Christopher Street

Lori,

Appreciated your reminiscing. I remember the event too - in fact, we were together (or at least in extremely close proximity) when it happened. I remember the awe, the fear, the trying to figure out what our reaction should be - both for ourselves and our teams.

I remember the FBI blocking the parking lot of the building with their own cars - putting themselves in harms way to protect (us?).

I remember our supervisors thinking we were crazy to suggest we dismiss our teams and let everyone go home to deal with this on their own terms and spend time with loved ones.

I remember watching people - people I knew, worked with, loved - react in bizarre ways as it was time to get on the elevator to exit. Some being selfless, letting women go first. Some, damn the torpedoes, let me out!

I remember trying to make sense of it as I drove home, purposely avoiding driving near NSA, "just in case".

I remember wanting nothing more than to see my wife, my kids, one more time, and coming to grips with the sense that this could be a sign of things to come. Could I be next?

I remember trying to impress on my kids, all too young to truly grasp it, the magnitude of what was happening.

I remember realizing - I was there... Less than a year prior. In NY, around the WTC, and not bothering to check it out... It'll wait for next time.

I remember trying to swallow the depth of it all. Watching the images of people hurling themselves out windows, prefering the instant death to the slow pain of burning.

I, too, remember. Everyone who survived by God's hand. Everyone who died, seemingly random, sensless deaths. And most of all, everyone who died so others may live.

I, too, remember. I remember the outpouring of "God bless America" sentiment and signs everywhere. And yet, now God has faded back into the woodwork. Yet He has not moved from us. It is us who continue to move farther from Him.

It was supposed to be a wakeup call. To stir us from our slumber. To rouse us to new life - take nothing for granted; live every day to its fullest. Apparently, we've hit snooze. Give us more time. Too early. Not ready yet.

I, too, remember. Dear God, let me never forget!