On Sept. 11, 2001, Chris was interviewing with The Gazette for a job:

I woke up early that morning, nervous. I really wanted the job, because the hours were perfect for me and my school-aged children. I was watching “Good Morning America” while getting ready for my interview, when it showed the first plane hit the twin towers. I ran outside and got my husband, Jim, who was still in the driveway. He came inside, and we saw the second plane hit.

A little while later, the third plane hit the Pentagon.

I started to rethink my decision about interviewing. I called Jim on my way downtown, and we were both stunned. I was worried about the kids but decided to interview and then go home right away.

When I came in for the interview, I remember coming upstairs. At that time, there were TVs on the west wall. I remember coming up the stairs and everyone was standing around the TVs, just staring at them. I swear their mouths were hanging open. I don’t know that I have ever been so nervous in all my life. I was nervous about the interview and scared about what was happening.

The interview was in a conference room. I was trying to concentrate on the questions being asked, but it was very difficult. Just then the air conditioner in the building started up with a loud thud, and I about jumped out of my skin. I thought it was another airplane!

It was hard to tell how the interview went when my mind was on what was happening to our country. The call came a week later; I got the job.