9/11 from a survivor

[LIDisneyFan]

Some of you who have been around here for (too long) a long time may remember that I was in the WTC 9/11. The first place I posted about my experiences was the DIS-it was cathartic to talk to my electronic famlily. Living the horror, and aftermath, the terror - watching people jump, feeling the towers fall, walking the dark stairwells feeling panic and hope at hitting the bottom. Feeling everyone you worked with was dead. Not believing this was happening.

Knowing so many heroes who were not NYPD, NYFD or EMT- regualar people who went to work one day and faced a terror they never thought they would. Working to get thr banking systems back up, rather than going home with family for weeks. Then, slowly, trying to put your life back together.


10 years later, I am still annoyed at the media focus on easy heroes. I am angry that this happened and stole my city from me. I am blessed to have survived, and to have emerged a little stronger.

To the DIS family- 10 years later - thank you for being there. I got more support from this forum than I could ever imagine - some I could not get from family in shock or co-workers in pain. Dan, Buckalew, WVJules, MaryAnnDVC, BriarRose are some of the people I remember being supportive. I know there were many many more-oddly it is one of my strongest memories-trying to get an internet connection to talk to my DIS family.

Please remember all of the victims, survivors and their famililes this weekend. It is a much wider net than you can imagine.

Thank you again,
LIDIS

 

[TEENEE]

I'm glad you have the dis as an outlet to help with the healing process. My thoughts will be with all the families touched by this this tragedy.

 

[threecrazykids]

As someone who only sat and watched for endless hours the horror of what happened that day I want to give you a big virtual hug. I can't even fathom the sights, sounds, smells, terror that ripped through everyone's life that day...and for months following.

Saying a prayer again for you and everyone impacted that day.

 

[Mickey527]

I agree with so many points.
The media never talks about the people who made it out but have to live for the rest of their lives with the terror they witnessed, the guilt they have for surviving when others did not, for the health issues they will face for the rest of their lives, and the people they see every day whoi just don't understand.
I have friends who were there and they have changed in so many ways and all I can do is support their life now and the new choices they have had to make.
I do support the members of the police and fire dept. who gave their lives, unfortunately but knowingly this was part of their job. they did their job well, those who were working in the towers did not have possible death on their job descriptions and they should be remembered for their acts of heroism, the ones who died are remembered, what about some kind of memorial for those who survived.
As to the members of these boards... I agree when you need them they are there. I was diagnosed with cancer and my so called friends around me were no where to be found when I needed them. they had their lives, jobs and families and no one offered a casserole, a ride to treatment, or a visit when I was hospitalized. Once or twice I got a call, but they didn't want to hear about how sick I was and after a while they just stopped calling.
My friends from the boards sent gifts, cards and encouragement on a daily basis. I had friends from these boards who came to visit me even though it meant a 4 hour ride from their home. That is what the true meaning of friendship.

 

[live4christp1]

Sitting here reading your post brought tears to my eyes.

Prayers for you and all those impacted by the events of that day.

We will be participating in a Freedom Walk Sunday afternoon in remembrance of 9/11.

 

[luvestodizz]

I am sorry you had to live through that experience but happy you made it alive. I used to work in the World Financial Center and am so grateful I wasn't working in 2001. The horror of being in that area is so unimaginable to me. I used to walk through the trade center in cold weather as a shortcut to my building. I used to shop in the lower area and bank at the Chase there. It was so disturbing to hear the reports that day. Ten years seems like a long time but the sadness and anger of that day is never far behind. Hugs to you..

 

[Princess Dolly]

Yes it is easy to forget who were all heros during that time.

I don't know if you want to watch this but it's about an ordinary Joe who made a big difference that day to the people he helped save. Unfortunately he perished. It's a very moving story of his parents finding out his true heroism. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6929979

 

[DebbieB]

When I visited my company's NYC office in 2005, some of the people were working down the street at the time and listening to their stories really brought it home. One girl talked about the jumpers and I could tell it haunted her. Also visiting the site and the church. I can't imagine witnessing that, let alone being in the building.

One of the things I remember about 9/11 - The DIS was about the only place I could get immediate information. CNN and the news sites were very slow, I was at work so we didn't have access to a TV. I wonder if those postings are still here.

 

[LIDisneyFan]

Yes it is easy to forget who were all heros during that time.

I don't know if you want to watch this but it's about an ordinary Joe who made a big difference that day to the people he helped save. Unfortunately he perished. It's a very moving story of his parents finding out his true heroism. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6929979

Princessdolly

I did just watch-and it is a little painful. But that is exactly what I am talking about. Big heroes-fire wardens in office buildings (who more tha likely signed up to volunteer just to 'get the hat') all of a sudden being the last to leave. People carrying others out, waiting with disabled. Little heroes-people who threw themselves on top of others so they wouldn't be trampled (NY's finest day in my opinion). Modells sporting goods staff who gave sneakers to people who ran out of their shoes. the stranger who gave me $10 (because my wallet was in my office) because I had no money.

Thanks----that was a great video.

 

[Wishing on a star]

And, no, we have NOT forgotten!!!!!!

Forget the narrowness of the big mainstream media.

My son will handing out candles at the Memorial Observance in our community on September 11th.

My Brother is a, now retired, Fireman...
I know that he continues to be touched in a life-changing way.

 

[Wishing on a star]

The media never talks about the people who made it out but have to live for the rest of their lives with the terror they witnessed, the guilt they have for surviving when others did not, for the health issues they will face for the rest of their lives, and the people they see every day whoi just don't understand.

Actually, I have seen quite a bit of this kind of coverage!!!

I avoid the big mainstream 'for ratings only' media.

As I just said, there really are MANY, MANY, people all over the country (and the world) who continue to be touched, and who do have a good realization.

I truly believe this.

 

[Jennasis]

Hugs. I haven't forgotten you.

 

[java]

As one that watched it burn I understand. There were so many everyday heroes- the red cross that came out to help at the memorials I attended. Handing out tissues. That simple gesture helped me get through those days. They handed out umbrellas when it was raining because they knew we were all numb.

I wouldn't go downtown for years because I couldn't get the thought of my friends being in the dust that would be blowing around out of my head. Those people that jumped holding hands are burned into my brain. Co-workers having to do that.

I am sorry and know that we think of the day differently I believe than others that didn't personally witness it all. The people the days after with the photos. The woman that knocked on my door with a photo asking me to give it to my BIL the NYPD officer that was searching the rubble- asking me to have him look for her husband. He was found over 5 years later.

 

[sandramaac]

Can you offer a link to your post from back then, or perhaps a copy of your post. Sometimes we need to re-read these. Thank you so much.

 

[marmalade]

I did not know anyone who lost their life that day, but like every other american I sat in horror watching the events as they unfolded. 10 years later my heart still aches just as strong as it did that day.

My heart aches for the people who were on the floors above the crash and knew they had no way out.

My heart aches for the people who had to make the horrific choice to jump.

My heart aches for the people in the south tower who knew it was coming down and they knew they were not going to make it out in time.

My heart aches for the people in the north tower listening to the south tower crash right next to them and not knowing if they would make it out in time.

My heart aches for parents who lost their children, children who lost their parents, and all friends and family who lost loved ones.

My heart aches for the people on flight 93, who knew what was happening and saved so many peoples lives by doing what they did. Knowing all along their lives were over.

LIDisneyFan, I am so glad you made it out alive. And My heart aslo aches for people just like you, who made it out alive but have to remember the horror and the terror that that day brought for the rest of your life.

I wish you a good day on Sunday.

 

[agnes!]

I am convinced that I and loved ones are alive only because of Flight 93, the plane that went down in Shanksville PA.

agnes!

 

[LIDisneyFan]

I wish you a good day on Sunday.

Marmalade

I will - believe it or not-I also do. I spend it with my famiily thanking God that I am here. From the rubble comes hope. I am stronger than I ever thought I could be. And I have an incredible family that I am thankful for every day.


Thank you all for the kind words.

 

[DAISY DUCK FAN!]

We have not forgotten either. Watched in horror as it all unfolded.

Thank you for posting this. Glad you made it out alive.

To all who experienced it and survived.

 

[shell8558]

Glad you made it out! God Bless!!!

 

[Stitchfans]

Yes, it is a terrible thing to say but I discovered that so often if something does not affect you personally it is easy to move on and forget about it. Something like 9/11 should not be one of those things.

Our church extended an invitation to all the neighboring churches to join us for a special service this Sunday at 6 in remembrance of those who lost their lives and those who survived it. Plus the whole horrendous experience in a whole. So far at last count we have 7 churches joining us. May we never forget that day.