September 11, 2001. It had to be the worst day in American history. Some people might argue that it was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor or maybe the beginning or World Wars 1 & 2. At least in my lifetime, September 11, 2001 was a horrible, tragic day and we definitely did not expect it.
For me it was just another day at the office. I was 37 years old at the time, married and we had 3 kids. My youngest was only 2 days short of turning 5 months old. We had just moved into a condo on the church property and were having it painted. We spent the night at my in laws house. I was scheduled to meet the painter at the condo which had furniture all over covered in plastic. I remember it being a very beautiful day with blue skies. I was in my tenth year as the children's pastor at Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle. On Tuesdays we always had a staff meeting with all the pastors. I walked into our church office and one of our secretaries Kit Farrell, who went home to be with the Lord in 2012 approached me to tell me an airplane had hit the World Trade Center in New York City. I figured it was probably a small Cessna aircraft so no big deal. When we all heard it was an actual Boeing 767, we knew it was serious. I don't think anyone realized it was an attack on our country. We all thought an airplane was having difficulties navigating. We were all wrong! I will never forget our Senior Pastors face with genuine concern. Before the meeting was about to start, the pastor told us it was cancelled and we all headed into the school auditorium to watch the newsfeed on the big screen. What turned out to be "just another day" became a nightmare for the American people. Thousands of innocent lives were lost. One was a guy I went to High School with, Pat Dwyer who was in one of the towers. I often wonder how his wife and children are doing 24 years later. I have never met them, but my heart goes out to them and thousands of other families who lost loved ones and friends.
Living in New York on Long Island at the time was a challenge. We were trapped. We could not fly out of any airport, nor could we leave the area by car. Everything shut down. I remember driving on the Long Island Expressway, and you could actually see ashes from the Twin Towers flying over the highway in clear view. Our world came to a stop. Some even thought it was the end of the world. I do have to say that for at least a few weeks people were friendly. Strangers opened doors for you at the bank. People said hello to you. This doesn't happen in New York! The flag industry did very well financially as they sold American flags. Many flew from people's cars as well as in front of houses. For about 3 weeks our church was packed out. I remember having to put out more chairs at our Kidz for Christ service (our Children's Church) in the gym because we had so many visitors and new faces. Sadly though, after about a month, certain things went back to normal. The one thing that did change forever was airport security and security in general. Before 9/11 you could rush through security, and you could also meet someone at the gate when they got off a plane. Not anymore! Our world changed! The lines at airports for security are never ending. I am glad we are cracking down on this.
I also remember seeing family's bonding after that tragedy. On that day many people pulled their kids out of school, and you saw more hugs from mom's and dad's as well as grandma's and grandpa's. It's so hard to believe it will be 24 years since that dreadful day. I pray we never ever have a day like that! If anything for me, it taught me how much I need to draw near to God. I could have been in New York City on that day. I'm glad I wasn't. I am not a big fan of the "Big City", and I have only been to the Twin Towers once, in 1983 when I went with friends.
I just want to conclude by saying we should never forget that day and always be praying for the families who lost loved ones and friends. WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!
HAVE A BLESSED DAY EVERYONE!!
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