Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Eleven years ago, the world changed. The attack of one group put the entire world on edge and glued to the media coverage. I remember watching the coverage for days. Do you remember where you were?

Tuesday Morning

As a legal assistant with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Pennsylvania, I remember how routine my morning had been. Around 9:00 a.m., I was working alone in my office. Needing a few documents for a case, I called the assigned agent.

At the conclusion of our call, he said, “You be very careful.” The comment took me by surprise since my office was in a federal courthouse. I had a panic button and numerous U.S. Marshals, who could come to my aid within a minute. Why did I need to be careful?

After repeating the comment back to him, he realized that I had no idea what was going on. The agent said, “Tracy, you need to turn on the television.” Thanking him for the information, I hung up.

Without a television in our office space, I walked down the hall to the Senator’s office, who always had C-Span going. As I entered their office, I met the shocking video of a plane crashing into the South Tower. I sank into a chair awed and mesmerized by the vivid pictures of the attacks.

Between phone calls, the Senator’s aid came out to see if anything had changed. When the report of the Pentagon attack aired, our presiding Judge evacuated the building. I remember going back to my office, calling my husband, and leaving.

The Rest of Tuesday

Usually going home at 9:45 a.m. on a workday would mean a play day, but not that day. I don’t remember the ride home on the bus, but I remember walking into the apartment building. The office manager came running out to meet me. Knowing where I worked, she embraced me asking what I knew which ended up being less than what she knew.

As I maneuvered past her, I went to our apartment. I turned on the television to hear that a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania and the North Tower of the World Trade Center had collapsed. After changing my clothes, I curled up on the couch with my blanket. Camped out for the day, I prayed, cried, and watched the reports, the smoke, and the devastation.

For me, I will never forget Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The events of that day are still freshly imprinted in my memory. Though I sat most of the day, many first responders were sacrificing their health to assist, find, and reunite others.

Thank you to all first responders, military personnel, air-traffic controllers, and our government leaders!

On this day of remembrance, I reflect on America. With an election year on the horizon, Americans will not see eye to eye, and my one vote really doesn’t make a difference. But I serve a holy God, who has already written the events of history. I can depend on Him which is all I need for comfort, safety, and security. Praise His Name!

Question: Do you remember your morning events on Tuesday, September 11, 2001?