Where Were You Sept. 11, 2001?

The stories are chilling, but humbling and it's a feeling and a memory that will never be forgotten. 

The Ohio local editors met yesterday and we shared what we were doing and what we were thinking on Sept. 11, 2001. Every story was interesting and some gave me chills. No matter how deeply each person was affected that day, there's no doubt we all were changed.

Here's my story:

I was in chemistry class at St. Peter Chanel High School. I remember finding out it happened because my teacher got a phone call saying the towers were hit. Her brother was working in the towers.

She frantically tried to contact her brother while we watched the planes hit over and over again on the news. I found out later that her brother was OK, but I knew I wanted ... no needed to be with my family.

We were told not to leave the school, but I still got up, grabbed my keys and left to go pick up my brother from his grade school. I called my parents at work to see if they were OK and let them know my brother and I were headed home.

It was a time to be with family for those lucky enough to be with loved ones. I was shocked, but I just kept thinking ... "there are so many people who can't be with their family and loved ones right now." 

To me, one of the most chilling things about the events that happened on 9/11 was how eerily quiet the skies were. No planes flying. It's one of those things you don't notice is missing until it is.

I'm grateful I was with my family that day. I'm saddened that there are so many families affected by the attacks who can never again be with their brother, sister, mother, father, friend, co-worker. 

To commemorate the event, Stow Patch wants to hear from you. Everyone has a story. Sharing it with the community is a way to reflect on the tragedy and honor those protecting us then and today.

Send your stories, experiences or photos to amanda.harnocz@patch.com. (Please try to limit your submission to a few paragraphs. We'd like to post several stories together in one post.)

Thank you!

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