We had a bomb scare at my work today, and like ItzLisa, I have to write about it. Like her, I am not seeking sympathy, I just have to express the events that happened in my city today.

I work at a credit card company. I was outside having a cigerette when I noticed a fireman walking across the field from the main road. I was about to point it out when the door behind us burst open and someone yelled "Run, the building is being evacuated" We walked, not ran, to the designated point across the street nad I helped gathered my department together. We had a new woman who started work today, who is deaf and we couldn't find her at first. As numerous firetrucks and ambulances showed up, several of us were looking for this woman in a state of confusion because we had no idea what happened. We found her, huddled in her car. What a way to start her first day.

The president of the company gathered all three hundred of us together and told us that we had recieved a suspicious package. No address on it, or return address. The company was following procedure and evacuated us. Then the fire alarm at our other building, the one where we all were at went off. They evacuated. The police told us to move down the road. We were scared and anxious. Then the federal building next to my building evacuated and the Cigna building. Probably about 600 people outside, none of knowing what was going on.

Four times the police moved us further down the road. At this time, we were convinced that the package that was found really was a bomb or Anthrax. (Two years ago, someone opened a piece of mail and white powder came out, causing an Anthrax scare that shut down the buildings for three days). An hour had passed. We called our families to make them aware of the situation because the media had begun to arrive.

More time passed. The Verizon building opened up its doors to us to let us use their bathrooms and they brought out water and candy out to us. The Budweiser building brought out about 1000 bottles of water. Pizza was ordered for us, on them. It was amazing that these companies helped us out so.

Then the bomb containment vehicle came, scaring us more. We still weren't sure what was happening. After an hour of their being there, we were let back into the building. The all clear was given.

Our department phone was ringing, and it was someone's husband, telling us that the American Express building had been bombed (which was false) We went into hysterics. My radio can pick up a television station which I turned on and several people called home to see if it was true. Then we found out about Atlanta airport being evacuated, Salt Lake City was evacuated (Monkey Boy and PEter Torque, I hope you are all right). ALl of us were upset, wanting to go home to our families. Unfortuanetly, our lovely company made us go back to work.

After a while, they called those of us who didn't walk out and thanked us for staying (people who had vacation time left could leave. Since mine has been used, I had to stay). They told us that the police is investigating the package, but right now they don't know if it is a bomb or not. We were also told that they were bomb scares at Concord Hospital, and an energy company here in Concord.

Obviously, there are hundreds of bomb scares today, but it has really hit home for me, more than anything. I feel better writing this, the anxiety I have felt all day is residing.

I also want to thank everyone for their wonderful emails I have recieved in the last day. They have helped me a lot. I am way to drained to answer them right now. I love you all.

• RE: Today's events,ItzLisa, 08:02 PM, 09-13-01
• RE: Today's events,peepers, 08:11 PM, 09-13-01
• RE: Today's events,janisella, 10:19 PM, 09-13-01

Oh, Dear God, Trish!!! (((HUUUUGS!!!!))) Oh sweetie, I am so sorry something so horrible happened to you too! Believe me, needless to say, I more than understand the need to tell what happened and get it off your chest! We're here for you, honey! Much love, and be safe.

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That must have terrified you. Believe it or not, Tuesday, the school my daughter goes to received a bomb threat. Some jerk from a pay-phone called it in while we were all trying to comprehend everything else that was going on in the world. So in a time when you already want your family around you, we had to deal with this. And to top it all of, Wednesday a teenager from the high school reported another bomb threat so the schools had to be evacuated again. Today was our first "normal" day. Of course, being where I am from, after the shootings in Jonesboro a few years back, we take no chances.

Can't imagine how scary that must have been. Thank goodness everyone was alright.

J.