Tonight, I watched this episode again for the first time
since the enormous tragedy that took place on Tuesday. I
wanted to see how it would effect me after all this, and I
wanted something to help ease my pain for what has happened.
I finished the episode with a feeling of disbelief as to how
much the events of one day can change your entire outlook on
life. What was once one of the most light-heartedly funny
episodes that OFF ever made is now one of the most startling
and even disturbing. I got chills up and down my spine when
Homer first sees the WTC and it shows the view from the top
to the bottom....
But that's the way this has effected our entire lives. I
know that I will never forget finding out about this. I was
upstairs getting ready for school like any other normal day
when a family member called me downstairs, saying "A plane
hit the World Trade Center!" At first, I didn't understand.
It seemed to weird, like something out of a movie or a book.
I came downstairs and the first thing I saw was the second
plane hit the second tower on live television. I think I
must have stood there for at least five minutes staring in
disbelief at what had played out in front of my eyes.
And as the day went on, we did nothing at school but
watch the news. I saw everything unfold live, and saw things
that I never wish to see anything like again. I saw the
firey explosion and heard people screaming from the ground.
I saw people jump out of windows to avoid the flames. I saw
both towers collapse. And now I've seen them digging the
innocent people out of the rubble. It is truly the stuff of
nightmares.
But, what was at first a disturbing look at the dark
side of humanity, then became a somewhat inspiring look at
the good side. I was touched when I saw people lining up
down the streets to donate blood, or doctors and nurses
volunteering their time until finally there was even more
help than was needed. I was also inspired by the people who
overpowered the terrorists on the plane that crashed in
Pennsylvania, and most likely prevented it from crashing
into the White House.
I was absolutely devastated by all of this, but right
now, I would be happy if the round the clock coverage would
stop, at least for a little while. It's just that now
they're re-showing the same shocking images that I hope I
never have to see anything like again. I feel like there's a
weight chained to my heart and I have to drag it around
behind me everywhere I go, and every time I see these
ghastly scenes repeat themselves, it gets heavier. And it's
only obvious that it will stay this way for a long time. My
heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their
families. I was inspired to go to school the next day and
see many of my peers wearing American colors proudly, as I
did. America is a strong nation, and we can and will pull
through this. But first we need to remember those who gave
their lives in this absolutely horriffic national tragedy.
It is a pain that will never completely fade away.== Mike Reed - "One more day, one more time, one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied, but then again, I know what it would do - leave me wishing still for one more day with you."