A Small Token of Rememberance

On September 11th, my world changed as it did for so many, forever. My sense of security was shaken to the core and my belief in my fellow man was put to the test.

Never in my life have I experienced such fear or felt an uneasiness that was so strong, I could taste it. I remember the faces of my peers that day as we watched shocked and stunned not wanting to believe the images before us. People talking nervously, others completely quiet. And then there were the tears. A combination of anger, disbelief, hurt and compassion. I don't believe I have ever felt so empty, so completely drained.

When I made my way down the hall, many employees had gathered at the door to the conference room trying to see the news. When I was able to get a glimpse of the screen, I never expected those images. Never expected such devastation.

I can see the room clearly, even now. It was surreal. Twenty-five to thirty people gathered in the room trying to see the TV, trying to get some sense of understanding, trying to re-establish a sense of security, trying to comfort each other when someone said "look where we are". Everyone stopped and looked and I believe we all experienced the same feeling at that moment; vulnerability.

We were on the 33rd floor of the tallest building in downtown Tampa. The 3 walls that looked out of the room were all glass with a view of the bay. Across the bay, directly in front of us, resides MacDill Air Force Base home to U.S. Central Command's operational headquarters of U.S. combat forces. The realization of where we were and what had taken place at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon left most faces in that room drained of color.

As I reflect on the past year and the affect it has had on my life, I realize those insecurities and altered perceptions I experienced have come full circle and now, one year later, those same insecurites have encouraged me to rebuild an even stronger belief base.

Tomorrow, people from around the world will be sharing with the citizens of the United States, this first remembrance day of September 11th. In honor of this day, I would like to suggest a craft project that can be shared by the whole family. A project that not only symbolizes American hope and freedom but one that can help us to unite and heal.

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