2008/11/9 1436EST

A memory for all of mine!

I woke to the
sounds of silence... I had taken a nap on the couch in the living room
of the trailer...TV on for background noise.. Nothing coming from the
the TV?

I glanced over at the TV and knew immediately... Not where or what, but I knew it was gonna be bad.

I
don't remember which channel I found that gave me this horrible picture
and information... Doesn't matter! At that moment, I was the 'stranger
in a strange land'. I was terribly alone and so very lonely.
Spellbound, I watched as the moments passed! I didn't cry... or scream
... or ....Just sat there frozen! I don't know how long I sat there!

The
dogs started barking... someone was at the door... A neighbor! I let
him in and just fell into his arms and started sobbing! Bless his
heart, he knew why. He just held me for a few minutes... had stopped by
to make sure I was aware of the horror that was still occurring... He
left after a bit when I had calmed down some.

I spent the rest
of the week glued to the set... hoping to hear there had been a mistake
of some sort. I was also giving my full and undivided attention to my
dispatchers and former co workers. No one said a thing about the
courageous people who answered the phones and dispatched their own to
the scene of this horrendous event!

Bless them, they stayed at
their posts, not knowing if one of their family or friends might be
among the victims... But KNOWING they WERE sending friends and family
into the danger zone...The courage and responsibility taken on by these
'Gifts from God' is and was the most awesome undertaking I have ever
witnessed. I hope I NEVER see something like this again...Please, God!

All
I can tell you is that remaining at one's post in the midst of a
tragedy is the hardest thing a person will ever be called to do. Trust
me, I know!

Take care all of mine, past and present... go in safety always... hugs and much love.... meems