Well, as I woke up this morning and realised the date today my heart skipped a beat, for today is a sad day.
On September 11th 2001 at around 9 - 9.30pm at night here in Perth, I remember I was doing a college assignment on the computer when my mum called me to come and look at what was happening on TV. As I came into the room I saw the second plane hit.
I couldn't speak.
It looked like a movie but it was real.
As I watched the reality unfold in front of my eyes my head spun trying to think if I knew anyone that could be there. I watched TV all night and all the next day. After that I couldn't watch anymore. And to this day I cannot watch any movie or documentary which depicts the happenings of that day. It's just too sad.
I can say I have been lucky enough to go to New York. In February 1999 I went with my good friend J from London. It was a last minute thing to go and we booked our flights and stayed 5 days in that most wonderful city. I still can't believe I was there (although I remember how cold it was -the coldest I have ever been).
I went to the World Trade Centre. Bought a bag from a shop underneath. Seems kind of trivial now.
But September 11th changed my life in another significant way. You see Hubby had not entered my life yet. In September 2001 he had just received his Australian Resident Visa and wanted to book a flight to Melbourne or Sydney to immigrate from the UK. But because of September 11th the flights in the travel agents were just falling from the screen cancelled. He turned to the travel agent frustrated and said - "just get me on the next available flight to Australia". The only one they had was to Perth. And so he came to me.
That day changed the course of the world and many many peoples lives. May the innocent men, women and children who lost their lives that day Rest In Peace. You will always be remembered by the world. 
Taken by me from the top of the Empire State Building (I think) - 20th February 1999
7 comments:
What an amazing story, there are so many amazing stories that have come from 9-11, I'm happy that yours changed your life -
in only the greatest way possible.
Wow. I remember being in my office at work watching the footage on the internet. It was quite surreal.
I'm glad you took something positive from Sept 11th.
LBMx
Glad you were able to see that beautiful city before the tragedy.
My husband and I visit each year. I sent my 6 year old off to school wearing red, white, and blue. He doesn't understand the details of that day, and honestly, explaining it to him is very difficult.
To think I once stood inside of the same buildings where thousands lost their lives is still too amazing. I will never forget that day. May their families some day find peace.
What an interesting perspective! I'm glad that your story turned out so great. What an amazing photo you took of the Twin Towers!
Amen to that!
What a beautiful post to commemorate such a somber day. It's amazing how one event changed lives across the globe. I'm so used to hearing sad stories related to 9/11, it's nice to hear something good came out of it too. Poetic justice, in a way. I wonder how many stories there are out there just like yours.
Ah yes what a terrible day that was... I am the same way about that day. I'm a natural conspiracy theorist junkie. Rather, I COULD be if I let myself get that far. Instead, I just avoid watching anything on that entire matter for as long as I live. One day, I'm sure the truth will come out. That day changed NY but it's still a great city. Like your blog.
My best, Lynn
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