Buedingen, Germany. Its about 3:30pm there. I had just gotten my children from the DODDs school bus in Mittel Gruendau and headed over to the kaserne to get the boys a haircut. Jinger has piano lessons at the housing area there, also. I drive through the check-point, the young soldier looks at my I.D, no problems. No indication of anything wrong. I proceed onto the base. A number of soldiers seem to be hurrying over to the dining facility. I take the kids to the rear and downstairs of that same building. A couple of young soldiers are waiting for haircuts, no one even looks up at us. The hair-stylist, a German lady, has the radio going. The news is on. Were listening to the broadcast- in German but I cant make it all out. Something about a building in New York City and a plane crash? Just then, Robin calls me on my cell phone. Jeff, the principal just came in. The base commander just called her and we have to vacate the premises immediately. They are locking down the base I have to get out of here! I am thinking, What, what? Havent you heard? The World Trade Center has been attacked! Its bad, Jeff, its real bad! (someone is speaking to hear as I listen over the phone), Oh and the Pentagon, too! Something also about another plane heading for Washington? Jeff I got to go! I dont know if I will be able to get off the base or not but will see you back at the house if I can. Will call as soon as I can. I love you! She then hung up. I am trying to maintain my compose. I dont want the kids to see me upset. They are playing on Game-boys and are not paying much attention to the conversation. Just then the barber lady cries in her native language, Another plane has crashed into the other tower! Gott! Mein Gott! she says. Its the boys turn to get haircuts. She is sobbing now but trying hard for the childrens sake to keep it together. We pay for the haircuts and leave. Jinger reminds me it is time for her piano lessons. All I really want to do is to go home, but have to try to keep some sense of routine. I dont want them scared. We arrive and the teacher is glad to see us. She has her television set on. As Jinger is playing through her scales I fight the tears as I watch the replay of the twin towers smoldering and on fire. They have not yet crumbled to the ground. Following the lesson, we get into the car and head back home to Mittel Gruendau. No one says a word as I am listening to the AFN (Armed Forces Radio) station and updates. Just as we pull into the driveway, we hear that the first tower has collapsed. Thankfully, Robin is just getting out of her car in the driveway. Our German neighbor greets us, extending his concern and condolences, asking us if we are okay. We turn on the television and watch the events replay. Now the second tower has collapsed. We stand there weeping, watching in horror. At dinner, I try to pray- I cannot get the words out without choking. I cannot eat. Its going to be a long night.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:06:48 +0000
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