I still can't quite accept that this unimaginable thing has happened, even though I've been glued to CNN all day, and like most of the rest of the world, have seen - over and over again - footage that is as surreal as it is horrifying. My deepest condolences to people who, like Anne, are waiting for news about loved ones who are still missing. And profound, tearful relief every time an email has come in from or about a New York JMDLer who is safe. Patrick, Kay (who until very recently worked on the 103rd floor of the South Tower), Debra, Alison, David, and anyone in NYC and DC: you are very much in our thoughts and hearts right now. Even more, my prayers are for anyone who may still be trapped and clinging to life under God knows how many feet of debris (as I type this, CNN is announcing that two people have been rescued from beneath the rubble). I can't begin to imagine the fear experienced by the passengers on the four hijacked planes, or by the folks immolated in the World Trade Center. Nothing in my 45 years has ever shocked me as much as this. It seems we really don't know what we've got till it's gone. We lost many people yesterday, and every human life is sacred and irreplaceable. North Americans have lost any sense of security, something I don't believe will be restored within the lifetime of even the youngest JMDLer (then again, many countries elsewhere in the world have never enjoyed a moment's security). Other listers have said this and better, but it's worth saying again, especially since the 4th Jonifest is still a fresh memory. Every moment spent with the people we love, friends and family, is beyond any estimable value or price. How easily we forget that! Today, after this appalling act of terrorism, we saw people, professionals and bystanders, risking (and in some cases, sacrificing) their lives in an effort to save total strangers. It may be a small indication of the basic goodness of human beings, but I'm ready to cling to it. What other choice is there? Much, much love to you all Roberto _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
