By Terry Martin, Rumford, ME

I packed basic black  and a vintage scarf from the 50's for a splash of color. We had theater tickets and it had been a while since I last entered Broadway!
I wanted my friend to arrive in the City on Monday which would allow us time to visit and catch up.  Two days are better than no days, but three days would even be better.
But, life is busy, people get tied up in many ways and getting away can sometimes be most difficult.
Two days would simply have to do. Plans were finalized for THAT TUESDAY.

New York at any time of the year is spectacular.  But., I love the fall.  Every one is bundled in warm sweaters. textured sweaters of mohair, chenille,andwool compliment every pair of jeans.  It is a time for warm fires, kicking leaves, apple cider and being together with friends.  I  looked forward to these few days for a long time.  They were restorative to me.  I had come thru a lot of emotional upheaval in the past few years.  It would be nice to sit and talk with someone who had shared a lot of it with me.  It would be comforting to sit face to face and truly share the moment.

And the news came......a group of terrorists had hijacked a plane and comandeered it into the World Trade Center.  How could that be? It was insane. 
It was confirmed by radio, television and a number of friends who called over and over to make sure that we were all ok.  They knew that my plans were to visit the city center.  And my plans were made for that very day.  How unnerving.  It was my brush with history.
Where were you on September 11,2001.  I would always remember the date that never was.

My friend went to the airport as he has on many occasions.
His flight was simply cancelled.  No reason or explanation would be given.  No offers to rebook.  Simply cancelled.  He was bewildered.  Puzzled.  It was unexplained.
He drove back to the office looking for answers.
CNN told the story.
He was blessed.  The timing was in his favor.
He got lucky.

A week after the event, we can all think about what was, what might have been and how lucky those of us who escaped being personally touched by this crazy example of man's inhumanity to mankind, really were!
We are here today to care for those we love.  We were not blown away or burnt in a cataclysmic event that was carried out on prime time television for all to see. 
Today, I built a wood fire, and enjoyed the smell of fall.
Tomorrow I will take a walk.
My life is simple. 
I'm grateful for every new minute.