SEPTEMBER 11, 2001: MY STORY 

Thank you for sharing your experience. I was a flight attendant at the time heading to Boston when we were diverted to Albany, NY. I found out later that a friend, and fellow flight attendant, was on Flt 175 - Marianne McFarlane. She was 34 yo, sarcastically funny, and had that true Boston accent only someone that was born there has. I think of her every 9/11. ♥

Three points: 1st, I can't imagine being 18 years old and seeing what you saw. I was 23 and in Baltimore and it messed up my head for a long time. I remember walking from campus to my off-campus row house and looking up into the sky waiting for paratroopers (full on Red Dawn style paratroopers) to fall out of the sky. I was a 3 hour drive away and it felt like it had happened down the street. 2nd, unfortunately, at that time I was very naive about media spin and believed everything the news told me. By the end of the Bush presidency, I was mad. I thought Bush would go down in history as the worst president of all time. 3rd, I hope people stick around until 29:00 to hear your message. Our human brains are lazy. They like to generalize. It's SO important to think about people as INDIVIDUALS with unique experiences, motives, and perspectives. It makes me absolutely furious when people (especially people of influence) generalize an entire culture based on the actions of a few. When people make decisions about an entire group of people because of ignorance of what is really happening. Thank you for making this video. I hope it opens a lot of eyes. 💗

Wow, this should be a ted talk. I love what you said about 9/11 as an irrational vessel to justify war, racism and hatred. I only knew about what was on the news. It's so refreshing to see a first hand perspective. This happened when I was a child so I only knew the gist and we weren't taught about this in school. I had no idea about the missing posters, the businesses giving out water, and the protests. Amazing video! THANK YOU, Kimberly!

Did you know that laughter is the response "emotion" between sad, happy and scared. The reason we laugh at jokes is because our brain actually doesn't know how to respond to the stimuli , which is why when you laugh at a really funny joke, you can't remember it because your brain actually blacks out... because it can't process the emotions .. and laughter is the result. hysterical laughter is the brains response to deep fear and trauma. Thank you for sharing this, I cried watching it on my way into work. Riding the same subway I was trapped in underground after they stopped running the trains. I was 17 and I was my first day of college.

On that day I was in my infant daughter's room looking after her. My husband told me what has happened. School was cancelled. My five year old son was playing in his sandbox, innocent and happy. I felt nothing but sadness and what kind of world has I brought these wonderful children into? Fast forward to present day. My son is a senior in college studying biology, psychology, and chemistry, intent on understanding the world and contributing to it through these disciplines. My daughter is a junior in high school, possibly the most kind hearted and open minded person I have ever known. We attended the woman's march last January. I have another son born after this event who is also nothing but open minded, kind and tolerant I am grateful for them because I know they will work towards the causes that will bring people together, not separate them.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story and being such an inspiration to me and my family. Namaste ✨🌈❤️

Why why why did I watch you? I knew it'd be a trigger from the title alone. My family was in New York when 911 happened. In 2007, my cousin Judy died from Lymphatic cancer due to 911. Thank you for sharing your story. Even though I bawled, I love how calmly you talk. Love you KC. Hugs ❤️

I can't believe some crazy people don't believe this actually happened

Thank for sharing your story and thank you for not letting fear get to you. I remember watching on the news. I was 22 and it was one of those distinct moments of growing up. I was going to a concert and when I first saw the news I was more concerned that it would mess up the show. I went to work and realized how real it was and how serious.We had the news on and just watched, frozen. It took a minute for it to sink in. Seeing the towers burn I remember a reporter saying " Oh my god! They're jumping!" It was the first time I had ever seen a grown man cry in public. I remember being scared. I also remember how proud we were of all of y'all. People pulling together to help. The comfort you offered one another. The work of the first responders and ordinary everyday people. It was beauty in the middle of something so ugly. That's who we really are. Not what media portrays us as. We are so much more.

I was very sick the weekend before 9/11, and I remember being so, so sick-- throwing up-- and my boyfriend came running upstairs to tell me, "Honey, come downstairs, quickly! Something is happening!" and we sat, side by side, on the couch. Watching the live footage on TV. Throwing up when I saw the second tower get hit... laying on the couch, feverish, all day. Not knowing what was really going on because of my fever and the meds I was on. It was so surreal. Later that day/evening, we had to get away from the news. Had to. So we went to see a movie. We were the only people in the theater. One of maybe 10 cars in the parking lot. I remember feeling numb and crying. So much crying. I saw the live footage as people were jumping. Before the news stopped showing it. All I could think about was the horror those people were facing. That they'd end their lives by jumping, so as to not burn to death or be crushed. In the days and weeks that followed, I will admit to putting an american flag on the back window of my car. But that was the limit of my patriotism. I was very upset at the following war. I was very upset at the way the area has been "memorialized" since. I'm so tired of war. I was born in 1980. Since I can remember, the US has been involved in a war, 24/7. No more war. It's obviously not working. Thank you for sharing your story-- I was rapt the entire time. @bluetomato is right-- this SHOULD be a Ted talk.

I was young (7) when 9/11 happened but I remember it so vividly. My teachers brought in a TV into our classroom and just turned on the news. I don't think they knew how to handle it. I was a smart child and knew that bad guys did this, but I thought it was in my city (not New York) and was worried about my dad, if he was alive or not. A student suggested we pray (Christian school) and we prayed. I cried while I prayed. I don't remember much after that. Thank you so much for sharing your story Kimberly.

I appreciate you making this video so much. I am an Arab American Muslim (Texas born and raised) who as you can imagine have been through hearing so much negativity toward Muslims. I was only in elementary when this tragedy happened but just a few months ago did visit the memorial and museum which broke my heart the whole way through. People in this world just need to continue to love and be there for one another. I am so tired of all the hate in this world.

Showing this video to my whole family. Your view of the situation is very important and one ignored by the media entirely. I appreciate you sharing this very much thank you Kimberly!

I know what you mean w/ the hysterical laughter. It's so hard to process these deeply traumatizing events.

Kimberly: I am a New Yorker too, you just have to listen to me speak. I was living in Florida on 9/11. But it made me remember working on Wall Street for 12 years. I was in the Twin Towers twice a day going and coming from work. After I had left the Street one of the biggest firms I had worked for had moved their offices to the Towers. How many people that I worked with never went home that night? If not for so many events including the death of my husband from leukemia, would have put me in those buildings that day. It was traumatizing to me. Your account was so real to me. Mine was just what if. I think you are incredible. Be who you are, for there are not enough people like you in the world. I was not so forgiving. But of course all our retaliation was useless. So maybe it's time to adopt a different attitude. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing your story, Kimberly. It's important to teach and share this message. Thank you.

Kimberly -- THANK YOU for your honest, thoughtful, and very important story. ♥♥♥

You are honestly so pure. This was so melancholic, but your strength inspires me.

Thank you for this. One of my best friend's sisters was killed in one of the planes that took off from Boston and hit the towers. My friend, who lost her sister as a result of the events that day -- is the most loving, accepting, wonderful human. She, too (she = my friend) is APPALLED that anyone would use her sister's death at the hands of fundamentalist terrorists to fuel war or anti-immigrant sentiment. There are fundamentalist terrorists of every nationality, religion or belief systems. Islam does not have a corner on this, and there are terrorists who call themselves Christians, too. Violence will never end violence. Full Stop. Only love & compassion have any chance of doing that. Thanks, Kimberly (p.s. I'm Kimberly, too.)

Thank you for sharing this. I'm in tears.I've always watched documentaries about 9/11 but I've never listened to a single person talk about their experience for an extended period of time. It was my second day of kindergarten, I don't remember much other than my dad leaving work in Boston early. Again, thank you for sharing this.

Thank you for sharing your story. I can't imagine the shock you all must have been in. No wonder your emotions were so scattered. I love how it turned into everyone in the city helping each other. It's so rare and a shame it takes a catastrophic event to bring us together.

so glad you are okay and bless your spirit🔮

I'm so sorry sweetheart. Watching your story made me tear up. Your perspective is one we need. You're amazing 💕

Thank you so much for this Kimberly, for your story as well as the archives below. Lots of love, Monica.

I just really appreciate this video. I've never heard a first hand account like this. ❤️

Oh sweetie. I'm crying as I listen. I am so thankful for Shannon's father! That was the breaking point for me. Oh thank God he was ok! Just thank God!

Wow! I’m actually watching this today 9/11/18. NEVER FORGOTTEN! ❤️ Thank you for sharing Kimberly 🙏🏼💕 Peace and Love to all

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Kimberly

We love you Kimberly! Thank you for sharing this.

I live in Chicago and I remember waking up and seeing the news coverage. I was so shocked. I didn’t know what to do so I went to school and watched the coverage with my classmates. I cannot even begin to imagine how it felt for you or anyone else to have been there to witness it firsthand. Thank you for sharing your personal story and insight.

I gave birth the night before 9/11 happened. I woke up early to my doctor turning on the TV in my hospital room. He made some comments and was just in shock. I was still recovering from a momentous event in my own life and sadly it took me at least a few months before I actually grasped the devastation and understood what really occurred. I was in a fog of having a newborn and I was pretty sheltered. I have explained to my son (now a 16 year old) about 9/11 and it's always a conversation piece that he was born the night before. What a tragic, traumatic event.

I'm only halfway through this video so far, but I hope this reminder of how New York and America banded together rather than falling into mayhem will remind us all how community is bigger and stronger than anything else that's going on in the world. Thank you for sharing this Kimberly.

Thank you so much for this video, especially the ending is so so important. Thank you , everyone needs to hear this 💖

This is such a powerful video not just because of the event but how well you articulated what you saw and felt. and the "not in my name" damn this was emotional.

Thanks for sharing Kimberly. You're a great orator. My cousin was also at NYU at the time.

Wow, I had never heard about how this brought those in New York together like that. Thank you for sharing your story, this was very powerful.

I was a freshman in high school. Because I lived on the west coast, the first tower hit before I left for school. My grandmother called my mom while we were on our way out of the door and told her that it was really important that we turn on the TV. A few minutes after we turned on the TV, the second plane hit. My mother decided that we weren't going to school that day, even though we lived in a suburb of Phoenix that would in no way be a target. We sat there that day and watched the news unfold. At the time, my baby sister was only 3 months old, and I remember my mom clutching her to her chest and saying that she is only three months old, and that she didn't know she was bringing a child into THIS world. It seemed, from our vantage point, that the world was ending, and we were all the way in Arizona. I remember seeing the bodies fall from the tower. The news camera zoomed in at one point to see what was falling, and the anchors were absolutely horrified. We all were. After that, it was everywhere. The next school day, everyone wore red, white, and blue. We learned nothing the rest of the week. People put American flag ribbon (like the cancer ribbon) magnets on the backs of their cars. Our fear had no outlet, and so our first response was patriotism, which everyone thought was lovely, but I have since realized it can be super dangerous. When we stoke our nationalism, it makes it really easy to hate people from other countries, from people who aren't even involved. I remember men with turbans getting shot at gas stations. I remember really racist things being said. War seemed like the natural next step in my household, so I didn't think about it much. I didn't realize, until much, much later, that the people most terrorized by these terrorist groups were the civilians in the Middle East. This is not to take away from the horror that was 9/11, or any of the Americans killed by terrorists. It was and is horrifying. But I never experienced my school being bombed or my family members disappearing or running from where a suicide bomber had detonated, or praying furiously that my plane would take off before the terrorist groups stopped outgoing planes. Those were the experiences of one of my students who is a refugee from Iraq. It is so much worse for those civilians. We have to see everyone involved, especially the civilians, as actual people. I have had many Muslim students over the years, and they have been some of the loveliest, kindest kids to walk through my door. My advice to everyone is to do some research, talk to people, get informed, and never lose sight of our collective humanity. Approaching our world from a point of blind fear is the worst thing we can do.

Wow. so much coming back to me. what a crazy time. I was 19 and it was my first day of my sophomore year of college. I went to university of Hartford and planned on transferring closer to home in Springfield ma after the fall the semester but couldn't do it. I transferred Sept 11th. I left Hartford after unenrolling on the first day at 9am headed back up 91 and hearing what was going on, on the radio. terrifying bc I was in a car and hear those plans came from Boston. they fly over me minutes before heading towards new York and I was trying to get home. I remember no cell phone service, thinking of my best friend at Juilliard. I thought world war 3 was beginning. So much. Thank you for this.

Appreciate you sharing the first hand story. It's intense, we all can remember where we were that day, what emotions came. So so tragic.

911 aside, I'll say this. Great nature / character / personality / honesty / make up and look. Great vid, you told your story well. All the best from Australia

thank you for using your platform is such an inspiring and educational way! your story breaks my heart and i can't even fathom what it must have been like for others. I was 8 years old at the time and I'm german, but I still remember walking into the living room and seeing those images on the news. your message is so important even 16 years later and i can't believe how much hate and bigotry there is in the world. thank you for sharing!

Thank you for sharing Kimberly.

It was fascinating listening to your story, your account of that extremely sad day. I still feel in shock about it to this day and lovely to hear that the community came together during and afterwards. Thank you for your account. I only watched it from another country on a television set. I actually thought it was CGI because the sound was off and I couldn't believe something so terrifying was happening. Then I turned the sound up. I'll never forget it ever. I also didn't understand what happened after with war starting, but I could see how people got very angry and reacted, but it was an awful shame. It would be lovely if people could have that caring community spirit all the time, but things seem to conspire against it. Thanks again for this film.

We need more ppl like you in this world. You are a beautiful human being, genuine, good hearted and extremely intelligent. Thanks for speaking out and making the difference 💖

Thank you for sharing. I just hope that your story reaches the people who need to hear it most, those that fear and hate difference in others- that they can find comfort from a first hand account of the experience & that the didn't cause the people of New York to live in fear and prejudice.

Omg, thankyou for sharing this. I plan on telling my own 9/11 story (very different as I wasn't there in person) because of this, because your message and your experiences and thoughts afterward are so important for people to know and think about.

Thank you for sharing your story and continuing to fight for peace. I was a sophomore in college in 2001, near Wright Patterson AFB, so we were on alert for a potential attack. I visited the 9/11 museum last year and the most powerful part for me was the alcove dedicated to "the jumpers." One quote said that though it felt wrong to watch, he was moved to be with those people in their last moments, so that they weren't truly alone while making the most unimaginable decision. It's incredible to think just how much the world has changed in 16 years. I'm glad you continue the good fight against hate and injustice. Xoxo

Thank you Kimberly for being who you are, take care ! Xoxo from Brussels, Europe

PURE DEVASTATION ! I'M ALREADY TEARING UP AS TELL YOUR STORY. I lived in York City when that occurred. I was actually in my high rise apartment building in Manhattan on the 18th floor. And from my window I was able to see what happened from the beginning to the end. I was watching it on TV as well. Every time this year comes around it impacts my heart, it impacts the city of New York. I'm so grateful that people like yourself have made it through. I knew people that was very close to the twin towers. Soon afterwards they encountered severe medical issues.

You are an amazing human and your message is so important to hear. As someone living in western Canada I remember my fear and every moment of that day. It was my first day of college and a friend of mine had just moved to New York. We could not get ahold of him until the next day and every phone that rang I held my breath hoping it was his voice on the other end of the line. In Vancouver the day carried forward but was anything but usual. Everything was silent as though the city was holding its breath. It took several days for us all to catch our breath. Hard to believe that it was 16 years ago, for me it feels almost like yesterday. I was a TV viewer from far away and it still set my world off kilter. I found myself looking to the sky in fear and just waiting for the next "thing" to happen and maybe the next "thing" would be where I was. Halfway through watching this I realized there were tears rolling down my cheeks. The fear that day and the heart ache for New York that followed will forever be scorched into my being. The answer for hate and violence is never more hate and violence and hopefully this message from someone who was there will reach the ears of people who are in power and can make change.

This was incredible to listen to. You are amazing to be able to relive this for our benefit. I was really young when this happened and do not remember much, but your account was very moving. Thank you for your kind heart and love for all people, even those who do not want to face the state of the world today. You're strength and conviction inspires me. ♡

Thankyou for telling your story. I got chills, i couldn't even imagine being right in front of it all :,,(I was about 11 and I lived in England at the time, i remember the breaking news coming on every channel and i remember being so afraid and crying. It was a day that ill never ever forget. So thankyou for bringing a first hand story of what you went through as a teen living in New York during that day. I love you so very much Kimberly. Xoxoxo

Thank you Kimberly for your story. You are an amazing person and your words and inspiration always stay with me! Thank you for being you!!!

Thank you, Kimberly for sharing this. There is no justification for hate. We need to love more...more than ever.

Thank you for sharing this. I cried the whole way through. My twins were 2 on September 11th. They're 18 now, but I'll never forget their little faces.. starting in wonder at the TV while I quietly cried on the couch. One of them looked at me and said.. "Mommy... Why dat plane hit dere?". I switched the TV off.. they were only 2. Much too young to see such horror. But now they're not. I'm going to sit down with them on 9/11 and watch this with them. And have a really long talk. About love, and respect, and anger, and hurt. Thank you, Kimberly. You're a very special person. You got my first YT comment ever.. you were the first person in many years of viewing to make me feel strongly enough to leave one. You make a difference. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing. I was a sophomore in high school in the Midwest at the time. We were in the middle of taking a standardized test and turned the tv on during a break and saw the second tower hit. The rest of the day is a blur except I remember a bunch of seniors saying they were going to enlist and having this feeling that everything had changed. Now, as an adult and having learned more about the events, the part that really REALLY cuts to the core and makes me break down is when I see pictures of or hear people talk about those who jumped out of the buildings. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for those people.

Your message is so important, THANK YOU ❤️

If there was a way to give you an online standing ovation I would be standing up giving you one. Thank you for sharing your story with us. ♥️

Thank you. I watched in college from Canada at 17 that day unfold. So much chaos and confusion. I can remember the bodies falling from the towers, and eventual collapse. Thank you for sharing how NYC came together to support each other when they needed one another the most

Thank you for sharing your story. It is a great reminder of what really happened in NYC after Sept 11th. I moved to NYC from Chicago shortly after 9/11 and volunteered with the Red Cross. My friend and I worked down at the Respite Centers taking care of the search and rescue workers. It is one of the best things I've ever done and it left a lasting impression on me. Seeing ground zero first hand and smelling that awful smell still lingers in my mind. Seeing the difference between the faces on the those looking for survivors from one week to the next has never left me. It went from hope to sadness knowing they were never going to find anyone. No one there wanted war or hatred to come from from that awful day. I once heard a journalist say, " since Sept 11th, the best has not been brought out in this country." All it did was to allow hate and fear to single out one group of people based on nothing and seems to continue to spread to other groups. As someone who feels very fortunate to be in this country because my ancestors were able to escape religious persecution, I will not stand by and watch it happen to anyone else. No matter their gender, religion, ethnicity, or sexual preference. We all bleed the same and we are all connected.

love you, kc. you're so strong and stand up for what is right and what is good at all times.

Thank you for sharing this, that day is imprinted in the memory of everybody. I was in Medical School in Mexico, and one year later, while taking the Psychiatry course, I was interviewing a patient at a Psychiatric Center and this event, watching on TV the Twin Towers under attack (without knowing anyone there, and never been there) it's what triggered her diease, first postpartum depression, later bipolar disorder. She was ill before this, but that day is the day she completely lost it. I can't even imagine all of the ramifications on people who were actually there.

All I can say is wow. I hope this goes viral, and people learn from this. You're amazing

Wooo weee. I'm going to have to listen this in segments. Imma gonna bawl my eyes out. 😪

Thank you for sharing your story. It was a powerful reminder.

thank you for sharing your story with us ❤️

I had a great friend named Nikesh, who was Pakistani by birth but raised from Infancy in London. He was a citizen of the UK, a member of the Church of England, worked at The Gap in London, and sounded like Prince Charles on the phone. On 9/11/01, he was in Boston spending time with his American girlfriend (A pretty, blue-eyed blond named Beth). And starting that night, he began writing an online journal about his experiences as a brown-skinned Londoner who "looked like a terrorist", trying to navigate his way through the rest of his visit to the US in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack. It was hair-raising, heartbreaking, and enraging. By the end, he was signing off every post with, "My skin is my sin. Nik."

This is so powerful. Thank you so much for telling your story. 💜

What a great message, you really made me think about the war in retaliation to 9/11 in a different light. Not exactly sure why but I majorly choked up once the video was over. Thank you again boo for this moving video 💙

Thank you for sharing your story. It was so well articulated and moving.

Thank you for sharing your story, Kimberly. I was nine years old and watched the news coverage that morning from California. I was too young to understand the reasoning as to why the US went to war in Iraq, and believed what my conservative parents told me. Hearing you speak about your experience has given me new perspective, and I resonate with how adamant your are against acting with hatred. I subscribed for the makeup (around the time of the release of your third anti-haul), but I also enjoy watching and learning from your videos about social issues and consumerism. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

One of the things from that day that I've always remembered most was how beautiful of a day it had been before the horror unfolded. Like you said, it had been a beautiful fall day, everything almost seemed quiet at 8am, little did we know how much things would change by 8:45. The beginning of your story really resonated with me because that doesn't seem to be something people comment on or remember but for me the juxtaposition was always profound. Thanks for sharing your story

thank you for sharing you're story Kimberly.

Thank you for sharing this personal experience with us. Love you so much!

Thankyou for sharing your story. You are so strong telling us such a personal experience. I think that talking about our experiences and about history in general is so important for so many reasons, regardless of what job you have, what you do etc. It's such a tragic event that words can't even explain. Hearing and seeing this event, I can't even imagine ww2 or the cold war or anything remotely similar. Thankyou thankyou so much, I really found it very interesting because it was uncut, raw. ❤❤❤

Wow thank you for sharing your story. A few of my friends in school lost their parents on 9/11. I was only in 7th grade and I remember going to sleep that night so terrified. I live about 20 minutes north of the city & my parents said they could see the smoke from the buildings. I can't believe it will be 16 years. Thank you for sharing your experience with us KC. I am such a proud New Yorker & American! xoxo

Thank you for sharing your story. I think the message of not using violence to perpetuate more violence is a very good one more people should take to heart.

So much Love and Respect to your strength in sharing your story. My heart goes out too all suffering loss, trauma and devastation that has and is being felt throughout America. My prayers and POSITIVE ENERGY goes out to you. Hold together and we Shall stand strong.

Thank you for sharing your experience. ♥️

Can't believe its been 16 years since 9/11. I was in third grade when it happened. I remember my teachers grabbing out the tv's and showing us what was going on. Even though I was only 8 when it happened its left an impact on me. Thank you for sharing your story.

You know the laughter is your bodies reaction to the immense stress. We often have an opposite reaction to a very emotional situation. I can't imagine how that must have felt.

I got choked up...very powerful story. I'll be thinking of you on the 11th, Kimberly.

Thanks for sharing you story, Kim

Thank you for sharing your story, KC. I, too, was a freshman in college. Not in NYC, but in Philly. There was definitely a huge feeling of solidarity with our sister city. ❤️

Your so inspirational.. thank you for sharing your story ❤️

I was so deeply messed up from these events and I was in Maine hundreds of miles away. I still have nightmares and when I hear sirens I panic. I was 9 and my mom kept me home from school for a "fun day". I was watching good morning America when everything unfolded so I watched it live all the way to the end. The most memorable moment I have of my mother is when the first building began to collapse, I jumped up hysterical saying "what do we do, what do we do?" And she looked at me, held me as I sobbed on the floor and said, "we pray for them". It was the most helpless feeling of my life, and the day I lost my childhood innocence. I cannot even begin to imagine what it was like to be there in person and experience this first hand. Thank you for sharing your story, I know it must not be easy to recall.

Kimberly, you have no idea how much your story touched me. I am from Georgia and I was just becoming a 7th grader, I was in chorus class whenever this was turned on the TV, I had never even heard of the twin towers and being that young, I had no idea what happened, much less remotely wrap my head around it, but I knew something was majorly wrong....I remember just crying my eyes out but not really understanding why. This video is amazing and I really wanted to thank you for sharing your first hand experience. ❤️

Thank you for sharing your story 💕

Thank you so much for sharing your story.

Thanks for sharing your story ❤️

Beautiful video. Beautiful message.

Thank you for sharing. This took courage.

As someone who was only 2 years old when 9/11 happened, thank you so much for sharing your story. I obviously don't remember a thing as I was all the way in Texas and had no understanding of anything going on that day. Thank you for your words, your activism, and your courage to share your perspective on this ❤️❤️

I probably should not have watched this while putting on makeup, it really brought me back to that day, exactly what I felt as I watched the news from Brooklyn. I had graduated from NYU a few years before you were there, you reminded me of all the places I wandered. I was supposed to be in grad school in the Bronx that day but I was ill. My mom was out by Kennedy working and called me and told me to put on the news. It was like a suspension of time and reality. My sister was on the UWS, she and her boyfriend had to walk through Manhattan and across the Brooklyn Bridge to come home, there was no other way. The overwhelming feeling was the feeling of caring and camaraderie from our fellow NYers, everyone chipping in to help each other, and also the kindness of the volunteers coming from other states to help at Ground Zero, it was tremendous. Yes, there were negative incidents on the small scale, both provoked and unprovoked but overall the city held together using their humanity, putting aside the differences.

Thank you for sharing your story. My cousin worked close to the Twin Towers, but was at home in Queens that day. Thank you for your message of love.

Thank you so much for this x

Such a senseless loss of innocent lives. I can't imagine what it was like to witness that in person. ❤❤

Thank you for sharing your experiences and memories from those days. I was 21 year old in the Midwest, working at a local farm supply store, and I've never felt so scared in my life. I think for everyone in the country, it was all unknown. I remember that afternoon being outside and just the silence, no planes flying over, it was an eerie feeling.

I will never forget 9/11, the shock, sadness & loss of innocent lives. People trying to find their loved ones and yet the tireless work accomplished by many to save lives. The strength & resilience the fine people of NY showed day in & day out. I can't imagine the pain you felt seeing this at 18 years old. So proud your family supported you by visiting & calling you on the phone Kimberely. This is true spirit, grit & a community coming together to support each other. Absolutely amazing.

4 minutes in and I am in tears. ❤️ I was in high school in the city when this happened. I think 10th grade? On 17th street. Ugh. Anyway. Thank you for posting this. Thank you also for mentioning how you responded emotionally so oddly at first. When me and my best friend were finally released from school we were searching for a place to find lunch. Also I had an Otown concert that night and wasn't sure if it was going to happen. In retrospect those were silly things to be concerned about. Yeah. Still can't really hear about or think about 9/11 without tearing up. A lot of kids in school were worried about their parents. ❤️ And I'll always remember walking around the city with all of those missing posters everywhere. Just so heartbreaking. ❤️

I feel moved by this, thankyou.