September 11 - hard to believe it's been eight years since that other September 11th.  No doubt you have a story about where you were - how you heard.

As for me, I was sitting on a plane at National Airport waiting for take-off.  Suddenly, they kicked us off the plane (didn't say why) and  told us we had to leave the airport grounds.  As we walked through the glass doors to the outside, the smell of smoke was immediate.  To our right, a huge black cloud was in the sky.  It was the Pentagon - burning.

The memory is still fresh.  As is the memory of making my way down a crazy, crowded street to a friend's condo.  There, a mere block from the Pentagon, she and I watched the TV in stunned silence as the towers fell in NY. 

It wasn't until late that afternoon that I was finally able to get back to my house.  I'd been gone for about nine hours; but in that time, the whole world had changed.

But I'm one of the lucky ones.  I didn't have any family or friends killed in the attacks.  And for that, I've been forever grateful.

But for all those who did - we remember you, and your loss.  Thoughts and prayers to all.