Like most Americans (and many non-Americans around the world), September 11th is a day that you’ll always remember as if it occured only yesterday. On that day, I finally understood the stories of my grandparents about major events that had happened in their lives and that had transformed America. If you were alive on September 11, 2010, it is a day you’ll never forget. You’ll always remember where you were, who you were with, and the emotions that you felt as hours passed.

I was sleeping at the time the first tower was struck. My friend, who was a teacher, called me to tell me the news. I didn’t answer the call.

Minutes later, another friend called. This time, I did answer the call because I knew that if she was calling, something serious must be going on. I was groggy when I picked up the phone to her frantic questioning, “Are you watching tv?” “Do you know what’s happened?”

I did not.

So, I quickly jumped up from bed and turned on the television. It was perched atop a shoe rack because I’d just recently moved in and didn’t have all my furniture. I stood about 3 feet in front of it, just watching… confused, concerned, and unsure what exactly was going on. Continue reading →