Story Circle Network

Give Sorrow Words:
The Day America Changed
September 11, 2001

by Carolyn Scheider

9/11 - 9/15 Mind and Heart Snippets

Events from 9-11-15 triggered many memories and feelings for me. This past week I worked at writing down snippets, and I arrived at a place of solace. I hope and pray others will be able to find this place as well.

Snippet one: Birthday brunch at Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top.
As Katie and Matt relay the horrific news on NBC’s Today Show, I relive my visit to the WTC on Sunday, July 21, 1991.

I step inside “Windows on the World” and stand in amazement at the view. From the top of One World Trade Center I gaze down at what looks like a model bridge--the Brooklyn Bridge. Even the world’s long-time premier skyscraper, the Empire State Building, seems rather small.

Knowing it’s my birthday, my Christian Heritage Tour companions give me a choice seat next to the window so I can continue to marvel at the incredible view. The table setting looks elegant, and I’m feeling chic in my emerald green silk two piece outfit. On my way to the scrumptious brunch tables, a party of six stops me and asks where I’m from and why I’m there. I tell them. They wish me a happy birthday--a happy life. I feel I’ve met new friends although I doubt I’ll see them again.

We leave this spectacular restaurant. But before getting on the elevator, I check out the ladies’ room. How absolutely posh. I think back to how I grew up on the farm without a bathroom. Then I never dreamed I would one day visit such a high-class ladies’ room.

Before we leave the WTC, I purchase a post card of the restaurant as a reminder of this unparalleled opportunity.

Now ten years later, I look on as One World Trade Center implodes. I stare in disbelief as the windows that once provided a breathtaking view shatter into glass fragments.

I check the restaurant’s website and discover a black and white notice saying they are praying for the safety of their colleagues and their families. There is a toll free hotline number where people can call with any information.

I’m audibly speechless--yet my mind chatters constantly.

Snippet two: Captain Tim
Son Tim, who works for UPS, plans to go back on the UPS plane to Louisville tonight after spending two days with us. Because he chose to spend an extra day with us, his Tuesday meeting in New York City was put off until Wednesday. He soon learns about the canceled meeting and then the halted air traffic. Shortly after he learns about the death of over 200 firefighters.

A Captain on the Worthington Volunteer Fire Department, Tim becomes emotional as they continue to talk about the firefighters. I wonder--What would have happened if Tim had been in New York on Tuesday? Would he have volunteered to help search and rescue teams? And if he had, then what?

Later that day he and I try to shop, but we can’t focus on shopping so we decide to go home. We listen to the radio as we drive home. They’re talking about people wanting to be with their loved ones. Tim reaches for my hand and says, “ I’m glad I’m with my loved ones.” Touched by his comment I squeeze his hand and say, “I am too.” Inside I’m thinking he doesn’t know how grateful I am.

Tim flies back on a UPS flight on Thursday. I am very proud of him, and have a new respect for his community service as a firefighter.

Snippet three: Lora’s Protection
Daughter Lora calls from Florida. She’s especially concerned about her friend who works in the area. But “What if” thoughts race through my mind. Lora, healing from a broken engagement, realizes that if she had married this year, she would be living and working in New York now. What if she, a finance major, had gotten a job at Merrill Lynch or another firm in that area? I thank God for detaining and protecting my dear daughter.
Snippet Four: Col. (Ret.) Max B. Scheider
Already shocked by the attack on the World Trade Center, when the Pentagon is struck Max can only say, “That’s where I worked. My God, that’s where I worked!” Max had spent six of his 30 military years there. 2C324, his last office, has either been damaged or totally demolished. We wonder what happened to the person occupying 2C324. Ironically, he left the close-knit Pentagon family in ‘74 and we learn 74 army military people died there on 9-11. My husband has seen war--even come very close to death. Now I can’t tell his exact thoughts and feelings. But I know, if he was younger, he would do what he had to do to protect his country.
Snippet Five: I find solace on Friday, 9-15.
As I watch our nation’s leaders gather to pray at the Washington National Cathedral, I recall worshiping there with my tour companions in 1991. The majestic cathedral with its beautiful stained glass windows provide a perfect setting for those seeking solace and God’s help. I find the bulletin from 28 July 1991. As I seek answers and comfort for myself, this bulletin, tucked away in my trip mementos, provides the direction I need. On that day in 1991, we read Psalm 114 and sing “Old 124th”. Today I read both Psalms. Paraphrased, Psalm 114:7 says “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, the God of Jacob.” Paraphrased, Psalm 124:1 says “If the Lord had not been on our side, if the Lord had not been on our side.” And verse eight says, “Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”

I decide to meditate on passages like these, and to memorize positive prayers like the prayer by St. Francis of Assisi. I’m grateful my loved ones and I still have each other. I pray we’ll all learn “what really matters” in life. I promise to seek the Lord’s help more, and I pray our nation’s leaders and people will as well. Therein lies comfort and courage.

Last updated: 09/17/01