There is not a cloud in the sky today.
The sun and breeze makes me feel like summer may linger just a little longer. This is exactly how I felt nine years ago.
It was a day where I felt safe leaving my apartment is Astoria, Queens.
I loved my Patriotic outfit, that day. I was wearing my new Fall red 3/4 jacket, favorite white button down shirt and navy flare bottoms. I had no idea how meaningful that would become to me a few hours later.
There was a bounce in my step as I was walking around the city, running to a meeting at the Empire State building. I saw people gathering but had no idea why. I even took a swim before my meeting. It wasn't until I was walking into the changing area and saw people crying that I had a clue of what had just happened. In total shock, I swam a few laps until it suddenly crashed into me. the thoughts were so horrific, I tried to block them. I jumped out of the pool feeling incredibly guilty and full of shame for swimming in the first place! What was I thinking?
I went from shock to clarity and ran out to meet up with my husband (married at the time) on a street close by and made a plan for me to head back to Queens to get to our children. I remember him saying that I should stop and get food, water and cash in case we needed to leave for safety with the kids. He was staying behind.
Right at this very time as I write this, nine years ago, I was walking over the 59th St Bridge with a group of survivors covered in light grey ash back to Queens. There were hundreds and thousands of people walking. There were no cars, only buses and a few vans on the bridge going very slowly.
I was listening to everyone's story and was amazed how they made it up 60 blocks to get the bridge. There was a real sense and understanding of how we are all Connected. A beautiful black van with gold lettering called Golden Touch (the name was not lost on us) picked us all up to drive us to the other side. As we landed in Queens and started walking, four fighter jets came out of nowhere and swooped right over us. We hit the ground as we were all not sure if they were on our side or not. There was much confusion at the time as there was talk of more planes in the area that were not accounted for.
I walked this young girl home, who was a graphic artist who happened to be working near the Towers that morning. I felt so grateful to be able to walk her home, knowing she was safe.
There were people that I know, one dear friend who lost their lives this day, nine years ago.
I know it touched all of us no matter where we were on that day. If you're like me, you know what you were wearing, who you were with, and who you spoke to.
It was a day that we remembered what was important to us, our priorities were clear and our hearts were open, full of Compassion and a sense of Great Community.
To all of the people who lost their lives and to their families and friends that were touched by this hideous and tragic event~ my Prayers, Thoughts and Heart are with you today. You are not alone.
