It was a depressing sight on the train, but usually is. People rarely smile, but especially not today. A gentlemen next to me read a newspaper with the cover reading: 8:46am, 9:03am as its headline. At that moment 9:03 hit. Again my stomach was in knots.
I arrived at work a bit late at 9:17 and sat down. What a strange feeling. I am on the 14th floor on 57th street near the park. I love my new friendships, my location, my job, my new life. I am reminded that at any moment it could end for any reason.
I am also reminded that today and the memory of those who lost their lives 5 years ago and every day in Iran, Iraq, and Afganastan should not be taken lightly. We should live, love, and press on stronger each day. We should honor their memories with strength and honor and goodness to each other.
I know as I leave tonight to take my ride home, I will remember that today is not about sorrow, but really about unity and hope. As my life was in ruins 5 years ago today, God has afforded me freedom, love, hope, and a future that I am very thankful for today.
God Bless!
Five years ago today I was going through my own heartbreak. Nothing in comparison to those who suffered from the 9/11 attacks, but horrible none-the-less. My ex-husband and I had just separated from an 8 year marriage two weeks earlier. I was living with my mother and was going through the hardest time of my life. So this day, this memory takes me to a sad part of my own past as well as our country's past.
As I got ready, I couldn't find my smile this morning. I got a text message from Chrissy asking me how NYC was doing this morning. I was still home getting ready. The text reminded me that things will be somber today in the city. I proceeded to the train station on 39th ave as always and noticed the trains were stopped. My first gut reaction was there was a problem. Both the train that had just left and the one right behind it at 36th were sitting still. I looked down at my phone at it was 8:46am. My heart fell to my stomach. It was the moment the first airplane hit the first tower. What a moment. The trains started up again about 9am and was very slow. It was a depressing sight on the train, but usually is. People rarely smile, but especially not today. A gentlemen next to me read a newspaper with the cover reading: 8:46am, 9:03am as its headline. At that moment 9:03 hit. Again my stomach was in knots.
I arrived at work a bit late at 9:17 and sat down. What a strange feeling. I am on the 14th floor on 57th street near the park. I love my new friendships, my location, my job, my new life. I am reminded that at any moment it could end for any reason.
I am also reminded that today and the memory of those who lost their lives 5 years ago and every day in Iran, Iraq, and Afganastan should not be taken lightly. We should live, love, and press on stronger each day. We should honor their memories with strength and honor and goodness to each other.
I know as I leave tonight to take my ride home, I will remember that today is not about sorrow, but really about unity and hope. As my life was in ruins 5 years ago today, God has afforded me freedom, love, hope, and a future that I am very thankful for today.
God Bless!
posted by MissK at 9/11/2006 09:35:00 AM
2 Comments:
I hear ya about that day. I was in London modeling until the first week in August when I decided to quit all international modeling, as well as modeling in NYC. I was all prepared and ready to head to NYC after Labor Day for Fashion Week like usual but a month before that time I changed my mind amidst pressure from family and my boyfriend (now ex-husband) at teh time.
Now had I not done so I would have been in NYC on Sept. 11, possibly downtown at a fitting or at a show; who knows! I did not lose anyone in those attacks but I had lots of friends in NYC for Fashion Week at that time that could have very well lost their lives so this day will always remembered in my mind. I should have been there but I wasn't...God had a different plan for me.
I agree. The sad and scary part is that it could have been any of us depending on our circumstances. There were people who were scheduled to be there and didn't go to work. Fate? I believe so.
I'm glad you quit modeling and were not in New York and especially not in the DT area. I would never have gotten to know you and made such a dear friend.
I love you!
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