Stacey Day’s 9/11 Memory

On September 11, 2001, I was working at a day program for people with severe mental illnesses, in West Columbia, South Carolina.  A typical day included group activities, and meal preparation.  As was often the case, the TV was on, so of course we saw almost in real time as the first plane hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center.  Initially there was a feeling of disbelief, but then as it became apparent that the nation was under attack, several of our program participants began sobbing quietly.  The question of “Why?” came up all day long, one which we were ill-equipped to answer.  As staff we did our best – in our own shocked state – to help our clients manage and process the overwhelming sadness, confusion, and anger they were feeling throughout that awful day.  It is a day and a moment in time I will never forget.

Stacey Day