September 11th

I decided to write about my recollections of September 11th, 2001.  Its been six years, where was I?       

Six years ago I was living in Tempe Arizona, where I still live.  When I got up that morning around 6 my biggest problem was I'd lost my cell phone.  I'd left it in my car the night before and someone had stolen it.  I still had a home phone back then.  I had a call from a friend asking why I called at 2 am.  I found out the guy that stole my phone was calling all the girls in the phone. 

When I called my girlfriend's house she was still asleep, of course.  I can't remember if she was still in school at that point but she always stayed up all night and slept all day.  Her mother said they'd had a message from me.  She also said I should turn on the TV because there'd been a plane crash in New York. 

I flipped it on and saw the first tower had been struck.  It didn't really register because it was so far away.  I remember thinking it didn't look so bad.  They'd have the fire out soon.  But as I watched it sunk in and I couldn't look away. 

I don't know if I saw the second tower get struck but I was still at home.  I was working at a job I didn't like as a part time programmer and hadn't yet graduated from college.  I remember thinking I'm late for work but not being able to leave.  I remember seeing it unfold on the TV and not being able to look away.
I left for work around 10 am about two hours late.  Walking down the hall to my office I could radios in each room listening to the news.  I just kind of stared at the computer and didn't do anything.  I talked to my coworkers.  Some had been to New York City, I've still not been.  Everyone was just in shock.

The day dragged on and everyone was just paralyzed.  Eventually we got out for the day around 2.  I spent the day talking to friends and family.  I just remember being in a haze. 

I don't have an agenda when it comes to this day.  Other days I might debate the current politics.  But not today.  I think my place is to listen and offer support to those that need it.  Otherwise its a day that leaves me speechless.