Everyone asks everyone if you were of age to remember....Where were you on September 11th, 2001? I remember being off that day from work and slept in some while my wife was already up tending to our daughters. As I was getting up I hear my wife say that a plane hit one of the World Trade Center buildings. The first thought that came to my mind was the story from quite a few years back when a plane hit The Empire State Building during inclement weather. I came out to the living room and saw the images on television. To my surprise, it was a very clear day in New York. Now, I just couldn't make out what was happening. All you can see was a hole in one of the buildings and smoke coming out. My thoughts at that point were with the people that were in the building at the time and what they were going through. Then I see a figure come into frame and an explosion occurs. It was the 2nd plane hitting Tower 2. My wife and I just couldn't believe it. I thought I was watching a movie. As with everyone that day, I immediately knew we were under attack. My wife and I began deciding if we should send my oldest daughter to school which at the time she was in 2nd grade. We decided to send her since the school was very close and we could get her quickly if needed plus, this was just too much for her to take in. My youngest daughter was 4 years old and couldn't grasp the concept so she just continued on being a little girl and playing with her toys.My wife and I were glued to the television for the rest of the day. We contacted our families and made sure everyone was ok. Our friend and neighbor came over with her daughter and hung out with us for most of the day just in shock of the events that were unfolding in front of us. I honestly couldn't possibly imagine what each of the people in the front lines were going through in the buildings, at the Pentagon, and Flight 93. To think, these people did the same thing I did daily. They woke up early, got ready for work, ate breakfast, and kissed their loved ones before they left to start their day. Some drove, some took trains, some took cabs, some rode bikes, and some walked to their destinations. They made it to their destinations then the unimaginable takes place. Now you're left with a decision of what do I do? Some called loved ones, some called 911, some broke windows, some helped others, and some tried to find escape routes. I'm thinking at some point too, EVERYONE regardless of their faith and religion, said a prayer.
Now reports were coming in that people were jumping from the windows of the towers. This just can't be? Again, these people did the same things that I did daily and now made a decision to jump from a building? And not just a building. Buildings that at one point were the tallest man made structures in the world. These people clearly made a decision. Anyone can say, I would never do such a thing. Well, neither you or I were there. They did what they had to do in their mind at that critical moment. May God bless their souls and their families.
As the days continued on, we went back to our daily lives. Work, family, sports, etc. But, there was now that one extra thing that was on our minds. 9/11/01. I for sure will never in my life forget the tragic events of that day. I tell my wife and daughters every day how much I love them. I try to capture some one's name from that day and remember their bravery and sacrifice. The one name that always comes back is Welles Remy Crowther. One of the many heroes of 9/11 that isn't publicized much. ESPN has run a couple of stories on Mr. Crowther, most recently this weekend. Thank you ESPN and the Crowther family for continuing on his memory and legacy. He and many others are a true inspiration. These are the types of people our country needs more of. These are the people that we should look up to. Not the many greedy athletes and corrupt politicians. As the 10th Anniversary of 9/11/01 draws near, please take some time to reflect and see the world around you. Take a moment to be kind to your fellow man. Thank you and may God Bless America!
