20 Years Later

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001?

I woke up that morning like any other day. I had just began grade 8, my first year of high school just a few days before. I had gotten dressed and went downstairs. Like every morning, I turned on the TV and sat on the couch. I wasn’t paying attention to what was going on at the time. I was busy getting ready for school. I remember seeing one or maybe even both towers in flames, but I didn’t really give it a whole lot of thought.

I turned off the TV on my way out the door. My dad dropped off my brother and I off at school and I went on with my routine. I went to my locker without really knowing what was going on. I don’t think that many people knew at that time about the attack. It wasn’t till I walked into my first class when we learnt the truth.

The principal announced on the intercom that something was happening in New York and advised us to turn on the news. I don't think the newscasters knew what was going on. They knew just as much as we did. They were still trying to figure out what was happening. As the information came in, they updated us.

I don’t remember seeing the second plane hit. It could have happened when I was still at home. I wasn’t paying that much attention. Like I said before, I saw a building on fire. It could have been one or both of the towers.

I don't think we got any work done that day. We were glued to the TV. We wanted to know more. Everyone in class was quiet as we watched the events unfold in front of our eyes. We didn't know what to say. We were just as shocked as everyone else in the world.

As time went on, we learnt that it wasn’t an accident. It was something that would changed the world forever. I couldn’t imagine being in New York at that moment and watch the towers collapse. Many lives were lost and many families were never the same. Children lost parents, families lost sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. Communities came together to heal.

Please take a moment and think about the innocent people that were lost. I hope the families know that their loved ones are always watching them and making sure that they through life happy and healthy. I hope they found peace and love. We can't let this day affect us, we can't let this control our lives. We must think about the people we wish were here, we must make them proud.