[Julie]

I live an hour north of the city, on the Hudson River. My boys were at school and I was beginning my day working (from home). It was the first and only time I did not take my father for his Chemo appointment in the city. I had the television on, and what felt like a movie at the time, was playing over and over again - the repeat of the first towers being hit, and then the second towers. I had friends who worked in the towers, and old clients. I was simply numb, as all of us were around the world.

Our cell phones would not work for hours - Our telephones were down. They would not let us get our children from school at that moment. By evening, our phones were working and Islamaphobia was beginning. Friends of mine in the Muslim community were being hurt, both physically and emotionally. Nobody was safe on that day and for days and months and years to follow.

While the streets were being lined with American Flags, by those who could care less about their fellow neighbors on any other day - were holding hands and vigils. Candles burned at every doorstep. Still on that day, I was ashamed to be an American, and I was ashamed to hang an American Flag - In fact, I did not own one. I still do not own one. We were hypocrites.. All of us! We loved one another for a few days, until it was forgotten.

I think what makes me saddest about the events, beside the thousands of lives which were taken... The lack of respect for humanity. That we have learned NOTHING from this, that we do not honor those who lost their lives... We continue to mock them, by slandering those who are innocent as well - Our Muslim brothers and sisters.

What have we learned? Sadly... Nothing! We continue to perpetuate the violence and ignite the fires, in the name of those who lost their lives.

I am still there, sitting in front of my television, nine years ago today. And I send my love and prayers for those who lost their lives and to those of us who are still living.

Julie