9/11

Seven years ago today, I was running late for a meeting at the high school. I always have Good Morning America on as I get ready, and the big news of the morning was that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. At that time, they thought it was an accident, and everyone was searching for details. I grabbed my schoolbag, and as I went into the bedroom to turn off the TV, I watched the second plane hit the other tower. I just stood there with my mouth open. I don't know how long I stood there, but I finally shook myself away from the TV and went to my meeting. I sat in that meeting knowing something big was happening. It was a terribly boring meeting, and no one was listening. The buzz circulated through the high school commons, and everyone was on edge.

When we finally were released to go to school, I sprinted up the steps to my first classroom at FMS where I was teaching science. I turned on the TV just to see the last tower fall. Again, I just stood there with my mouth open. They fell? They were gone? I could not believe what I was seeing. I could not believe what was happening.

The worst thing about that day for us in Fairfield is that since we had professional development that morning, the kids had a late start. So many of them were home alone watching TV, waiting to go to school. By the time they got there, they were confused, upset, full of rumor and speculation, and generally freaked out. As were we.

Later that day, Air Force 1 flew right over Fairfield. I didn't see it, but those who did said it was flying low enough that you could see the details of the plane. Everyone knew exactly what it was.

That week, I became addicted to the scrolling news bar across the TV screen. I hardly slept at night because I was afraid I'd miss something.

What I loved that week was that feeling that we were all on the same team... the overwhelming support for our country. I'm guessing that's what it felt like in World War II after Pearl Harbor was attacked. My grandma talked about how everyone worked together and felt like they were doing their part to support the country. The time following 9/11/01 is the first time I experienced that in my life.