September 11, 2001 by Fay Stout

Fay Stout | all galleries >> Galleries >> September in "Your" Life... 2010 > September 11, 2001

September 11, 2001

Where were you on September ll, 2001?

I remember it well... as we were in St. Remy, France on vacation. We could not believe what we were seeing and hearing on the news.
At first... it looked like a movie, and then the reality struck and we watched in disbelief and horror.

Today we remember all of those who lost their lives in these terrorist attacks and those who so bravely fought to save lives.

Unfortunately today in the news we read about those who want to burn the Quran. It is because of this that I want to share a simple story with you.

It was about five days after 9/11 that we were to fly home. We got the shuttle from Paris to the airport. The shuttle picked up several more people, most of them Americans and in spite of the early hour we talked of 9/11... and then it happened. The shuttle stopped to pick up another couple. She was dressed in a head scarf and appeared to be of Middle-Eastern descent. Suddenly there was a tense silence the rest of the way, with not another word said. The tension was palpable.
I kept thinking to myself... 9/11 was not the fault of this couple, but they, I am sure were feeling ill at ease and I wondered how many times they would be shunned.
I wanted to reach out and speak to them, but I didn't even know if they spoke English, so I too was silent.

As we prepared to depart the shuttle, we gathered our bags and I went to that woman and said these three words... "Please, be safe."
I did not know if she understood what I said but I could not leave without connecting with her in my own small way.

As we headed into the airport doors, I looked back at the shuttle to see her face in the window. Her eyes were looking directly at me.
She slowly raised her hand and waved... and I waved back.

Today I remember that brief moment with great clarity.
I so much believe in freedom of religion or lack of religion and respect others' beliefs.
I try to live my life day-by-day to promote peace and tolerance amongst all people.
There are good people all over this world.
We need to connect in our own small way to bring greater peace... one person at a time.
This I believe.

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Maaike Huizer		13-Sep-2010 08:50
That is a beautiful and touching story, Fay. Let us not forget that the people who did this, were extremists.

Mary Terry		13-Sep-2010 04:00
A wonderful story, Fay. 9/11/01 was a day most of us will never forget.

Guest		12-Sep-2010 13:42
I spent two days in my home office, looking at cnn. I thought a friend was in there.

Barbara Heide		12-Sep-2010 10:28
thank you for these words!!! v

Yvonne		12-Sep-2010 10:18
What a wonderful story Fay, if only everyone could be like you I'm sure the world would be more peaceful.

Pat Shawyer		12-Sep-2010 10:03
A moving story Fay ! I was at home and watching the lunchtime news, as everything started to happen in America. I watched in total shock and disbelief. My brother had just moved to Washington DC from England. I rang him in his office, he had just got to work (5 hour time difference) and I was shrieking to him down the phone, as the plane hit the Pentagon. he called out to the others in his office, and the boss told them to evacuate the building immediately ! It was all terrifying. The World changed that day..

Mieke WA Minkjan		12-Sep-2010 07:49
a great story Fay, so good to read it against the background of all that media hype at the moment, connection and including are the right words I think thank you for sharing! V

Cindi Smith		12-Sep-2010 04:56
I remember that day so well and what happened and how it effected those around me as well as myself. I lost a friend that day and so it has become rather personal for me. I hope that we never forget what happened and the intent behind it. Thanks for the rememberence.

Marielou Dhumez		12-Sep-2010 00:10
I do remember where I was and what I thought at that moment : I just arrived in a splendid place in Zanzibar and, in my room, the TV was on. I saw these images from CNN but I very first thought it was some images from a new movie..... When I realized a few seconds later that was TRUE I turned mad !!! My brother, his wife are Americans and she worked in that corner..... To get news I must had to wait 1,5 day.... You can imagine my distress..... This day is one of the worst days of my life. As it is for so many.

J. Scott Coile		11-Sep-2010 23:53
It was a surreal thing to witness. I can only imagine the anxiety watching it from so far away.

Jola Dziubinska		11-Sep-2010 23:00
Moving photo, Fay. I do remember this day well and where I've been.

Walter Otto Koenig		11-Sep-2010 22:42
A moving image and story Fay.

Mair�ad		11-Sep-2010 20:51
A powerful image and story -a message that needs to be repeated again and again.

LynnH		11-Sep-2010 18:11
I was on my way to the car dealership when I heard that a plane had struck one of the buildings at the WTC. No other information, so I thought... Please Lord, let is be a small plane and not too terrible. After leaving the car with the mechanics, I went in to the customer lounge where there were plenty of people who were waiting too. A single small television on the wall was showing the destruction and everyone went silent, staring in absolute disbelief as the second plane flew into the other tower. It was horrible.

debbieps		11-Sep-2010 17:32
A very moving and touching story, thank you so much for sharing it. The headline in your picture says it all! V

parallaxes aka Jean-Pierre Bijouard		11-Sep-2010 17:25
A great shot ... a moving and relevant tribute :^)

Guest		11-Sep-2010 15:50
Thanks for your story Fay. We will never forget that terrible day and all those innocent men and women who lost their lives on that tragic day. Great tribute! V

borisalex		11-Sep-2010 14:52
Wow.. I do believe all what you write here and think that this is a good place here to share your story, where you were, what you have done on this day! Great shot! BV.

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