a day to remember

September 11, 2001. This date is widely known all over the world. For us Americans, it was a day of uncertainty, fear, and deep, deep sadness. And for those of us who are Muslims, it was a day that would forever change the way others look at us.

There has been so much controversy going on in recent weeks. And I refuse to go into that today. For today is a day of remembrance. A day about how Americans, ALL Americans, came together in the face of tragedy. We need NOT waste our time in arguing about locations or how small-minded people are trying for a place in the media spotlight. That would be unfair and disrespectful to all of those who lost their lives and all of those who lost their loved ones.

Instead, I will tell you this. I am American. I am a Muslim. I love my country. I love my religion. There is nothing in either my country nor in my religion that prevents me from being able to love the other.

Each of of us has a story from that day. How we learned of the events. What we felt. How we were able to move through it all. Here are the things I can remember...

~ The weather that day was beautiful.

~ I had to work 9:30am-5pm (I was a mgr @ a retail store in the mall.)

~ I first learned that something was happening when I was on the phone with my District Mgr. She said, "Did you hear what happened?". Me, thinking it was something w/in the company, "No, what?". "I don't know exactly, but they said a plane crashed into the WTC", she answered. I thought it was a plane accident.

~ Once I learned what was really going on, I felt trapped in my store. Many stores were closing and employees allowed to go home. My company? Not a chance. If the mall is open, we stay open. I spotted these tacky fish radios in our accessory dept. Lightbulb moment. There's my window to what is going on.

~I went to the $ Store in the mall to buy batteries for the radio. They have the radio on in their store with the news events (we had satellite with only music in our store). They mention about a mall which is about 1 hour's drive away being evacuated. I am concerned. I thought this was happening in NYC, why is a mall in PA, and so near our town, being evacuated?

~I soon find out about the Pentagon and the plane crash in PA (very near the mall that had been evacuated).

~I was still hoping we could close and go home. Feelings of uncertainty were high. My company stayed open until close that night, for a mere $300 in sales. My part time sales associate's mother calls. She will not allow her daughter to come to work. I tell her I fully understand and not to worry. I have to cover her shift (there's no way I can call somebody in). My awesome part time asst. mgr arrived for his evening shift. He tells me to go home, I've been at work all day. I get permission and leave a couple of hours early. I keep calling the store to check on things. He's got it all under control.

~I went home and was glued to the TV. My heart sinks and I feel sick to my stomach when I hear it...."Muslim Terrorist Attack". WHAT?!? No way could a Muslim do this, I think. I had just converted the year before. The hijackers become to Islam what the Nazis, the KKK, David Koresh, and Timothy McVeigh all are to Christianity. Except, most people, so hurt and confused, don't understand this.

~I spend the next nine years hearing things, very hurtful things, about my religion, some from my very own family. I know that I must be patient. But it's not always easy.

To those who lost their lives that day, may you rest in peace.

To those who lost loved ones, my heart aches for you.

To those who are forever changed, I feel you.

To Muslims around the world, don't give up. God-willing, people will one day understand that the majority of us are peaceful, tolerant, and loving people. That we do not condone evil.

September 11, 2001, a day forever held in our hearts.