[Blessings2You]

The question's being asked on every channel, and it's not that simple for me to answer.

First, did it change you in the short term? For quite a while afterward, I was sappy weepy huggy about my friends and family, and I had nightmares. I felt sad when I looked around at the beautiful place I live and thought how easily it can all be taken away...our lives, our freedom, our homes.

Then, are you STILL changed by 9/11? I really don't know if I'm the same person or not...ten years changes things no matter what happens. I've always been grateful for the who's and what's in my life, and still am. Security? Tuh. I haven't felt safe since I was three years old. So I guess that's the same also.

[doydie]

I remember when it happened I was glued to the TV with a box of kleenexes. I didn't know if the world would ever be the same again. There was such a wonderful amount of patriotism not only in the US but in other countries. About a year later it seemed like the world was back to the same apathy we had before to our fellow man. I said to my husband that we needed another 9/11. It was terrible thought but maybe we needed a swift kick in the pants again. So to today. I swore that I didn't want to watch the programs tomorrow, I didn't want to relive that. But I think I need to. I hate it that we have to look at certain people and wonder who they really may be. They were made by the same God that I love, I should look at them in that way. So I am sure that tomorrow I will be sitting in front of the TV with a box of kleenex.

[ewizabeth]

I was getting ready for work and had no idea what was going on, then my son phoned me from Texas and that alarmed me. He didn't have access to a phone because he was in basic training for the Air Force at Lackland. He told me about the attacks and I was terrified. I imagined them pulling all the trainees into combat and my son would be in danger. Or the terrorists would target the Air Force base and he would be killed. It filled me with terror and then grief at all the lives lost. And I never feel really at ease on a flight but not as bad as it was for the first several years.

I helped a customer today who works in DC and he flies back to work tomorrow to the nation's capitol. He said it is likely the day with the highest security so he isn't worried.

I heard the fllights for tomorrow were very cheap. I understand why.

[doydie]

I'm sorry there haven't been more replys. I know we all must have our own story

[Erin524]

I've been trying to think of a reply. It's been kind of hard to come up with something.

September 11th changed me. I'm less forgiving than I was. I cant watch the video from that day without getting so angry (and depressed) that it can make me physically ill. Pretty sure that's the reason some of my MS symptoms are kicking up this weekend is because I feel really stressed by the anniversary.

It makes me more angry than sad. The first few years, all I could do on September 11th was sit and cry. Now I get really really angry.

Trying really hard this year to stay away from watching any coverage of September 11th. I just cant take the anger and stress anymore. I cant watch those people get murdered again and again.


The other day I bought a DVD set for a tv show that I used to watch back in the 90s. I'm trying to see if I can watch the whole thing over the next day. Hoping to have less stress this year.

It's really tiring being angry all of the time.

[SallyC]

I'm up late. I'm sure there will be more replies tomorrow.

I was watching the today show on the morning it happened, so I saw it live as it was happening. I remember at first, how they thought it was a horrible plane accident and then the second plane hit and there was no doubt that it was a deliberate hit.

I will never forget the horror of it, if I live to be 100. The loss of lives, our spirit, the fear......

How could anyone believe such horrible rubbish that killing Americans would give them a special place in heaven. How could people be so very stupid as to believe such a horrible lie? It takes me back to when the Christians were slaughtered.

No, it hasn't changed me, the way I believe or the way I live. It just plain hurts my heart, that's all.

[Kitty]

I remember that day. I was at work. In fact, I'd only been back at work a week (after DH died). I heard a commotion in the front of the office and everyone was going into the conference room where there was a TV. I can remember standing there with all my co-workers watching the coverage. Phones were ringing but it seemed like nobody heard them. We were all just in shock at what we were seeing.

I was considerably more emotional then as I'd just buried my DH.....but this was just plain terrifying. I can remember not wanting to be alone. I needed to be around people I knew. I didn't like being separated from my family.

I am definitely not the same person I was before 9/11. I'm much less trusting of people I don't know. But I'm so much closer to the family I have left. I believe it's a combination of the two events that have caused me to to feel this way. I don't take things for granted anymore.

I pray everyday that something like 9/11 never happens again. But I think we're all living life looking over our shoulder and sleeping with one eye open. I just don't see how this could not have impacted the way folks think and live.

[NeuroNixed Craig]

I appreciate this country loving to celebrate its anniversaries, especially the catastrophes we've experienced as it is important we and those who come after us know the story and DO NOT FORGET.

However, it is officially 9/11/11, THE 10 year anniversary and NO I will never forget. BUT! I seriously question WHY we are still in Afghanistan losing American lives? What happened to a country's self-determination? WHY are we still sending millions of dollars over their? We live a life in constant caution, sometimes fear. I submit we are STILL being terrorized by the terrorist, only WE can change that and it starts here at home.

D**n right it changed me and if not I must be living in a closet. The American people would be better served if we totally got out of Afghanistan, kept our money working for those who need it right here at home. It matters not what I was doing on that specific 9/11, where I was, "if" it changed me. What matters is we remember those lost as we do Pearl Harbor, yet at the same time learn from our lessons and improve ourselves to move on in a positive manner.

I will not be watching the multitude of TV memorial shows, interviews, politicians spewing their empty words. I was there that day. I don't need to relive it in living, on-the-street coverage again. To answer the original question, D**NED RIGHT it changed me, but I am living life on my terms in spite of it - for the betterment of all.

[Jodylee]

It definitely changed me, B2Y. I was watching the Today show like Sally. I will never forget seeing Matt Lauer's face when the first plane struck. He was interviewing an author at the time. I was in a state of utter disbelief. I thought it had to be some kind of accident. I didn't live far from where flight 93 went down.

I felt like we lived in a country that was insulated somehow from this type of thing. Stupid, huh? I know now that this can happen anywhere, anytime. That's how it changed me. I'm much more fearful, especially for my kids.

I feel like I should watch some of the programs today. If only as a tribute to the people who were killed and their families. I feel like I should try to feel some of their pain, which I know is impossible, but I should still try.

[Debbie D]

I originally was going to write that I wasn't sure if it changed me or not...then I thought of how I feel as I go through security before getting on a plane, and looking at people, silently profiling them I watch people as I'm in line to pay for groceries, wondering if they're going to go on a rampage...so I guess I'm more paranoid than I used to be.

I got a call from DH that morning telling me what happened as the second plane hit. I watched the Today Show also, and remember Mick at the Pentagon reporting there was some type of explosion on the other side of the facility from where he sat...it felt as if the world was ending...DH worked in downtown Chicago, and he called as he rushed for the trains, as they evacuated the whole downtown after reports that the Sears Tower was next to be hit. DD called from school crying asking where her dad was, and I relieved her fears telling her he was already coming home.

I remember Katie Couric reporting, "I just talked to a friend who is up on one of the top floors...he said, 'We're f....ing dying up here.' Then the phone went dead."

I also remember the looks on the faces of the crowds as they watched the first tower fall...I will never forget that, because it reflected my gut...pure horror.

9/11 also clarified for me how important my loved ones are to me...the veil was ripped aside, and what is truly important was revealed...