Your Experience

Edith Toney:

Robin Kirkland had been my best friend when we attended Starr School together. Her younger sister Kelly had been friends with my younger sister, Zena. We spent many afternoons playing together. We moved to the other side of town later and I didn’t get to see her as much, but would always stick my head inside of the beauty salon to say hi to her Mom (Virginia) and in hopes that maybe she was at the salon. Some days she was and we would go window shopping or grab a cupcake at the bakery. We remained friends.

On the day of the explosion, my 2 sisters and I were going to the State Theater to see "Stay Away Joe". Mom was going to give us a ride downtown, but we had unexpected company. Mom said we could walk or wait till the next showing for a ride, we opted for the later.

I still have vivid memories of the explosion. This would be my first experience with losing someone, and I couldn’t even comprehend at the time losing my mother and sister. It was very emotional.

I remember seeing her little brother crying while standing in front the larger of the coffins. I remember her Dad looking so sad. I remember thinking, how are they ever going to get over this. Now, I know the truth, you never do.

At the time of 9/11, I was a delivery person. I lost my job because I refused to go to work that day. Everyone thought it was because I just wanted to stay home and watch everything on TV. My reason was because I had seen this kind of devastation first hand. At the time no one was sure exactly what was going on or who would be next, so I decided to stay home and stay close to my family. It’s the emotions I remember most. The hurt, the pain, the confusion, and the pride of a community pulling together. It was indeed part of my childhood.