I can’t believe its been ten years already. I remember it all so clearly still, watching from my window in the 5th grade. When I saw the first plane crash, I remember being overwhelmed with devastation and worry thinking my father was there. Just thinking about it gets me choked up, even though I now know he’s okay and was fortunate enough to not have to work in the twin towers that morning. He was supposed to be there, but instead his coworker needed to switch the schedule with him so he was there the night before and was supposed to work again later that night instead. That man didn’t know it at the time, but he was sacrificing himself and my father got off easy. My father and I don’t always get along, but I love him dearly and I’m so grateful that I was lucky enough to be blessed with the fact that he is still with me. He’s someone who has everyone’s love and affection. He gets along with everyone and everyone always thinks of him. I know that because for every birthday we get phone calls from various family members and friends and for every September 11th anniversary. On this day ten years ago, our answering machine was full. People were leaving condolences for our family, people calling to ask if my father is okay.
My dad was very much okay, doing what he usually does in the morning which is follow the stock market on CNBC. He recalls watching the news that day and seeing the breaking news bit of the first plane hitting the tower. Then, he called my mom to inform her that he would be out of work for a few months. The next plane hits and he called my mom back at work and told her that it was another terrorist attack being carried out on the Twin Towers. She was completely unaware of what was going on without my father keeping her updated because she works at a hospital in Harlem. However, I was watching it myself. I watched kids get pulled out of class. Their parents were there. It was so painful, being put in suspense like that. I kept asking if I could call my mom at work to find out what happened, since cell phones weren’t common yet and I didn’t know my father was home but the teachers told me only kids who were getting calls at school could use the phone. I had to spend another five gruesome hours waiting to get out of school. When I was dismissed, I saw my dad waiting for me at the gate. No words can explain the amount of joy and relief I felt when I first made eye contact with him. Pardon me for sounding dramatic, but although I was lucky I didn’t lose him, I had to deal with the possibility that I did.
I guess I’m writing this to express how lucky I am. I’m watching the September 11 Memorial on tv and I obviously don’t know how these people feel to have lost someone that day, but I can almost relate to them. It’s so sad that there are still some people who haven’t been found to this day. I wish there was something that could be done so that these people have better closure. So many people sacrificed because of some stupid, pissed off sand monkeys. No one should have to suffer like this. Not to take anything away from those in mourning, but I’m thankful for that guy switching with my father because I wouldn’t be the person that I am today if I had lost him.
Rest In Peace.