A surprise and caring statement from a former student: 9/11

A few days ago I was waiting in line at a store and talking with two sweet little girls. As I walked out their dad chased me down and asked if I was a teacher-Yes, unfortunately, no longer :(

Anyway, I said yes and he introduced himself to me, Daniel, and I recognized him right away. He gave me a teary-eyed hug, and told me he would never forgot me or our class.

He was in my 3rd period class when there was a knock on my door. We had no idea what was happening, it was the beginning of my science class. opened the door to see my Principal and Asst Principal-never a good sign. One went into my class and the other pulled me out. First-my dad was OK. He was on the road to the Naval Academy when the plane hit the Naval wing of the Pentagon. Principal knew I was from Arlington and that my dad was a Captain in the Navy. I was told what was unfolding, and I hate that it happened, but I immediately burst into tears and yelled/cried something. It took me 2hrs to get through to my house and to be reassured that my dad was not in the office.

Daniel said in the classroom they still didn't know what happened, but they heard me in the hall. They knew it must have been something awful. The Asst Principal also had tears in her eyes and debated, like all who found themselves in front of students that day, what to say. These kids were 11/12, old enough to know what happened, but not old enough to understand. Well, who really could understand? It was the beginning of the period, so the kids were told what happened. Kids in the hall, going to the bathroom or running errands heard bits and pieces of conversations, and for once the rumors were no where as horrific as the facts. The kids needed to be told. Students hearing bits of news in the hall were sharing it when re-entering the class rooms. It's impossible to hide info when the kids had cell phones. TVs were not allowed to be turned on.

Daniel then told me that they all prayed, without any guidance from the asst principal. They prayed that I was ok, and that whatever I was worried about would be ok. Such sweet kids. I was shocked, and hugged him again. I also can't believe he recognized me all these years later and wanted to tell me how much they had cared for me. I always hoped the kids knew how much I cared for them-Daniel made my day. I also can't believe that I ran into him just a few days before 9/11.

I went home that school day, just drained from the roller coaster of emotions. I seriously debated driving the 4hrs home, but then realized how difficult it would be. I grew up a mile from the Pentagon. That's where I learned how to drive a stick shift. I was so embarrassed, my dad had me pick him up with a sign on the back of my car that read: "New stick-shift driver, keep back 500ft" Anyway, it made more sense to stay here since I knew my family was safe.

Unfortunately, a friend of mine lost her mother on the plane that hit the Pentagon. Mom had just remarried and they were leaving on their honeymoon. Zandra Cooper Plower

I know we all have our own memories and were affected by that nightmare of a day.

Never Forget