9-11 and Other Traumas

That morning in 2001 will go down in history as being a morning that truly changed the world. Despite the horror of the events of that day, it was also a day of world solidarity, as people of all races and creeds came together to stand in awe and disbelief at the magnitude of what had occurred. But this event was much more than the death of a relative handful of people and the destruction of mere bricks and mortar. As with any disaster, there is always a spark; a light that never goes out. That light is the human … Continue reading

The Pets of 9/11

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 impacted every facet of life imaginable. From people on the planes and those in the buildings that were hit to the rescue workers and all the friends and family members that were ultimately and irreversibly affected. Not to mention the nation as a whole. As did most Americans, I sat glued to my television most of that first day and more than usual in the days that followed. I was rooting with everyone else that anyone trapped in the rubble at Ground Zero would be found alive, and of course there was a … Continue reading

Towers of Blocks

When Heather invited us all to Take Back 9-11 and move on, I sat here for perhaps thrifty minutes. Eyes slowly unfocused, the white screen fuzzing away as dark images swirled through my mind, morphing into some bizarre collage of thoughts, of pieces, of blocks of memories. About David B., a firefighter I knew in fourth grade who I dared to eat a slice of sicilian pizza covered with an entire jar of garlic salt, and who promised to marry me someday. About the numerous police officers in the neighborhood who offered me candy and magic tricks when I visited … Continue reading

The Widows of 9/11: Already Remarrying?

Today is a sad day in American History. Who doesn’t remember where they were this day six years ago when the world as we knew it changed forever? No matter where we were, we were all affected, yes. But there are some who were affected much more than others. Those who lived in New York, or in Washington, or who had loved ones on any of the planes that went down. I got to thinking about the widows of 9/11 after reading an article in Woman’s World about one who found love again. A love that has since led to … Continue reading

Tom Cruise—”Hero” To Some 9/11 Emergency Workers

In a previous blog I wrote about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ new Louisiana home. It seems the couple is taking a detour getting there—-for good reason. According to news reports, Cruise is in Manhattan tonight raising money for New York police, firefighters and paramedics affected by the events of September 11th. His appearance (Holmes was also supposed to attend) was not billed as a surprise since the charity he is trying to raise money for—-the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project—-is a program he co-founded in 2002. It’s no surprise (at least to those who know Cruise) that the … Continue reading

9-11 Changed the Way We Look at the World

The events of 9-11 changed the way that many Americans view the world and the dangers that we must prepare for. I certainly will never forget that day five years ago. I was expecting my first child and I was at work, listening to the radio. It was a morning talk show full of jokes and harmless pranks. When the other ladies and I first heard the female announcer, Sherry, begin to describe the events unfolding on the television set in front of her, we thought it was another joke. Until she said that she was serious. She started to … Continue reading

A Mother Remembers 9/11

This morning, my fifteen year old son Garrett said, “Mom, it’s 9/11. I wonder if they’ll have a moment of silence at school today.” I replied, “Well, they had a moment of silence for Steve Irwin. I certainly hope they’ll have one for 9/11.” We remembered what happened five years ago–that horrific day that stained our souls. “I was in fifth grade,” my son said. On that day, I was still single after my divorce. I lived in a different house, and had a different perspective on life. That morning, my brother phoned. I remember thinking it was strange for … Continue reading

Five Years Later: Together We Stand …

This morning, I was driving my husband to work because there is a chance for heavy thunderstorms and since he rides a motorcycle most days, we’d rather he didn’t get drenched in a downpour. As we drove along in the car, we talked about September 11th and how we both cope with the memories of what happened today. He remembers that it was a day of sadness and he tries not to focus on the profound sense of loss. In his own way, he recognizes that the grief could be paralyzing and he’d rather be numb to it. Whereas I … Continue reading