Thursday, September 11, 2008

Remembering

Today means different things to each of us. Regardless of our opinions about the state of our country, the war, or the government, all of us were affected when the planes hit the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

I was out of the country on this anniversary last year, and the years before that I avoided the footage as much as I could. The non-stop coverage in the hours and days following the tragedy were so overwhelming that I couldn't handle any more.

I lost my friend Craig Blass that day. I can't help but cry every time I see the towers collapse. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald but I don't know the exact details of where he was. I do know that if he wasn't killed by the planes, he died when they fell. There are few times in your life when you can watch a loved one die over and over again.

I saw him almost every day for three years in college and he touches most of my memories from that time. I've recently reestablished contact with several of his friends, guys I considered my close friends and share space in those memories of Craig.

My friend Jason organized an annual fundraiser for a scholarship in Craig's name, and it touches me to know that his friends haven't forgotten.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Touching post.

Robin said...

(Fat Robin) I remember where I was when it happened. I had carried my wife for a doctor's appointment and was sitting out in the truck listening to the radio when the announcer broke in with a special announcement.
The second plane had hit before we got home but we were home, watching the news, before the first building fell.
I didn't personally know anyone in the attack but I do know a few firemen from Spartanburg County, SC that went up to help out in the days and weeks following the attack. I desperately wanted to go myself but just couldn't get away from work to do so.
I can't imagine knowing someone who died and having to watch it over and over on the TV.

WendyCinNYC said...

Nice post. It's not an easy day, that's for certain, but important to remember.

Janna Leadbetter said...

I think this is the first post (of yours) that's made me blubber. Thanks for sharing your feelings, and hold on to those memories. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

(hugs)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

*pumps fist*

Yes! I made Janna cry. ;) Kidding...

Thanks for your comments everyone.

Spy Scribbler said...

Who could? That's awful, Melanie. I was glad when they stopped playing it over and over on the TV. It was getting... just terrible.

colbymarshall said...

I'm so sorry about your friend. I won't post all of my 9-11 thoughts here because I've already written them on my own blog, but I do hope that even though today is sad, you will always the happy memories of your friend.

Robin said...

(Stupid Robin)So sorry about your friend, Melanie.

Anonymous said...

Touching post Menlanie. For me, living in NY brings it even closer to home. I did not lose anyone but I was around people who almost did. My thoughts are with you and your friend's memory.