Some have said they are jealous of my ability to express myself through my artwork.  As the 10th anniversary approached I was rereading my comments about each of the seven pieces of art I created during September 13, 2001 through September 2, 2002.  I wondered what that time was like for other people.  I would love to hear what you have to share about 9-11, 2001.

That Horrible Day
My husband, Doug, would leave every other Sunday.  This day was September 9th.  As usual I repeated my goodbye ritual, wrapping my arms around him and whispered,”I love you.”  Then I drew an invisible safety bubble over his body announcing, “Safe trip”, as if putting a good luck spell on him.

But this ritual on this day … something did seemed a little off, not enough to wrap my arms around his legs and beg him not to go.  As the limo pulled out of the driveway I threw up an extra prayer for good measure.   I was very relieved when I got the arrival call that he was safely at the hotel in Provo Utah.

That Tuesday morning as the first tower was hit I was in the shower.  An early phone call from Doug was unusual and this one started out very confusing.   I just couldn’t understand his words, until I turned on the television just in time to see tower one crumble to the ground.

I spent the rest of the day glued to the television.  I found myself wondering about the women who said their routine goodbyes to their husbands never to see them again.  How many people innocently said “I’ll see you at dinner” or don’t forget to get…” or sadly rushing out the door away without a final word.

Oddly in the middle of my disbelief and sadness I was never prouder to be an American.  Tears came as the reports that the residents’ of New Jersey flew American flags while the towers burned in their horizon.  A shoe merchant gave away pairs of shoes to women who were walking home in high heels.  An American living in an apartment blared patriotic music over the line of people waiting to register their family members’ DNA with the rescue operation.

Lasting Impact:  Today Doug can’t go anywhere without a loving send off and a safety bubble.  I don’t leave the important things unsaid.