List No. 052

HOW MY LIFE HAS CHANGED

Hilary North

2001

On the morning of September 11th, 2001, having decided to stop en route in order to vote, Hilary North was late for work. Had she turned up on time, it’s almost certain that she would have perished along with 176 of her co-workers, for her office was situated on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center’s South Tower, approximately 20 floors above the entry point of the hijacked jet airliner. Hilary wrote this list shortly after the tragedy; a recording of it being read aloud was featured in the Sonic Memorial Project, an audio archive of reactions to the event from all over the world.

How My Life Has Changed

Hilary North

I can no longer flirt with Lou.

I can no longer dance with Mayra.

I can no longer eat brownies with Suzanne Y.

I can no longer meet the deadline with Mark.

I can no longer talk to George about his daughter.

I can no longer drink coffee with Rich.

I can no longer make a good impression on Chris.

I can no longer smile at Paul.

I can no longer hold the door open for Tony.

I can no longer confide in Lisa.

I can no longer complain about Gary.

I can no longer work on a project with Donna R.

I can no longer get to know Yolanda.

I can no longer call the client with Nick.

I can no longer contribute to the book drive organized by Karen.

I can no longer hang out with Millie.

I can no longer give career advice to Suzanne P.

I can no longer laugh with Donna G.

I can no longer watch Mary Ellen cut through the bull shit.

I can no longer drink beer with Paul.

I can no longer have a meeting with Dave W.

I can no longer leave a message with Andrea.

I can no longer gossip with Anna.

I can no longer run into Dave P. at the vending machine.

I can no longer call Steve about my computer.

I can no longer compliment Lorenzo.

I can no longer hear Herman’s voice.

I can no longer trade voice mails with Norman.

I can no longer ride the elevator with Barbara.

I can no longer be happy about Jennifer’s pregnancy.

I can no longer walk with Adam.

I can no longer say hello to Steven every morning.

I can no longer see the incredible view from the 103rd Floor of the South Tower. I can no longer take my life for granted.