Standing Strong
Chrissy Schery
Age 13
It was 4th period when I heard the news about the horrible plane crash that changed our lives forever.
“Sorry for this announcement, but there have been some unexplained plane crashes. We promise you that this school is safe. Thank you,” explained the principal on the loud speaker sounding like a baby mouse that had been crying for hours. My heart started to pound because of the sound in her voice and the confusion going on in the classroom so I asked my friend, “What do you think happened?” “Not sure, but I hope everyone is okay,” she answered. “See you guys tomorrow, “ shouted Ms. Roberts as kids flushed into the hallways. I kept wondering what was going on.
As I came up to my next class I saw puzzled faces. I sat down and the sub began, “Everyone please sit down I have something important to talk to you about.” When I heard that I knew this was an emergency. “As you all know there have been--.”
“Hello,” sounded the loud speaker.
“Yes,” replied the sub.
“Chrissy for dismissal.”
“Sure, Chrissy did you hear that?”
“Yes,” I replied as I picked up my books and walked into the hallway to my locker. The hallways weren’t exactly empty because other kids were also packing up.
When I walked downstairs I saw my dad, brother and sister. “C’mon, let’s go,” said my dad. We walked to the sign out sheet where I saw a lady’s hand shaking non-stop while she was writing. We then exited making our way to the car. The roads were very crowded and there was a lot of honking. I had never seen anything like that before.
On the way home it was awfully quiet, which is very unusual. When we came to our driveway I saw my mom in tears on the phone. She said she had something in her eye even though I knew she was really crying. As we all walked into the kitchen my dad explained, “I’ve been called into the City to help with the plane crashes.” He got 3 sandwiches he had already made for us kids, turned on the television and continued, “Two planes have crashed into the WTC and now all the firemen and policeman have been called in to help.” He kissed us all and then started again, “I’ll call you when I find out some news, love you all and see you tomorrow.” “Love you,” shouted my mom, brother, sister and I, “be careful, see you tomorrow,” we continued as he walked down the stairs.
My mom went
outside and my dad closed the door behind them. I got tears in my eyes and I began to cry. As I looked up I saw my sister also crying
and my brother’s eyes were tearing. I
heard the bell to the back door ring, thinking it was my dad, I ran downstairs
and yelled, “Daddy?” When I came to the
door I heard a voice say, “No Daddy just left.” When she opened the door, my mom saw everyone crying so she said,
“Come lets go upstairs.” She walked us
upstairs and tried to comfort us.
“Don’t worry guys he will call as --,” she was cut off by the
phone. My sister jumped off the couch
and went to answer it, “Hello,” she began, “Sure hold on, mom it’s for
you.” “Thanks hun,”
she replied as she went for the phone.
She started to walk downstairs and I began to follow.
She walked outside and then I knew this was important. I felt this could help me understand what was going on so I sat on the floor by the door and began to listen. “Yes, he just left for work,” she began, “I’m scared. I couldn’t imagine anything like this happening. I can’t handle this. I have no idea when he’ll be back,” she paused and I began to cry. I heard footsteps coming to the door but I hesitated to move. When I heard her hand on the door I scurried into the computer room. There I sat and wondered about everything going on. Is everyone going to be okay? Did anyone get hurt? Will my Daddy be okay?
* * * * * *
“Ring, Ring,” sounded the phone in the middle of dinner. Since everyone had called to see how my dad was doing I thought it might be someone calling that was concerned for him. “Hello,” exclaimed my mom as she walked upstairs. This time I didn’t follow, I instead sat and continued to eat. When my mom came downstairs she said, “That was John, (someone my dad works with), he said that Daddy’s Engine is returning to the firehouse and we can finally call him.” My mom started to dial his number with a big grin on her face. Her just saying that made me feel so much better and happy. You can’t believe how much of an impact one day could have on everyone’s life. I feel the pain of everyone who had a loved one that was in the City on that awful day. I thank God for letting my dad come home safe and I give all my support to all the families that have either fathers or mothers that still haven’t come home.