We'll Never Forget ...

Eight years ... has it really been that long? It feels like yesterday sometimes. You know, "when our innocence was lost?" El Padrino, a New Yorker, put together a great post about 9-11, and his experiences and feelings. I think his blog captures it all so well.

I commented on his blog that I'll never forget where I was or what I was doing. I had been in work (at Penn State Delaware County) a little less than an hour, when my co-worker, Deb, came in and announced that my boss, Joe, was coming in late - he was following a story about a plane that crashed into the World Trade Center. I immediately thought it was a small, private plane. I had no idea of the magnitude of this story.

I immediately clicked on cnn.com, and began following the story. With every passing minute, the story got more and more grave and serious. Then, a second plane crashed into the tower. My god, we're being attacked! Is this even possible? By this point, I couldn't even click on cnn.com - so many people were getting their news from there that the site was crashing. I ended up going to the BBC website to get my updates ... just surreal.

I remember going to the cafeteria because that was the only place that had an external tv feed. I watched in horror, and even remember saying to Deb, "these buildings are going to fall." I don't even know why I said it, but I just knew. Sure enough, the impossible happened.

I remember following this story all day (and then all week, and then all month, etc.). I remember hearing of the other planes. I remember worrying that my girlfriend was in trouble because she worked in Philly. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming.

My god, has it really been 8 years already?

By the way, if you haven't had a chance, read this article.