I woke up that morning to the phone ringing. I was living with friends in Athens, GA. having just finished my thesis, defended and earned a degree. I was in a transition state. Living the life of a student, working, and having fun.

It was my father, telling me he loved me. I remember thinking, this is weird, and why is he calling to tell me this right now?

He asked if I had seen the news. I said no. He told me to get up and go to the t.v. I clicked on the television. The second plane had just hit the World Trade Center. The news anchors were trying to understand what was going on.

The first words out of my mouth were, “Why are they doing this to us?” and I burst into tears.

At that time no one understood who, what, where. The other planes were still in air. The confusion, shock and helplessness were apparent and visceral. I will NEVER forget that feeling.

We didn’t know anything except that humans were killing other humans.

Innocent People Were Suffering.

I am incredibly proud of our society and how we responded in those initial days after, the first responders, the people on the streets, the media and, for a few hours, our Administration. The bravery, love and compassion were palpable. So were the anger, fear, worry, and sorrow. We were humans; we were able to feel these complex conflicting emotions simultaneously.

I do not believe that humans should kill one another. I will never understand the reason for this course of action. This feeling was cemented on that day. It was the first time in my life that I had faced, really faced, death on such a massive scale. I cannot imagine what is like for those who witness these things first hand.

Today I remember that feeling.

I remember those who gave their lives that day and since.

I hope for peace.