Remembering September 11th

"Do you remember where you were when the world stopped turning on that September day?" ~Alan Jackson

I was a social work intern at the American Red Cross in Orlando. I was a 1/2 mile from the office that morning when a local radio show announced that the first plane had hit. I had not realized the gravity of the situation yet like most of us. I went into the chapter office telling everyone what I heard and to turn on the TV....just in time to watch the crash of the second plane. I remember calling Tony at the gym he worked asking if he was watching it too.

I remember the phone calls made to our State CEO, Chairmen, and Disaster leads. I remember the suits walking up and down hallways in a concerned rush. I remember phone calls just starting to pour in within two or three hours making "Disaster Welfare Inquiries" of loved ones they could not get through to on the phone in NYC. And I remember telling them that we can't get through either as all the lines are clogged or down, but I will take their information down and keep trying.

I remember people calling in by that afternoon of where they can go to give blood, volunteers with special medic, construction, demolition, or search and rescue skills wanting to coordinate with others to drive all through the night to go help. People calling on where to send flashlights, batteries, water.

The overwhelming feeling of people wanting so desperately to help, but being stuck so far away with no quick transportation to get there, and most with no real VERY specialized skills needed at that moment in time in those first few crucial days.

I remember going with Tony to a church of friend so we could all be together. I remember that the church was packed in the main hall, the overflow room, and even outside. I remember everyone driving around town with their lights on and American flags waving from antennas and car windows. I remember everyone being nice to each other. I remember everyone wanting to help. I remember everyone wanting these evil villans brought to justice.

"They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
Well after 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?"

~Daryll Worley