Barrows: Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? A look back as we approach the 20th anniversary

It’s been 20 years since that terrible day when our world was forever changed.

In some ways, Sept. 11, 2001, seems like an eternity ago, but I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center.

I imagine most of you can, too.

As I look back on this milestone anniversary, I’m reflecting on that day, as I do every year around this time. I once again will watch the documentaries that have been shown on cable TV throughout the years, just so I don’t forget the horror of that day.

Although, I could never forget.

My perspective was different than many others. I was living in Scotland at the time. After just finishing graduate school, I took some time off to live abroad on a work visa. I was staying with family, and I was getting ready to go to my job as a server in a restaurant in the capital city of Edinburgh. It was about 2 p.m. when I heard news reports of the first plane hitting the tower from the downstairs TV.

“Must be some errant puddle-jumper plane that made a big mistake,” I thought as I continued to dry my hair.

But shortly after, a family member called me down to watch the TV as the second plane hit. It was then that I, and the rest of the world, realized it wasn’t a mistake of a poorly trained pilot. We were under attack.

I was almost frozen as I went about my business, got on the bus and went off to work.

When I arrived at my job, I heard about the attack on the Pentagon. And then about Flight 93. The TVs in the restaurant were tuned to the U.K.’s cable news channel, and the restaurant was empty that night. It was eerily quiet as all of the employees were glued to the TV. I remember being almost numb before breaking down in the break room.

I was glued to the U.K.’s news channels the rest of that week as I thought the world was coming to an end. I was supposed to stay overseas for one more month on my visa, but I decided to come home within a week. I just wanted to be with my family. To say the flight home was nerve-wracking is an understatement. I was shaking as I boarded my flight to O’Hare from Heathrow, my mind filled with completely irrational thoughts that my plane would be hijacked.

Looking back, I regret not staying in Scotland for that last month as the world didn’t end. But at the time, I made the decision that felt right.

We’ve never been the same since that day. I’ve visited the memorial and 9/11 Museum in New York City several times, making it a point to visit every time I’m in that city. Just to remember. To honor those we lost. It’s an incredibly sad, solemn and moving tribute. I’ve yet to visit the Pentagon memorial and the site of the Flight 93 crash.

As we approach this anniversary, I hope we can forget all that’s wrong with the world in this era of COVID-19 and collectively stop, pause and reflect on the enormity of that day, at least for a few moments.

Where were you on that fateful day? What are your memories? Have you been to any of the memorial sites?

I’d love to hear from you. I’m compiling a collection of readers’ stories and recollections for our 20th anniversary coverage. If you’d like to share, please email me at abarrows@shawmedia.com.

I look forward to hearing your stories.