The Autry Effect

Pondering on the symmetry that exists in life. Also, remembering. 

A question that always gets asked among Americans this time of year: “Do you remember where you were when you found out?” And of course we all do. I haven’t met one person who doesn’t.

I had just walked into the campus bookstore at UF. I was a freshman and the fall term had started not long ago and I needed to pick up a book. I remember feeling so surprised when I noticed the front check out lanes were amazingly empty. Usually at this time of year the lines were so long that they snaked back back through the bookshelves. And then I saw the people clustered around the TVs that were set up in various locations throughout the store and saw what they were watching. I set down the items I had picked up and went outside to try and call my good friend who was also just starting his freshman year… but at NYU. I couldn’t get through, of course (I would later find out he was fine). Then I called my parents. My mother was crying.

I remember that day, and I’ll never forget it. 

11 September 2011 ·

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