It was with teary eyes that I read the offers of support and sympathy from our foreign friends here on this list. Even though I live just south of Chicago, many miles away from the bombings, I am amazed at the depth of my emotions. Even today I find it almost impossible to function normally. Yesterday morning I was sitting in my living room, sipping coffee, watching the last 10 minutes of the local news and about to start my day when the local news was interrupted with shots of the first WTC on fire. The newsmen were confused and wondering whether this was a horrible accident or whether this could have been a terrorist act. As the camera focused on the building and they discussed their theories, the second plane came into the camera shot and crashed into the other building. Right before my eyes, as if I had been there. I don't even know what I was thinking as I saw it. I was so profoundly shocked. No way this could be happening to us. The newswoman gasped and said "oh my god, there was another plane". Before my gaping mouth had closed they said "we just got word that the Pentagon was hit." Again just incredible disbelief. Jeff Ward and I telephoned back and forth and it was a great help to me to be able to discuss this with someone as it was happening. I was glued to the television all day. I was scheduled to visit a client in downtown Chicago that day. Obviously I was not going to do that! I have never given blood in my life (not because I didn't want to but because I actually haven't weighed enough until just recently!) but will do so today if I can. My town's website says that local hospitals were overwhelmed yesterday and to wait until today to give blood. I urge all Americans to do the same. Up to this point, I thought that the most horrifying television image that I would ever see was when the Challenger exploded. I remember being at work that day and I remember how somber the entire company became. Since I saw this happen live, I know I will never forget it. I can't even begin to imagine how people in NY and DC who were THERE and lived through it and witnessed it are dealing with this. I wish them all peace in their minds. Karen
