It was afternoon, September 11, 2001 my daughter came in and said “have you seen what is happening in New York”? Phone had rung several times in the past 1/2 hour but I was taking a time out from life as I knew it and reading a book. I turned on the tv just as the first tower was burning. I knew, in my heart this was not a joke. I watched in horror, thinking of all the people I knew who worked in the building and around the towers. More horror came as I watched the second plane vear towards the second tower and aim straight at it.
I listened as the news commentators said other planes were missing, my brother is a flight attendant and flys out of Newark and Boston. I tried to call home. No way, lines all blogged up. I was calling international so I really had no idea how bad this was, but I did begin to comprehend as I flipped through all local Danish stations and every station on my satelite TV. The same images were being seen on every channel around the world. My tears started and even though I have not been one to lose anyone in this painful event, I still tear up at any mention of this sad day. The day I saw cruel actions affect innocent people.
The next few days my kitchen was the place to go for most ex-pats from around the world who lived in our area in Copenhagen as I had full satelite coverage. No giggling, no gossiping, just tears and pain at what were were all listing to and seeing. That same evening, my phone continued to ring. From peoplel I had met around the world. Some had gone thru alot to find my number. Some I had not spoken to in years, some were family members letting me know we were fortunate to have all family and friends accounted for. Every single person expressed in a way, which is to powerful for words, their shock and sadness of what was happening in my country. These phone calls were an act of solidarity.
I went to purchase flowers to take to my embassy (which I will also do tomorrow at the exact time (8:53 am=1:53 GMT). The Danes have special ways to wrap flowers, depending on thier use..the florist figured out what I was going to do with these flowers and stopped asking. She just came from around the counter, I handed her money and she refused to take it. She said, “it is not much but it is the least I can do. I am so sorry or what has happened to you and your country”. I cried some more. As I was coming home from the shops the next day, the Queen of Denmark was to visit our area so her flags were flying high…but not all. Every other one was half mast. This was kindness at its best. It was a heartfelt gesture from my host county. I was asked to represent the International School at the Embassy on the day of silence. I have never seen anything like this. At exactly the time the silence was to commence, people stopped talking, cars stopped driving; they stopped where they were in the streets and turned off engines. ALL OF THEM. People who were walking stopped in their tracks. Office buildings and stores came to a standstill. grocery carts stopped being filled. The only sounds in those huge building were sounds of tears and tissues.
I have lived in many countries in my 25 years away from the USA and never have I felt such an outpouring of love and kindness. I have always raised my children to be tolerant of anyone different than thenselves and I have achieved this. They have friends from Arab Muslims, Indian Hindus, Irish and Roman Catholics and even those who do not believe. I too, keep my circles open wide and keep my heart and mind even more open.
The events of September 11 have changed the way I accept people now, I do not get into discussions with anyone, I let them have their thoughts and I let me have mine. I still tear up every time something reminds me of this horrible day. I am a facebook goofus as are many of us and I have set up an event—A ‘prayer’ for Peace for everyone- AROUND THE WORLD. I will be praying for all of the souls lost and the souls left behind. I think if we all want it enough and strive for acceptance and tolerance perhaps we may see peace in our lifetime. I still cry and I still hope. I hope I see you at the American emabassy in London or any other embassy anywhere in the world. Stay safe, strive for peace.
Share your experience in medical health