It Is ONE America

25 Years. A lot has happened in my world between 2001 and today — including, thankfully, getting to be 25 years older, while having a slight fading of the memory. That noted, I can almost recall in detail where I was and what I was doing when the tragedy of 9/11 occurred.

I had just gotten into work that morning, put my belongings down and started talking with some colleagues while the television was on the news. Then, we saw the first plane hit, and we could not believe what we were watching. Then the second plane hit. What we would soon realize is that a full-on terrorist attack was happening in America, and utter panic, chaos, and confusion ensued! Here in the metro Washington, D.C., area, there were rumors of the National Mall, Pentagon, State Department, and the regional transit system either being on fire or under direct attack. All my colleagues and I were thinking at that moment was, “We have got to get out of here.”

I quickly left the office and started walking home — yes, walking. Believe it or not, I got half of the way there when a stranger stopped to offer me a ride home. There were a number of us walking, and strangers were stopping to offer rides. One stopped to help me. Under normal circumstances, I would not have gotten into a car with a stranger. But at that moment, on that day, I did not feel fear — I felt relief and gratitude. They did not know me, my background, my political party, or how I grew up. Nor did they care that I was a Black female — they just wanted to help. This stranger, along with countless others on that fateful day, gave of themselves without a moment’s thought. It is telling how it takes a tragedy to remember that at the end of the day, we are all only human.

I wonder what ever happened to my stranger. Are they still alive? How have the last 25 years fared for them? I will likely never know the answers to these questions, but that is okay, as I will always remember their kindness to me on what was such a day of tragedy. On this 25-year anniversary of 9/11, I still remember so much — I hope you do too.

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