Hi all,
I know that many of you are trying to put the attack of September 11 behind you. Many us who still have memories about this tragedy that will go away easily. If you live in NYC and worked around the area where it all happened than is obvious that this can not go away.When I still see the smoke coming out of what was once the place I spent over three years it is sad. After the September 11 attack on America I had only manage to post just once about my experience of how my sister made it out safely. It was only a brief account of what I experience the day of September 11. I was so distressed about this tragedy that I needed some time off to redeem myself and let go of the anger. Let me just start by saying that my heart still goes out to the those families who have lost love one. I lost a wonderful friend in Tom who worked in the 70th floor as Sales consultant for our firm Morgan Stanley. Prayers goes out to his family and to many men and women who risked their lives to save others. They are true heros.
Allow me to give an account of what it was like September 11 for me:
The morning of September 11 I was up at 6AM getting set to start work earlier than my usual schedule. That morning I dropped off my wife at the train station but before we had a short conversation. I told how much I loved her and how sometimes is worth sacrificing so much of yourself and getting good things in return. I stayed late the night before so I was hoping to leave earlier that day. I had second thought about showing up to work earlier than my regular hour. Anyway, I dropped her off at the nearest conner. I kissed her good bye when I noticed when she gave me a look of sadness. I want it to ask her if she was ok. But she had crossed the other side of the street. So I headed home to pick up a few things and then leave. I received a phone call from good friend Patriot.
He called me on his Mobile phone to tell me news that one of the WTC tower was on fire and that possibly a small engine plane had crashed. I thought for a moment that he was joking. He told me to turn the TV and see for my self. I turned on the TV and was shocked as to what I saw. I told Patriot that I'll call him back because my sister was inside the building right next to it (tower two). I hanged up the phone and went back to continue watching when inmediately the second plane hit tower two. I rushed out of the house, drove my car downtown Manhattan. While driving on the FDR express way I was thinking about my wife who worked nearby, my sister, my relatives who also worked for the firm, my co-workers and the many friends inside. Traffic was moving slow so I decided to get out at the nearest exit. I parked and walked all the way down to the area. There was so many people just looking stunt and in disbelief. I was hoping that I will find my wife and my sister along the way.
I reached my wife place of business and right in front of my eyes I could see Tower two collapsing. I felt numb. I knew that at the moment it was too late. I knew my wife was ok because they had evacuated her place of business, but I thought I lost my sister,and all of my friends, relatives and everybody I knew. I didn't know what to do at the moment. I headed east towards Canal street when I met with a security guard who worked on 71st floor. He was covered in dust and scared. I ensure him that it was ok that he made out safe. I told him I was looking for my sister. He said that he thinks that almost everyone from 74 floor down made it out safely. That only gave a bit of comfort. Finally, one of my co-worker paged me and told me that everyone was ok and that my sister was ok.
When I returned to worked two days after, all I did was embrace my colleagues and friends. They anounced that Tom was missing. I was devastated by the news. But there was still some hope. Finally about two weeks ago a funeral memorial was done on his honor. He never made it out of the building. Here was someone whom I personally knew became a good friend for over three years. Great personality, Great friend. I was happy to see him at my wife surprise baby shower done at work. We joined the firm right about the same time. He never hesitated to ask me for assistance. I remember the day he had asked me to install a programing language software on his workstation. I knew it was important to him I assured him that I will have it done asap as it was late. That conversation took place monday September 10 when he just going home. I never thought it was going to be my last conversation with Tom. I will never forget that day. Our last conversation! May God bless you Tom. We'll miss you!
Exodus