9/11/2001 was Pool Related for Me

[sjm]

I live in Manhattan in New York City, a few miles from where the two World Trade Center Towers stood until that fateful day, 9/11/2001, the fourth anniversary of which is today.

It was late morning, and both of the twin towers had gone down. I wasn't working that day, and was at home alone, but I was very worried. I didn't want to be alone, so I went to the Amsterdam Billiard Club. There was no bus or train service, and I walked a mile and a half to get there so I could be with some of my pool buddies. Most of them were in the same boat as me, wondering whether friends and relatives were alive. We stuck together and endured one of the longest days of our respective lives. Very few of us actually played pool. I lost a close friend that day, a business colleague, and a few acquaintances, but my two brothers, both of whom worked at the World Trade Center, survived the day. I was one of the lucky ones that lost no relatives that day.

I've always felt that the fact that the poolroom was where I wanted to be on 9/11/01 evidences how much pool, and some people I've met because of it, mean to me. Pool is so much more than what happens over the green felt. The people you encounter through pool are what make pool special, and for me, that includes the many I've had the privilege of associating with on this forum, all of whom I truly appreciate.

And so, as I shed some tears of sadness in commemoration of that tragic day, I'll also allow myself a few tears of joy, because this day always makes me think of how precious, rewarding, and uplifting the associations I've made through pool really are.

 

[MikeJanis]

Pool is so much more than what happens over the green felt. The people you encounter through pool are what make pool special, and for me, that includes the many I've had the privilege of associating with on this forum, all of whom I truly appreciate.

And so, as I shed some tears of sadness in commemoration of that tragic day, I'll also allow myself a few tears of joy, because this day always makes me think of how precious, rewarding, and uplifting the associations I've made through pool really are.

I wholeheartedly agree....

Mj

 

[beetle]

I live in Manhattan in New York City, a few miles from where the two World Trade Center Towers stood until that fateful day, 9/11/2001, the fourth anniversary of which is today.

It was late morning, and both of the twin towers had gone down. I wasn't working that day, and was at home alone, but I was very worried. I didn't want to be alone, so I went to the Amsterdam Billiard Club. There was no bus or train service, and I walked a mile and a half to get there so I could be with some of my pool buddies. Most of them were in the same boat as me, wondering whether friends and relatives were alive. We stuck together and endured one of the longest days of our respective lives. Very few of us actually played pool. I lost a close friend that day, a business colleague, and a few acquaintances, but my two brothers, both of whom worked at the World Trade Center, survived the day. I was one of the lucky ones that lost no relatives that day.

I've always felt that the fact that the poolroom was where I wanted to be on 9/11/01 evidences how much pool, and some people I've met because of it, mean to me. Pool is so much more than what happens over the green felt. The people you encounter through pool are what make pool special, and for me, that includes the many I've had the privilege of associating with on this forum, all of whom I truly appreciate.

And so, as I shed some tears of sadness in commemoration of that tragic day, I'll also allow myself a few tears of joy, because this day always makes me think of how precious, rewarding, and uplifting the associations I've made through pool really are.

Thanks for recounting your memories from that horrible day. I am very lucky that I didn't lose any friends or relatives, but terribly saddened about the many lives that were taken, and sorry for those, like you, who lost friends. I was working on the mall in DC and from our secretary's office we saw the huge billowing, black smoke pouring from the Pentagon that morning. Whether you lived or died that day simply had to do with luck--being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unfortunately we are all living with that sense of vulnerability in the back of our minds every day now, when we ride the subway, fly, or travel outside the U.S. It's a very different world now.
--Steve

 

[boradriver]

I live in Manhattan in New York City, a few miles from where the two World Trade Center Towers stood until that fateful day, 9/11/2001, the fourth anniversary of which is today.

It was late morning, and both of the twin towers had gone down. I wasn't working that day, and was at home alone, but I was very worried. I didn't want to be alone, so I went to the Amsterdam Billiard Club. There was no bus or train service, and I walked a mile and a half to get there so I could be with some of my pool buddies. Most of them were in the same boat as me, wondering whether friends and relatives were alive. We stuck together and endured one of the longest days of our respective lives. Very few of us actually played pool. I lost a close friend that day, a business colleague, and a few acquaintances, but my two brothers, both of whom worked at the World Trade Center, survived the day. I was one of the lucky ones that lost no relatives that day.

I've always felt that the fact that the poolroom was where I wanted to be on 9/11/01 evidences how much pool, and some people I've met because of it, mean to me. Pool is so much more than what happens over the green felt. The people you encounter through pool are what make pool special, and for me, that includes the many I've had the privilege of associating with on this forum, all of whom I truly appreciate.

And so, as I shed some tears of sadness in commemoration of that tragic day, I'll also allow myself a few tears of joy, because this day always makes me think of how precious, rewarding, and uplifting the associations I've made through pool really are.

On Oct. 2nd I'll be playing in the 4th annual Eagle's Cup Classic Memorial golf tournament for my family memeber who didn't make it out of the Trade Center, but to keep my mind from thinking about what day today means for me I'm going out to play pool. Pool for me has always been a great way to forget (for alittle while) everything else and enjoy what I'm doing at that moment.

 

[The Piper]

9/11 I was in college. (never did finish) I woke up and watched the towers go down. Classes were cancelled. All phones including cell phones weren't working due to overload of dialing out. I went down to the campus pool hall and played endlessly. It was nothing but silence in that room. No one said a word, but everyone was there for each other. Giving each other cell phones. I know exactly what you mean. The long green was there for me too.

 

[Rude Dog]

I was still in hell(Prison) that day when I heard about what happened. I had a easy job, an orderly, but I paid others to do it for me. So, during the day time, every hour, usually on the hour, inmates are allowed to move from one building to another building, rec. yard, library, etc., so I went to the rec. yard to watch tv. The tv's require you to have a radio with head-phones to listen to the program, so it's hard to hear the staff intercom buzzing throughout the prison if you're watching tv. Anyway, some guy walks up to me and tells me that one of the C.O.'s(corrections officers) is calling for me to go back to the unit in which I live. So, I go back, knowing that I'm in trouble for leaving, but I try to explain to the C.O. that I just wanted to watch the news because there's obviously something going on out there in the real world. The C.O. tells me that it's none of my business and there's nothing I can do about it anyway. So, after a few choice words for the C.O., I find myself hand cuffed and off to the lieutenants office for a trip to the hole. After explaining my side of the incident to the LT., he puts me in a holding cell for about 3 hours, then sends me back to the unit. He could have sent me to the hole but I think he understood my concern because he was feeling the same as me and he knew that the C.O. who sent me to his office was a prick. So, I stayed away from the C.O. for the rest of the day until it was after work hours and I was able to go back to the rec. yard to watch the news again. Needless to say, it was a helpless feeling being where I was, but I'm sure that it didn't matter where any of us was on that day, we all felt the same way. Fortunately, I didn't know anyone that was lost on that day but I do feel for those that did. Take care, and peace, John.

 

[Eydie Romano]

9/11 was one of the worst days ever for us. We lost friends and the ability to feel safe in our own homeland.

 

[chefjeff]

I live in Manhattan in New York City, a few miles from where the two World Trade Center Towers stood until that fateful day, 9/11/2001, the fourth anniversary of which is today.

It was late morning, and both of the twin towers had gone down. I wasn't working that day, and was at home alone, but I was very worried. I didn't want to be alone, so I went to the Amsterdam Billiard Club. There was no bus or train service, and I walked a mile and a half to get there so I could be with some of my pool buddies. Most of them were in the same boat as me, wondering whether friends and relatives were alive. We stuck together and endured one of the longest days of our respective lives. Very few of us actually played pool. I lost a close friend that day, a business colleague, and a few acquaintances, but my two brothers, both of whom worked at the World Trade Center, survived the day. I was one of the lucky ones that lost no relatives that day.

I've always felt that the fact that the poolroom was where I wanted to be on 9/11/01 evidences how much pool, and some people I've met because of it, mean to me. Pool is so much more than what happens over the green felt. The people you encounter through pool are what make pool special, and for me, that includes the many I've had the privilege of associating with on this forum, all of whom I truly appreciate.

And so, as I shed some tears of sadness in commemoration of that tragic day, I'll also allow myself a few tears of joy, because this day always makes me think of how precious, rewarding, and uplifting the associations I've made through pool really are.

SJM, my wife and I reflected on this story after you told it to us at Peoria. And we came away with an increased appreciation of you, life, and come to think of it, pool. Thanks for the memorial.

As this tragedy happened, I was in the process of remodeling my basement into a pool room. On one wall, I created a relief looking northeast, of the statue of liberty, the Hudson, and the towers, still standing. When I have the spotlights on, you can see it if you look close enough. I intentionally left it vague enough to not be distracting to the casual viewer, but still a lasting reminder.

Jeff Livingston

 

[BRKNRUN]

9/11 was one of the worst days ever for us. We lost friends and the ability to feel safe in our own homeland.

I agree that is was one of the worst days ever.

However, even after this tragedy, I feel much safer in this country than I would in any other country in the world. (although there are a few countries I would like to visit) JMO

 

[BRKNRUN]

I live in Manhattan in New York City, a few miles from where the two World Trade Center Towers stood until that fateful day, 9/11/2001, the fourth anniversary of which is today.

It was late morning, and both of the twin towers had gone down. I wasn't working that day, and was at home alone, but I was very worried. I didn't want to be alone, so I went to the Amsterdam Billiard Club. There was no bus or train service, and I walked a mile and a half to get there so I could be with some of my pool buddies. Most of them were in the same boat as me, wondering whether friends and relatives were alive. We stuck together and endured one of the longest days of our respective lives. Very few of us actually played pool. I lost a close friend that day, a business colleague, and a few acquaintances, but my two brothers, both of whom worked at the World Trade Center, survived the day. I was one of the lucky ones that lost no relatives that day.

I've always felt that the fact that the poolroom was where I wanted to be on 9/11/01 evidences how much pool, and some people I've met because of it, mean to me. Pool is so much more than what happens over the green felt. The people you encounter through pool are what make pool special, and for me, that includes the many I've had the privilege of associating with on this forum, all of whom I truly appreciate.
And so, as I shed some tears of sadness in commemoration of that tragic day, I'll also allow myself a few tears of joy, because this day always makes me think of how precious, rewarding, and uplifting the associations I've made through pool really are.

I think we tend to congregate where ever we feel makes us happy in bad times. For some it's church, some it's the pool room.

I was working at the Golf Course that morning. We had many golfers show up and not even play golf. They just wanted to sit in the Pro Shop / Snack Bar and watch the TV.....Some did not even play golf on that particular day of the week. They just showed up just to be there.

 

[DaveK]

I was several hours late for work that day, sitting quietly here in Saskatoon on the end of the bed with my wife, watching in horror. When I lived in Toronto I would 'walk to Manhattan' occasionally. I'd walk to the Island Airport for a quick flight to Newark, then pop across the river to call on TeleRate Inc. (later bought by Reuters), who had offices on the 104th floor in one of the towers. I cannot imagine the terror those innocent people must have felt trapped inside that already clostrophobic complex. There cannot be a hell bad enough for those responsible, but I hope they are close.

Dave

 

[cubswin]

I was working that day and heard about it on the radio very early on. The station reported the first plane hitting the world trade center, and the speculation at that time was it was an accident. Shortly there after came the report of the plane hitting the pentagon, and I picked up the phone as I was driving and called up my mom, who I knew would be at home. Asked her to flip on cnn, and but they weren't giving out much information at that time. I made it to my client, a nursing home, right about the time the first tower started to collaspe. Remember watching it, but not what my thoughts were.

Was a strange day to say the least, only real way for me to get information was from the radio, and they did a good job of reporting and not going with speculation after it became apparent that it was a attack on the nation.

Spent most of the late afternoon and evening watching cnn and feeling horrified and angry.

Can't imagine how people with loved ones in the buildings, or who live close to their felt and feel. I still can't.

 

[barrett9ball]

I think we tend to congregate where ever we feel makes us happy in bad times. For some it's church, some it's the pool room.

It was the pool room for me also. I had just gone 13 months without a cigarette. They let us leave work early for obvious reasons and I just couldn't sit at home any longer I so left for the poolroom. Stopped and picked a pack of cigs. This room I play at has a wonderful group of regulars. Sure they bicker and fight sometimes but I know that if the chips are down I can count on them like family. Like most everyone else I can remember every minor detail of that day. Still 4 years later my thoughts and prayers go out to those families.

 

[Barbara]

I live in Manhattan in New York City, a few miles from where the two World Trade Center Towers stood until that fateful day, 9/11/2001, the fourth anniversary of which is today.

It was late morning, and both of the twin towers had gone down. I wasn't working that day, and was at home alone, but I was very worried. I didn't want to be alone, so I went to the Amsterdam Billiard Club. There was no bus or train service, and I walked a mile and a half to get there so I could be with some of my pool buddies. Most of them were in the same boat as me, wondering whether friends and relatives were alive. We stuck together and endured one of the longest days of our respective lives. Very few of us actually played pool. I lost a close friend that day, a business colleague, and a few acquaintances, but my two brothers, both of whom worked at the World Trade Center, survived the day. I was one of the lucky ones that lost no relatives that day.

I've always felt that the fact that the poolroom was where I wanted to be on 9/11/01 evidences how much pool, and some people I've met because of it, mean to me. Pool is so much more than what happens over the green felt. The people you encounter through pool are what make pool special, and for me, that includes the many I've had the privilege of associating with on this forum, all of whom I truly appreciate.

And so, as I shed some tears of sadness in commemoration of that tragic day, I'll also allow myself a few tears of joy, because this day always makes me think of how precious, rewarding, and uplifting the associations I've made through pool really are.

sjm,

I just had the MD event finish up today and while driving home and seeing the mileage signs on I95 for NY, it really hit me. Again.

To this day, I still cannot watch much of the film reruns of the WTC tragedy. I left work that day. I went home around 3 pm because I couldn't handle seeing what was going on. What NYC went through, I couldn't imagine. I went home and washed my car and it was eerie how quiet it was outside because the air traffic had been halted and I live about 20 minutes from Philly International. I cried. A lot.

And I will never take that "good morning off to work kiss" lightly ever again.

Take care,

Barbara

 

[sjm]

I guess we all have memories of 9/11 that are etched in our hearts. Thanks to all for sharing their stories, and for writing in a sensitive, compassionate and uplifting way. It helped me to get through the anniversary of a day that I still haven't fully come to grips with. You guys are simply the best.

 

[9 Ball Girl]

Hi SJM -

I work at 26 Federal Plaza which is located about 7 blocks away from the WTC.

Four years ago, I was constantly getting into work late because I kept spending all of my nights in poolrooms. On 9-11-01, I decided that this was going to be the day that I start getting into work early.

I get off on Chambers St. at the northern end of the "A" train to get to work but that day I decided to stay at the Southern end of the train (underneath the WTC) to get a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts and surprise my coworkers for making it in earlier than the norm. Plus it was such a beautiful clear day since it rained the night before. I walked in through the WTC and out to where Krispy Kreme was located (across from Century 21). I had my work I.D. in my right hand, the dozen donutes in my left hand, and my pool case strapped around my back (I was playing at the Corner Billiards Tuesday 8 ball league at the time). I never made it to work.

I was 1 block away on Church Street when the first plane hit. The sound was tremendous and it startled the hell out of me. I looked up and saw flames coming out from the top half of the north tower. Like everyone else, I just stood there and kept looking up and could only think of the movie "The Towering Inferno". At this point I lost all sense of time. I crossed the street so that I wouldn't have to crane my neck so much and walked another block. I stopped again to look up at the flames and I remember standing there watching when from the corner of my eye I saw a plane flying really low (I still didn't know that a plane went into the first tower). I turned my head away from the flames to look at this plane that's flying really low only to see it make a sharp "u-turn" and go into the South tower. Terrorism wasn't registering with me.

I walked two more blocks so now I'm halfway to work. I stopped to look again and decided that I'd better call work to call in late (again) because I was curious. The phones were not working and I couldn't get in touch with anyone. I looked up again towards the towers and started to see debris falling. Eventhough I was wearing my contacts, I found myself squinting to better make out what it was that I was seeing and that's when I saw flailing arms and legs, a woman with a red skirt, a man going head down, and that's when a calm panic set into me. I couldn't help but think, "My God, is it that bad up there that their last resort is to jump?" Now I start to speed walk when I heard a loud crunching sound. Human nature made me stop and turn around again to look. I'll never forget that rumbling sound of a building collapsing. The sound made me turn back around and haul ass and as I looked behind me all I saw was a thick cloud of what I thought was black smoke. I ducked into a pizzeria and it looked as if there was a blackout.

I waited for that to pass and when things cleared, I went back outside. There were people covered in white dust. The streets looked as if it snowed a couple of inches. I had just gotten word that all transportation had been stopped. I made it to the corner of Lafayette and Worth St when I heard that same sickening sound and the woman next to me says, "My God, the other one is falling too." I look up and all I could see was the antenna coming straight down. I ran further north.

I wound up walking to my sister's job on 23rd and 6th ave. On my way there, there were groups of people surrounding cars with radios blasting news of what was going on. I made it to my sister's job who was dismissed early, and she and I started the trek back to Brooklyn. When we got to the foot of the Bridge, it was about 5ish PM. We got to the middle of the bridge and looked at what used to be our favorite skyline. While looking, #7 World Trade Center comes down. I did not feel safe being on the bridge at the moment. When we made it to the Brooklyn side, police officers welcomed all of those who walked with cups of cold water. We made it to my Mom's house in Park Slope where I was then able to watch the news and get a sense of what happened. It's when I learned of the other 2 planes. Would you believe that I still had the stupid donuts wrapped around my wrist? I haven't eaten a Krispy Kreme donut since that day.

For about a year's length of time, I became obsessed with going down to the site everyday to see them take down the remaining pieces. I work on the 40th floor and would not let a day go by without walking to a window to look south and see water that was once blocked by the WTC.

I"ll always remember this day as if it were only yesterday. I lost 2 friends that day, both of Cantor Fitzgerald. Sorry for the long read.

 

[BRKNRUN]

Hi SJM -

I work at 26 Federal Plaza which is located about 7 blocks away from the WTC.

Four years ago, I was constantly getting into work late because I kept spending all of my nights in poolrooms. On 9-11-01, I decided that this was going to be the day that I start getting into work early.

I get off on Chambers St. at the northern end of the "A" train to get to work but that day I decided to stay at the Southern end of the train (underneath the WTC) to get a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts and surprise my coworkers for making it in earlier than the norm. Plus it was such a beautiful clear day since it rained the night before. I walked in through the WTC and out to where Krispy Kreme was located (across from Century 21). I had my work I.D. in my right hand, the dozen donutes in my left hand, and my pool case strapped around my back (I was playing at the Corner Billiards Tuesday 8 ball league at the time). I never made it to work.

I was 1 block away on Church Street when the first plane hit. The sound was tremendous and it startled the hell out of me. I looked up and saw flames coming out from the top half of the north tower. Like everyone else, I just stood there and kept looking up and could only think of the movie "The Towering Inferno". At this point I lost all sense of time. I crossed the street so that I wouldn't have to crane my neck so much and walked another block. I stopped again to look up at the flames and I remember standing there watching when from the corner of my eye I saw a plane flying really low (I still didn't know that a plane went into the first tower). I turned my head away from the flames to look at this plane that's flying really low only to see it make a sharp "u-turn" and go into the South tower. Terrorism wasn't registering with me.

I walked two more blocks so now I'm halfway to work. I stopped to look again and decided that I'd better call work to call in late (again) because I was curious. The phones were not working and I couldn't get in touch with anyone. I looked up again towards the towers and started to see debris falling. Eventhough I was wearing my contacts, I found myself squinting to better make out what it was that I was seeing and that's when I saw flailing arms and legs, a woman with a red skirt, a man going head down, and that's when a calm panic set into me. I couldn't help but think, "My God, is it that bad up there that their last resort is to jump?" Now I start to speed walk when I heard a loud crunching sound. Human nature made me stop and turn around again to look. I'll never forget that rumbling sound of a building collapsing. The sound made me turn back around and haul ass and as I looked behind me all I saw was a thick cloud of what I thought was black smoke. I ducked into a pizzeria and it looked as if there was a blackout.

I waited for that to pass and when things cleared, I went back outside. There were people covered in white dust. The streets looked as if it snowed a couple of inches. I had just gotten word that all transportation had been stopped. I made it to the corner of Lafayette and Worth St when I heard that same sickening sound and the woman next to me says, "My God, the other one is falling too." I look up and all I could see was the antenna coming straight down. I ran further north.

I wound up walking to my sister's job on 23rd and 6th ave. On my way there, there were groups of people surrounding cars with radios blasting news of what was going on. I made it to my sister's job who was dismissed early, and she and I started the trek back to Brooklyn. When we got to the foot of the Bridge, it was about 5ish PM. We got to the middle of the bridge and looked at what used to be our favorite skyline. While looking, #7 World Trade Center comes down. I did not feel safe being on the bridge at the moment. When we made it to the Brooklyn side, police officers welcomed all of those who walked with cups of cold water. We made it to my Mom's house in Park Slope where I was then able to watch the news and get a sense of what happened. It's when I learned of the other 2 planes. Would you believe that I still had the stupid donuts wrapped around my wrist? I haven't eaten a Krispy Kreme donut since that day.

For about a year's length of time, I became obsessed with going down to the site everyday to see them take down the remaining pieces. I work on the 40th floor and would not let a day go by without walking to a window to look south and see water that was once blocked by the WTC.

I"ll always remember this day as if it were only yesterday. I lost 2 friends that day, both of Cantor Fitzgerald. Sorry for the long read.

Unfortunatley you tell the story too well. I had to read every word...

As tragic as the story is, I could not help but notice and be reminded of all the different landmarks that New York has....(heck the whole city is a landmark)

My father was born and raised in New York. We moved to Arizona when I was two so I have no memory other than what my father told me. He always had that NY accent....He could never say the number three right...always came out "tree"...

He told me how high those towers were....

One of these days I am going to take a trip there just to see where I was born. However, I hear that New York General Hospital is no longer there.

 

[davidhop]

I live in Manhattan in New York City, a few miles from where the two World Trade Center Towers stood until that fateful day, 9/11/2001, the fourth anniversary of which is today.

It was late morning, and both of the twin towers had gone down. I wasn't working that day, and was at home alone, but I was very worried. I didn't want to be alone, so I went to the Amsterdam Billiard Club. There was no bus or train service, and I walked a mile and a half to get there so I could be with some of my pool buddies. Most of them were in the same boat as me, wondering whether friends and relatives were alive. We stuck together and endured one of the longest days of our respective lives. Very few of us actually played pool. I lost a close friend that day, a business colleague, and a few acquaintances, but my two brothers, both of whom worked at the World Trade Center, survived the day. I was one of the lucky ones that lost no relatives that day.

I've always felt that the fact that the poolroom was where I wanted to be on 9/11/01 evidences how much pool, and some people I've met because of it, mean to me. Pool is so much more than what happens over the green felt. The people you encounter through pool are what make pool special, and for me, that includes the many I've had the privilege of associating with on this forum, all of whom I truly appreciate.

And so, as I shed some tears of sadness in commemoration of that tragic day, I'll also allow myself a few tears of joy, because this day always makes me think of how precious, rewarding, and uplifting the associations I've made through pool really are.

Good post! I feel for all of those who lost loved ones on 9/11.
On a related subject, the pool room is where I go any time something is bothering me. If I am upset, it always seems to calm me down, if I feel bad, I always seem to feel at least a little better while I am there. I wonder why?

 

[9 Ball Girl]

On a related subject, the pool room is where I go any time something is bothering me. If I am upset, it always seems to calm me down, if I feel bad, I always seem to feel at least a little better while I am there. I wonder why?

David -

I couldn't help but start to sing the theme song from Cheers:

Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came...