Hi everyone, At this moment in time, I am so thankful for the safety of people on our list that were at ground zero who have sent word that they are okay. I am also saddened by those who have not yet heard from friends and loved ones who are missing. My brother is stationed at Andrews Air Force Base and makes regular trips to the Pentagon. When news came that a hijacked plane crashed into the building, I was frantic that my brother was there. I called my sister in Norfolk, Virginia who had my step sister on the other line, and was also frantic because she could not get an outside line. For some reason, I was able to get a phone call through to the base and spoke to one of his coworkers. She reassured me that he was there and all right. They were not sure if they were going to evacuate the base. My brother sent me an email shortly thereafter letting me know he was all right. They were not allowed to call out. I called my other brother stationed at an Air Force base in Idaho and he was very grateful as he was not allowed to call out. After getting in touch with my wed to call out either. Apparently, this is military protocol when a high security alert is given. My niece, stationed at Offut Air Force Base in Nebraska thanked me and told me that she was also not allowed to call out. After getting in touch with my three brothers and two sisters to let them know that our family was safe, I crumbled emotionally watching the horror of those who were not so fortunate. One of my friends told me that her sister-in-law works in management for American Airlines, and they have been told that in the case of hijackings and terrorist attacks, their airline would probably be targeted because of the symbolism. This came true as they hijacked both American and United flights. One of the flights crashed close to me outside of Pittsburgh. This frightened those in my area and there was a run on the gas stations to fill up our tanks. In almost city in our area, police had to direct traffic because the line to fill up our tanks spilled into the street and blocked oncoming traffic. My older sister wept uncontrollably in her bathroom at work because her daughter, my niece, was supposed to be stationed at the Pentagon. When the orders were changed to Offut AFB in Nebraska, my niece was crushed. She wanted to stay on the East coast with her family. My sister told her there must be a reason why she was supposed to go back to Nebraska. Yesterday's events proved the point with no uncertainty. My daughter's father is New York policeman. She called me worried because being in Connecticut, she could not get a line to New York. for some reason, I was able to, and I was able to confirm that he was in the police office when both WTC buildings collapsed. I just hope that the person I talked to has their timelines right. My fear now is for the safety of my family should we be called to war. I do not want war, but I want this scoundrel and his associates found and punished. It was hard to sleep last night knowing that there were people fighting for their lives beneath the rubble. All I could do was pray and cry to God for their protection. I wish I could give blood, but I am a diabetic. I am grateful for everyone on this list who is safe and sound. I am ashamed of those who would degrade and demean others when asked not to and am asking you to stop this type of behavior immediately. AS we have seen, life is too short for nonsense like this. Sherelle NP: Tapestry by Carole King
