September 11, 2001

It has been almost one year since I received that call at 6:15 a.m. PST from my husband. I was half-awake. I turned the television on, entered the channel for CNN and saw the most unforgetful sight of my life. One of the World Trade Towers was burning. While my children and I watched, a second plane crashed into the other tower. In a span of what seemed like seconds, the two towers burned and then one by one they fell to the street below, crushing coutless firemen and policemen as well as thousands of employees who worked in those towers.

I have no idea how far the distance is between Southern California and New York City, but that morning the distance felt much too close.

Now, today, this past week, into next week, the media begins the 'Where Were YOu?" and "What Have Your Changed About Your LIfe?" segments of this tragedy. This eye-opening event.

There is a song by which contains this line: "It's The End Of The World As We Know It." This line is followed by "...And I Feel Fine."

I feel different. What's different? My innocence is one thing. I no longer look at a certain race of people the same. I attempt to keep an open mind, but it's harder when I read about the daily killings on the other side of the world. Suicide bombers, busses exploding, innocent people killed inthe name of what?

The way I relate to my family is more solid and more real. I still see a future. My future now involves paying attention to where camping supply stores are located, which foods would last longer, and the best way to leave town should the need arise. I believe education is more important than ever, if only to dissipate ignorance. We need to know why a country would cause so much death in the name of an unseen face. A belief in a savior that would encourage this type of 'Love'.

My friends are true friends. No time to make casual acquaintences. It's a waste of my time to hang with people who are not interested in truth and intergrity and high moral and ethical values.

So what is different about me? I remain available to set an example of positive growth - since we never stop learning about the human condition - and I have fewer possessions. Books remain and music, but a broader base of music. I am slowly learning Spanish. I am taking more time with my photographs.