Category Archives: 9/11

9/11: State of Shock (and Words of Comfort from an Unexpected Place)

Twelve years ago, a friend called me to tell me to turn on the TV.

I did.  About 30 seconds later, the first tower collapsed.

I just stood there staring at the screen, almost like I was watching a show.

Just stood there.

For a long time, I was troubled about my initial reaction.  Or lack thereof .

Why was I motionless??  And emotionless??  Why was I not instantly crying and screaming at the TV??

Because I was in shock, that’s why.

I always thought of going into “shock” as a response to a physical injury, but didn’t really think about it as a response to seeing something traumatic.

“Acute stress reaction symptoms…typically include an initial state of ‘daze’ followed by over-anxiety.”

“Daze” pretty much sums up what I was in that morning.  As the day went on, the reality sunk in.  And so did the anxiety.

We live near an airport and I’m so accustomed to the planes that I normally don’t even notice.  In the weeks following 9/11 however, every single plane that flew over stopped me in my tracks.  I would have sworn each one was mere inches over my house.  Heart pounding, I would stand there frozen, convinced it was going to crash into our house.  Every time.  It was a horrid feeling.  To this day I don’t know if there was a temporary change in flight pattern (since we are near DC) or if it was just my fear taking over.

Twelve years later, I am back to not noticing the planes.

But as for the other events of that day?  I’m still in shock.

9-11Click here for “Words of Comfort from an Unexpected Place.”

9/11: Words of Comfort from an Unexpected Place

HUG YOUR CHILDREN       SPEND THE DAY WITH FAMILY

Photo credit to www.behance.net

CALL AN OLD FRIEND

PLANT A TREE IN TRIBUTE

LIGHT A CANDLE   

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

TAKE A MOMENT FOR YOURSELF     BE THERE FOR SOMEONE ELSE

WATCH THE SUNSET     LOOK FORWARD TO THE SUNRISE

Today, in your own way, remember and reflect, September 11, 2001.

Beautiful words from a Macy’s newspaper ad in New York.  All major retail stores in New York printed lovely tributes today.

What will YOU do today in remembrance of 9/11/01?