I had just started the seventh grade and met with a few kids at the bus stop. Somebody had mentioned that a plane had crashed or something but nobody believed it or really took too much notice. But riding on the bus the driver had asked everyone to be quiet while she listened to the radio, and that’s when we heard the reports. We couldn’t believe it, the reporter was clearly upset interviewing people who were crying. The bus driver turned around and dropped everyone off at home, receiving a message that school was canceled. My mom and sister were still home and sitting right in front of the television when I arrived. We all sat and in silence and watched as a second plane hit the tower, and watched as people fell from the buildings. I remember the looks of fear and anguish on people’s faces, but mostly I remember how silent everything was and I learned how quiet fear could be.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the people that were lost, not only in New York, but DC, and Pennsylvania. May they find peace where we can’t.