Remembering September 11

Monday afternoon I sat down for lunch with Mikhail to talk about his 9/11 story. His story was powerful, emotional and moving. We were in agreement that the story he shared should simply be in his words. 

 

With this edition of the paper publishing on 9/11, I wanted to feature stories remembering the day. 

 

On Tuesday afternoon I attended the Waseca Exchange Club’s meeting. Stories from 9/11 were shared. 

 

Minnesota State House Representative Tom Sexton’s wife Jeanne Sexton was in attendance and spoke of their family’s experience living on a military base at the time. One night Tom was home for dinner. After wishing Tom farewell the next day, she said, “See you at dinner.” Then she didn’t see him again until 2002. (The couple is celebrating their 39th year of marriage this coming week. Congratulations. Jeanne said the secret to a successful marriage is communication. Even if you don’t feel like talking, do so. Oh, and make sure to compliment your partner.) 

 

A local firefighter shared his story. While working at Hy-Vee, his manager called him into his office to share the news of the first tower being hit. As he watched news coverage from a laptop, the second tower was hit. The manager told the firefighter to head to the fire hall to see what was going on. Nearly a dozen firefighters were already gathered at the station, at that time, taking in the news together. 

 

Mikhail shared his story last. He choked up while he spoke and paused a few times. I’m grateful for his willingness to share his experience. The day shall not be forgotten. 

 

My 9/11 story is short. I was almost four years old, in daycare. Our daycare lady told us a scary movie had come on TV and that we couldn’t watch it. Shortly after, my dad picked me up and brought me home. 

 

My strongest memories of the day come from school. Every year we spent that day of the year watching news coverage, talking with our teachers about what that day was like. 

 

Speaking with my older friends, there is a clear distinction between generations.

 

The generation that lived and experienced what that day was like as compared to the generations that didn’t. 
 

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” — Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.