It was a typical morning on the cardiac care floor of Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. My co-workers and I tending to our patients, getting them ready for procedures, tests, etcetera. I was a green patient care technician, just beginning my career. Suddenly a care coordinator shouted out, the Word Trade Center was hit! We all ran to her, in disbelief, staring blankly at the television. Tower 1 engulfed in flames. While gathering our thoughts, Tower 2 was struck, we then knew this wasn't an accident, but an attack. Numb, we carried on with patient care, checking the status via televisions in patients rooms, consoling them while fear and concern brewed within us. As we learned of the attack on the Pentagon, rumors were spreading that the Sears Tower, Golden Gate Bridge and hospitals near major cities could be next. How would we get all these patients to safety? So much was discussed. Shortly after talking about it, a nurse shouted, "Two small planes just passed my patients window"!! A few of us ran to the window. They weren't passenger planes, but fighter pilots, protecting our airspace. In a split second we exchanged a nod, I knew then we were safe.

I will never forget! God bless America.