From my journal notes on that fateful day:
Today terrorist struck in America…and they struck in the cruelest way – by using our own airplanes and commandeering them to crash with American passengers into the World Trade Center buildings in New York City…where most people were just starting their work day, and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. – the very heart of our government. It is horrible!!
I was at work (the State Board of Health was at Floyd Memorial in the 2nd of their 3 day unannounced site visit). I had held our usual discharge planning meeting 9a-9:10a in our staff lounge. As I walked to the nurses’ station, I passed by an empty patient room and saw several staff members in the room watching the TV. Their faces looked bewildered.
I stepped into the room and looked to the sight of the two towers in flames. I felt nauseated…horrified. I remember saying, “Oh, my God” in a prayerful, yet horrified manner. I remember saying to the other staff, “Oh, this is big.” I prayed for all people in the airplanes, the Twin Towers, on the ground. I prayed for Jason and Laura (hoping they weren’t in the city). I prayed for Michael and Kimberly and the children in Rockville, Maryland...as I began to comprehend that this was an attack on AMERICA…with far-reaching implications. By praying, I mean these thoughts were in my mind. I did not form them into a voiced prayer…I think, at the time, I felt unable to form my thoughts. I know I sensed that God was giving me strength and comfort. I felt calm to face whatever occurred next. I left the room and went to the nurses’ station where I was able to carry on my normal, routine charge nurse duties. I remember thinking ‘I’m glad this isn’t happening on my birthday – 9/12.'
Close to 9:45am someone told me the Pentagon had been struck. I again went to the TV and watched the scenes unfold. I remember thinking how I encouraged Mom regarding the safety of flying in April when she flew to Washington, D.C. I remembered the many flights and shuttle rides I have taken into DC in the past few years. What if? What if??
I prayed someone would be with Kimberly and Avery and Lydia. (Found out later that Rosa was with them—next door neighbor Rosa—Thank you, Lord).
I called my Mom. I said, “Mom, have you heard from anyone.” She said, “To whom am I speaking?” “Mom, it’s Barbara!” “Oh, Barbara!” We affirmed that God was in control. My attempts to call the kids were met with the recording…. “all circuits busy.” I called Mom a little later and found that Gregg had talked to Kimberly. Rosa was with them. She had not heard from Michael. I did get through to Jason and Laura’s answering machine and left a message of love and support. Later, while sitting at the nurses’ station, I was paged overhead with an outside call. It was Jason, safe...but distressed. Laura was with him. I spoke with Laura…she tearfully told me of her uncle calling her from the City. He had witnessed the 2nd plane hitting the tower. I remember saying “God is in control.” We commented together that at the moment it looked as though the terrorists were in control of NYC, but I remember saying, “Yet God is ultimately in control….I think He is…I hope He is…I know He is!” each statement more firm and loud. I affirmed my love to both Laura and Jason, and when I hung up and turned from the phone there were my co-workers…most with tears streaming down their faces…with such compassion and caring in their expressions. The dietitian grabbed hold of my arm and told me her brother was in one of the buildings connected to the Trade Center buildings and she did not know what to think about his safety…Later, he contacted her Mom…safe.
I left a message on Bill’s machine at work…reported our loved ones safe and my love.
I stayed at work until 5pm and then drove to Mom and Scott’s. I thought of how my Dad would have been so distressed by the destruction of American soil and people. I’m glad he was spared this days events. Mom had talked by phone to Gregg, Michael and Kimberly, Jason and Laura. We rejoiced, comforted one another, loved on one another, and affirmed our trust in God’s ultimate control.
Later Tuesday evening, I made contact by phone with Michael and Kimberly and Jason and Laura. We saw the good in our friends, our fellow Americans, our God. We were in contact despite the miles that separate us. The TV continued to bring us the pictures and the stories. Thousands lost in the rubble. Thousands seeking to help. All airports closed. White House targeted and missed. Heroism. Prayers.
On email to our Family Site was this message from Jason…’We’re okay. Laura was not in the City today. No one from Grace works in the Towers, but many people do in the area. This is horrible. I’ve opened the church for prayer. I can’t get through on the phone, but I’ll call as soon as I can. Love, Jason.’
Old Capitol was open for prayer through Tuesday evening.
Jason held a service at Grace United Methodist, 8pm Tuesday. He said, ‘I used the Scripture Gram gave me Joshua 1:9 – God gave it to Mom early Tuesday morning prior to any terrorist act…she had written it in her journal…Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Luke 24:14 – They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
Luke 24:32 – Were not our hearts burning within us?
And the last verse of the Bible – Revelation 22:21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
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Before bedtime Tuesday 9/11/2001 I placed this on our Family site –
Subject – The Radmachers’ are safe!
Just wanted to reassure you…Jason and Laura in NY and Michael, Kimberly, Avery and Lydia in Rockville, MD are safe tonight. As a mother, my heart ached today as I awaited word of their situation and safety. Yet, I must say, ‘the still small voice of God’ kept me focused and calm so I was able to complete my 12 hour shift. We don’t know what the future holds but we know who holds the future…The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Rev. 22:21
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