Monday, August 3, 2009
It's hard to beleive that in about a month, we'll be marking the
eight anniversary of that horrible day. A lot has changed in the world
in that time. And a lot has changed in my personal life.
I'm now married, living near DC, and expecting our first child
later this year.
Stange how long ago 9/11 feels and yet so close.
Friday, February 6, 2004
I was tempted on the second anniversary of the attack to make an entry on this page, but somehow I didnt' feel up to it. In the weeks leading up to that day, the media outlets were filled to the rim with images, sounds, and any other patriotic theme. I did not want to add to the noise. I even thought of taking the day off.
Then I came to my senses.
In 2002, I would have killed to have a job to go to. September 11, 2003 would have been my first day I had a job to go to since the attack and it seemed like a slap in the face to God not to go in. That might sound silly, but after 12 months of being unemployed, I was enthused to have a job at all.
The firm I consult at had a 9/11 memorial service and I initially thought I was not going to the ceremony, but I ended up going anyway. The weather was oddly similiar to 9/11/2001 -- a perfectly clear and sunny day. This time, however, I was in a park in suburban New Jersey, with no sky scrapers in sight.
Later that evening, the town I live in had a 9/11 memorial service and I gave a short speech reflecting on my experiences. I am quite glad to have faced my feelings and shared my 9/11 experience with so many people in person and many more with this web site.
I then realized that it was my moral obligation as a survivor to remind people of what it was like to be at the WTC that day. This is something that Viktor Frankl had mentioned sixty years ago in his book "Man's Search for Meaning."
Between my acceptance of my 9/11 experiences and my moral obligation, I had felt more empowered that I had in over two years. Furthermore, I had just started my own consulting business that week. What better time for me to start a new venture that around September 11th?
9/11 is the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing I think of when I go to bed at night. I can either use that to my advantage by reminding myself how fortunate I am to have survived or feel forever angry and bitter for all that I lost. I consciously have chosen to use it for the benefit of all.
For me now, 9/11 is about me coming to my senses; for coming to a deeper, more spiritual understanding of my life; for enjoying the simple things; and to use my experience to propel myself in a new direction with infinitely more faith and confidence in the future and myself. Pundits wonder if it would be a good idea to make it a national holiday. From time to time, people email me to ask for my opinion on the matter. I say no, it should not be made a national holiday. The tragedy of 9/11 was that it was to be a normal day, just a Tuesday after Labor Day and the Summer vacation season. People went to work that morning focusing on their jobs, their careers, and making money. The people who died that day were just doing their jobs, whether they were stock brokers on the 110th floor, flight attendants, or fire fighters. The people who died were just like you and me; just doing what they usually do.
We should all remember that tragedy comes all too often without warning and that a boring, mundane day is a blessing in diguise.
Going to work and to school that day is the best way to remember the people who died.
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
 Ten
Years ago, terrorists first struck the World Trade Center. Six people
died and hundreds were injured. The culprits were caught, but their
overseas ties were never pursued.
One of the hardest questions I will have to explain to my children
is why didn't we crackdown on terrorism after the 1993 bombing the
way we did after the 2001 terrorist attack. The short answer is the
buildings did not fall down. That gave us a sense of victory.
Had the investigation brought to light the true depth of the hatred
and willingness of certain persons around the world, the death and
devastation of subsequent attacks might have been avoided. This includes
embassy bombings and the attack on the USS Cole. History will not
judge the national leadership of the time well in matters of terrorism
and national security.
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
One Year Later
 Today
marks the one year anniversary of the tragedy and horror of the terrorist
attacks of 9/11/01. So much has changed, yet the grief and the sorrow
remain. I sat through the reading of all 2800 names, It took around
two hours. Think about that, one hundred twenty minutes of reading
names of victims.
Last night I attended a Mass held in honor of my high school's almuni
who were killed in the attack. Some I knew, others not at all. The
church was packed with fellow mourners and others who wanted to express
solidarity with the victims' families. Of the people of my class who were in the area that day, I am the sole survivor
As for me, I'm done with watching TV for the day. I've paid my respects
and have come to terms with what I saw. Now it's less about shock,
anger, and grief. Now is about getting on with life; moving on into
new directions and onto greater opportunities. I still remember those
who perished and hold their memory dear in my heart, but now I know
the best way to honor them is to build a better life and a better
world.
For the survivors of the attack, today should be an affirmation of
life and the simple joy of just being alive. At 10AM, the time of
the South Tower collapse, I walked outside, took a breath of fresh
air and thanked God for the pleasure of clean air to breathe. Tonight,
I'm going out to my favorite restaurant and having a nice meal.
It is the duty of the survivor not only to remember, but also to
taste for those who can longer taste, to drink for those who can longer
drink, and to live a full life for those who have had theirs savagely
taken.
Right about now, it's time I stepped away from my PC and got outside
to enjoy God's creation.
Take Care and God Bless You and May God Continue to Bless America,
Frank
Wednesday, April 3, 2002
 It
has been almost seven months since September 11th. Every now and then
I think about what I saw and what I experienced, then my thoughts
drift to those friends that I've lost and to their families. If my
grief and sadness are this bad, I can only imagine how deep their
sorrows are.
My grandmother compares September 11th to Pearl Harbor. While she
is not the first person to make such a comparison, she is the first
to point out that my life is now part of American History. The attack
on the WTC is the first major world event of the 21st century.
For better or worse, it is now part of me. I can only imagine turning
on the TV one day in the future to see the TV movie starring Brad
Pitt and Allyssa Milano only to tell my kids for the one millionth
time about that terrible Tuesday morning.
As for the present, life has returned back to normal. I have had
the chance to put all of this into perspective and once again look
at the future with optimism and hope. After all, if I can survive
this, I can survive just about anything.
Hey, any day that a building doesn't fall on me is
a great day.
God Bless America and May There Yet Be Peace,
Frank
Monday, March 10, 2002
 Tonight,
on the eve of the sixth month anniverary of the attack. While many
things have healed, much has not. After having been back down to the
Ground Zero area on Friday, it really hit me. Not so much by what
I saw there, but more what wasn't there.
On Friday, I had the chance to thank to the owner of the shoe store
on Nassau Street that had given some of us some shelter during the
dust cloud. The guy even remembered me. Apparently, I'm not the first
to return and offer thanks.
Tonight, I watched the 9|11 documentary on CBS.
The video confirmed something I had known since that terrible morning.
The noise made during the South Tower collapse was unlike anyother
noise I've ever heard.
Between that and Friday's visit to the area, it was a bit too much
for me. On the other hand, there's something to be said for facing
your fear.
Tuesday, December 11, 2001
 It
is now three months to the day that Terrorists did the unthinkable.
Much has changed, much has not. So long ago in many ways and in other
ways, it seems as if it happened yesterday.
In the time since, I've learned a lot about myself. Inward reflection
tends to do that. I've re-evaluated my goals and direction in life,
even though sometimes it feels as if I have no direction at all. Sometimes
it seems as if the pain and the horror will never go away. Yet, every
once and a while, I see a brighter future not only in spite of Sept
11, but rather because of the massive tragedy.
Taking a deep breath and a step back, I've actually managed to grow
in the last three months. In response to the WTC attack, I've been
learning Arabic and have begun to get my MBA. The best response to
hate and anger is education and understanding.
October 2001
I know the best way to beat the terrorists is to get back to normal, but what the hell does that mean?
Before
the attack, I was still somewhat dazed and confused. I had just returned
to the US after a 18 months of living in Europe.
Though I was happy to be back in my hometown, New York, I had wanted
to stick around Europe a bit longer, maybe as much as a year. I could
even be talked into staying over there for another two years.
Since the attack, I've been anything but normal. I can't get back
to a normal pattern of sleep, the thought of being in a tall building
freaks me out, and any loud noise or alarm sounds has me reaching
for my "Attitude Adjuster," my flashlight/night stick, which,
for some reason, I am compelled to bring with me everywhere.
 After
hearing the FBI's call for Arabic speakers, I signed up at a local
community college to learn Arabic. I have a tendency to pick up languages
quickly and a need to do something to contribute tothe cause. The
class is filled with Americans of Arabian descent. Being amongst regular
Arab-Americans helps drive the point home that they are not the enemy.
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