Ten years ago I had flown with Michael to Seattle. I had a week off of work and was excited that Justin and I were going to spend most of the week together as well as visit with my girlfriend Missy. I had flown in on the night of the 7th. I had spent time with Justin over the weekend and we were excited that he was soon to transfer to San Diego to be closer. We had even talked about marrying on the 10th but decided to wait. The USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72 was in yards at PSNS in Bremerton for the last of a 6 month overhaul. On the evening of the 10th I wanted to go to dinner with a friend and we had a rather large disagreement over it. I felt bad but felt that there was nothing wrong with it. The following morning my friend Missy had asked me to take her to work as her husband had to be at a job sight very early. I agreed. My friend Erik, that I had dinner with was also stationed on the Lincoln (which was part of the problem with Justin, jealousy). We ended up taking the very last ferry over to the area so I had to make the long 75 mile drive back to Seattle. I got back at about 2:30AM.
I went to bed but left the TV on in the hotel room as I felt safer that way. The alarm was set for 5:30A but I figured that I could go back to the hotel and sleep more later. I woke up and had a hard time since I only slept 3 hours. I awoke to the NBC and the pictures of the first tower in flames, I thought I was dreaming and just watched in shock. Within minutes I watched the second plant hit the south tower. I called my girlfriend to see if I was crazy and asked if she had seen what was on the TV. She turned on the TV and was dumbfounded. They were saying that all federal offices were closed, so I asked Missy to check and see if she was to go in since she worked at a federal building daycare. The offices were closed for fear of more attacks possible.
Justin was unreachable as they were at General Quarters and were assessing if they were done with work and could be sent out to sea. I was just in such a shock. I called my mom and checked on her. She was shocked too. She had to go to work because they did not care what was happening we had to be there. I called in to work and said I may be delayed in getting back because of all the closures. I had to call in everyday to see what was going on and could arrange. I kept in close contact with mom as we were worried about each other.
Justin was finally able to call me after 2pm as they had let them go as they determined that they could not leave. Things were just not finished. He wanted me to get to Bremerton so that he would know we were safe. I explained that the ferries were not running and I thought I should just stay put. We had phone communication and that was better than nothing. Needless to say the weeks plans were cancelled. No baseball game and dates were cancelled. I did finally drive over to Bremerton to spend time with Justin and ease his fears. It took me 24 hours to have the shock wear off. I was not able to fly out of Seattle until the following Tuesday. The job was pissed because I could not get home but they had to deal with the fact that planes were not flying. I was 3 days late getting back from vacation but I was grateful that all persons I was concerned about were safe.
We will never forget! It altered our lives forever. Michael remembers bits and pieces but knows that Justin's service has been a small part of keeping us free. I love my husband and all that I know for their service because without them we would not have the freedoms that we have. God Bless America! We are a chosen nation and need to turn to the Lord more for protection and guidance even though some want to discard the roll that Lord has in this country.
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