September 11, 2006
Today, it?s sweet and sour day.

Every Sept 10 and 11, I get very anxious and pray a lot. We don?t do
flags (forget to put it up), but we do a lot of praying. Can?t believe
it?s been 5 years. Back then I was single, engaged and terrified; Now I?m
happily married, mother to 2 beautiful girls, which help me keep life
in perspective.

I remember being at work and seing almost all the live morning footage.
I was working at a high level govt office and we had access to a TV with
cable on the office next door. I remember everyone trying to fit into a
large cubicle, with lots of crying and screaming. (We hispanics are well
known for being quite expressive with our emotions, especially grief)
One of my coworkers lost her brother that day, and another believed she lost
her sister and aunt-- lucky for them, they had medical appointments
that morning.

DH was my fiance then and he was visiting some relatives in Chile (BIL
works for a Very Large Multinational Corp). DH was suppossed
to travel on Sept 11 from Santiago, Chile to Miami, and Miami to PR. Of
course, his flight got cancelled and he got stuck at his brother?s house. We
got married on Oct 13, 2001 and were terrified to fly. Spent our honeymoon
in Canada, and then in Seattle. I still get nauseous when I fly.

Since Karla is only 3, I have avoided explaining what this day means. I
try to shield Karla from 9-11 images, she?ll see plenty when she is older.
Karla only knows that we have to be checked and rechecked at airports
because some people behaved badly during their flight.

Today is my 36th birthday, so I actually have something to celebrate.
A positive note is everyone remembers my bday. Nowadays, I get more calls
than ever.
HAPPY BDAY to all the Sept 11 babies! May you always have
something good to celebrate on this day (besides remembering all the sad
events that happened).

I?m off to call a restaurant, order takeout, pick it up on the way
home and celebrate life with my family. (And then hug DH and my girls).

Joselyn