9/11: Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?

On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was running from room to room in my home, doing laundry, sweeping floors, things I felt were important, as I listened to my radio in the background. My thoughts floated from my three children in school to my husband at work, as I did what I did for them.
I stopped in the dining room for a brief break when I heard the voice of one of my favorite D. J.s, Glenn Pitcher. The voice, usually full of laughter and joy, held a somber tone... he said 'As we just told you a moment ago, a plane just crashed into one of the twin towers at the world trade center'.
I stopped in place.... froze. My heart skipped a beat... I then ran into the living room and turned on the TV. I starred at the scene before me as I watched a second plane instantly crash into the second tower.
Lives were gone.
Terrorism had hit our home.
My heart fell to my feet as I continued to watch through the morning. House work was left, as I tried to think again... to feel anything but shock, horror and disbelief.
This wasn't happening.
It had to be a horrifying nightmare.
Then... the horror became complete numbness as I watched first one tower collapse, then the other.
A plane crashed into the Pentagon!!!
A plane crashed in Pennsylvania!!!
More Dead!!!
Who would do such a horrendous act?!
Why would anyone do this to us?!
We have always helped people, and not just our own, but other countries as well.
Why would anyone kill innocent people?
Mothers gone!
Fathers gone!
Brothers! Sisters!..... Children....
I cried.... I continue to cry.
When I awoke Wednesday morning, I was praying I was awakening from the nightmare... but I wasn't.
I listened to the radio and watched the TV. throughout the day.... learning of the hatred and evil I had always heard about in far away lands, had actually hit our home.
And I watched... and listened... and learned..
What had I learned?
I learned the people of America are the reason we are called the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA... for we are united in many ways. Not just by land... but by our hearts, that are each as large our country,.... by our pride that swells larger then the oceans.
Then... I asked myself another question...
What exactly had these evil beings done to us?
It didn't take me long to find the answer.... They had made us stronger... as people.. in our hearts and souls... they made our anger and fear turn to strength and pride... they made us cherish our freedom even more then before... and they brought us back into perspective, so that we could no longer take each day... thought... life... and yes, even our freedom, for granted.
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have lost loved ones and to the victims themselves.
To the firefighters and police who lost their lives, giving the ultimate sacrifice while trying to rescue others... you are all our heroes... You define the word courage.
I need to thank 98.1 WHWK... your coverage was incredible... but your diligence to bring us comfort with the music and the montages you have put together for us, the listeners, have been a tremendous step forward in our healing process.
My porch light shines night and day.... my flag waves proudly... and I know in my heart that... our unity has grown tighter... our pride greater... and our freedom more cherished.
Now it is eleven years later, may we continue to remember, never forget, continue to stand united and GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Thank You,
Bobbie. J. Groat

Thank you Bobbie for your words and moving tribute today.  And GOD BLESS AMERICA.