I woke up that morning thinking it would be like any other. It was a s

The remainder of the day seemed a week long, even longer for those who could not immediately reach their loved ones. Communications were limited, as the main antennas for cell phone reception were located on top of one of the towers. The massive antennas now served as a road block somewhere down on Chambers Street. Being an only child, I knew my parents, at home in Michigan, were desperate to know I was safe. It took hours before I could get an outside line, and when I finally did, my mother was hysterical. She was in her office and made a conference call to include my father in the conversation. It was the first moment we’ve had as a family since their divorce four years prior. Funny how people forget their grievances amidst a tragedy. Next I was concerned about locating my best friend Amy who attended classes two blocks north of what was soon to be called ‘Ground Zero.’ She was a nursing student, and as I wouldn’t believe anything other than she was all right, I was concerned that she was possibly trapped while trying to assist others. To make matters worse, John, her husband of three months was a young police officer, one of New York’s finest, and I was sure that he had headed straight for disaster, trying to bring her and others to safety. After countless hours of trying to reach both of them, and their families in Long Island and Michigan, I finally got word from Amy’s brother that they were both fine. Amy was on the street, talking to her mother on the phone when the first plane struck. She immediately headed for safety, and followed the zombie-like masses, on foot, across the Williamsburg bridge to Brooklyn. John, after knowing Amy’s whereabouts, hopped in an emergency services van with other officers and headed straight for the scene. He helped with the rescue efforts well into the night, and continued to do so for weeks after, working many fourteen hour days. The unity and brotherhood of New York’s civil servants is something to be admired, and I am proud to call him my friend.

In today’s world of technology, it’s astounding to think that we didn’t have a television set in the studio, only radio. All day, although seeing things from my own up close and personal perspective, I had no clue of the gruesome and horrific images being broadcast nation wide. By five o’clock that evening, a few subway lines that were the major arteries of the city were opened up for scattered service. I was lucky enough to catch the train home, although it was a mental challenge to get on board – what if s

Some topics in this essay:
Brooklyn John, Bridal Suddenly, Center Intrigued, Chambers Street, Towers Little, York City, East River, Brooklyn Manhattan, Island Michigan, Street Sweating, plane hit, massive cloud, water front, noticed people, towers massive, headed straight, tower fell,