10 years ago on September 11th I was in class at Franklin College. I almost always watched the Today Show before class but this morning I didn't get the television turned on. I went to my Earth Science class at 8am with Doc Howald and then on to History with Ralph. On the way to the 4th floor I hear chatter about a plane hitting the World Trade Center.
At first I think maybe they are talking about a new political thriller type movie. Finally I ask, "What are you all talking about?" Their answer was not at all what I thought it would be. A plane really did hit one of the towers of the WTC. All I can think is that it must have been some sort of mistake. It had just happened.
The 4th floor of Old Main had a television in the hallway and everyone was crowded around it. We were all still in shock. It had to be a mistake, how could this possibly be happening? About that time the second plane hit.
I don't remember much after that. There are a few details that stick -- My Spanish Prof telling us to get away from the tv and get into class that we were already several minutes late. Oh, I still feel the burning irritation with her for that insensitive statement. Thousands of people were losing their lives! How dare you tell a bunch of college students to get to class when there are so many more important things happening in our lives at that exact moment? I remember Dr Chandler letting his classes know that we didn't have to come to class that day but he would be there so we could discuss our feelings. He also invited other students to his classes if they needed some philosophical and religious banter to relax their nerves.
The one thing I remember, and can still see sometimes when I close my eyes is the collapse of the towers... eerie and overwhelming for my impressionable brain. Horrifying.
Never Forget. So many lost lives. So many heroes. We are blessed. Our country will never be the same.
xxoo,
Frootie!
