September 11, 2001, I was 20 years old. I was working part time (a parts delivery driver for Checker Auto) and going to school full time (majoring in Music Education at GCC). I had just sent Brian (my future husband) off to his mission in Seattle, Washington. It had been a hard couple of weeks on me. I remember crying a lot. 2 years away from the person you thought you were in love with seems like forever!!
On September 11th, I had a very early Institute of Religion class. I think it was at 5 or 6am!!! We were talking a little bit before class started and someone mentioned that they heard on the news that a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers. At that point there wasn't a whole lot of information on the news. I thought it was a little plane, and thought "How sad, I hope not too many people were hurt!" and then we went on with the lesson.
I'm not sure what point I heard about the second plane. I had a couple hours after the Institute class before my next class. I remember calling my mom to see if she had heard the news. I think at that point I had heard about the second plane. Either that or my mom told me when I was talking to her.
A few weeks earlier, my older brother Trevor had given a Family Home Evening lesson. He gave each of us a picture of the twin towers, and described to us how tall they were, and asked us if there was a board between the buildings, if we would be able to walk over it. Basically the lesson was about what was important to us in life that we would walk the plank between the buildings. Up until then, I didn't know much about the twin towers, how tall they were, what they were used for, etc. What a weird coincidence that I had barely learned about them before the tragedy. I remember telling my mom that. "Trevor had just taught us a little about the world trade center, I can't believe this is happening now!"
The rest of that day was a blur to me. I went to my classes. I remember in Band talking a little about what was going on. I remember afterwards, someone brought a TV into the lobby of the Music Building. We all stared at the news in shock. I went to work that day. The radio was on and everyone was listening intently. Work seemed slow. I'm not sure what point in the day the buildings collapsed. I think it was while I was still in school. In between runs, all of us drivers would talk about what was going on and listen in disbelief to the news on the radio.
The days after were also a blur. I had bought tickets for a Blink 182/New Found Glory/Sum 41 concert, the concert was postponed because of the attacks. I remember the President declared the following Friday a National Day of Prayer. I took that day off from work and left class early. There was a broadcast from The First Presidency of the Church. I remember singing "God Bless America" and "The Star Spangled Banner" at the broadcast and getting all teary eyed. I love those songs. Everywhere I drove there were signs saying "God Bless America", and "United We Stand". I loved seeing those signs. I loved that in the face of tragedy that it seemed like we were all supporting each other and being kinder to each other.
At our fall band concert, we did a beautiful rendition of "America The Beautiful" and Mr. Humbert, the band director had people read stories of the heroes that saved lives during the attacks. It was really hard for me to play my flute and hold back the tears during that song.
I just want to end this post by saying how grateful I am to live in this country, and I am grateful to all of those people who have given their lives so that we can have the freedoms that we enjoy. I also want to share the last verse of the Star Spangled Banner, it's my favorite, and I'm not sure that many people have ever heard/seen it before.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
P/S I KNOW that I haven't added pics and growth info to my 19 month post for Hayden...I've been busy this week...too lazy last week :)
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