That moment

Image courtesy of Robert Linder,
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"Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children." ~President George W. Bush

I had to teach News Writing that morning, and I drove to work early, hoping for a cup of coffee and some quiet prep time. No one was in the newsroom when I arrived, and I settled at my desk to review my notes. Then one of my students appeared in the doorway: "A plane just hit the World Trade Center." I remember feeling confused; my brain couldn't process his words, and it took a moment for me to comprehend, although as I look back now, I'm not sure I've ever understood. The student left, and I abandoned my office and walked to the cafeteria, in sudden, desperate need of company and familiarity.

What are your memories of that terrible moment?