Here’s my 9/11 story: 10 years ago, my son was 7 years old. I had not turned on the radio, television or computer as I hurried to drive to the school which was 30 minutes away. This school required mandatory parent, teacher and child attendance at start of school day for brief announcements. We arrived just in the nick of time – but instead of the usual happy chatter – there was a strange tension in the room and hushed voices. Finally the head of school came to the podium and announced “We are deeply saddened by the events in New York today – everyone please take a moment to pray.” She didn’t elaborate (for the children’s sake – I assume) and I had no idea what she was talking about. As soon as the meeting let out – I started asking other parents. Of course, many of them had already heard as we lived on the West Coast and the event had already unfolded for the most part. From that moment on I as were many other people became riveted to the my car radio when driving and my television screen when at home.

Everything I had taken for granted was turned upside down. Everyone I knew was in shock. My husband had been on business travel and was stuck for several days on the east coast. He still has the little ribbon they put on his travel bag – when he was finally allowed to fly home.

I didn’t lose anyone close to me – but over the years I met people who did lose people close to them. I heard about a sister who was NEVER a day late in her life, who worked at the restaurant at the top of the towers – who for some unexplained reason – was late enough not to die on that day.

I heard other stories of people who weren’t so lucky. They lost their wife, son, daughter, father, brother. And then living in Coronado – home to two Naval Bases – I’ve heard of many more who have been lost in the battles waging in Iraq and Afghanistan all related to 9/11. What’s your memory – how has 9/11 affected you.

Heidi White