I got to work around 8am and logged onto FR to get the early morning news. About an hour later, I noticed the first thread about a plane crashing into the WTC. Roughly fifteen minutes later when the next plane hit, I knew my work day was over.
I suddenly remembered my brother had a flight out of Newark that morning to Richmond. My gut instinct told me he was okay but I wanted to verify that by talking to him. I didn't want to call his wife because I had no idea whether she was aware of what was going on in New York and since I didn't want to alarm her I called Michael's cell phone. When he didn't pick up I left a voice message telling him to call me immediately when he got this message. Some time later, my brother called and you can imagine how thrilled I was to hear his voice. I explained what was going on in New York (he couldn't believe it), told him all flights were grounded and to call his wife as soon as he hung up with me. He cut his business meeting in Richmond short, rented a car and drove the five hours back up to NJ.
Meanwhile, I was working in a small office at the time and as the day wore on everyone left to go home. I had to stay because of a doctor's appointment later that day. Unfortunately, our office didn't have a television but thankfully I was kept informed throughout the day via Free Republic.
My brother, who frequently does business in Manhattan, surprisingly and thankfully didn't lose any friends in the attacks. However, my sister-in-law (his wife) lost a cousin who was a fire fighter in the disaster. He was married and I believe left behind at least one child. Very sad.
THE LADY
I wonder what she thought
As she stood there, strong and tall.
She couldn't turn away,
She was forced to watch it all.
Did she long to offer comfort
As her country bled?
With her arm forever frozen
High above her head.
She could not shield her eyes
She could not hide her face
She just stared across the water
Keeping Freedom's place.
The smell of smoke and terror
Somehow reduced her size
So small within the harbor
But still we recognized...
How dignified and beautiful
On a day so many died
I wonder what she thought,
And I know she must have cried.