You know I'm a NYC girl. I was teaching in Long Island and watched the towers fall in school. My friend Patty stood next to me, knowing her brother was lost there. Another teacher lost her husband, several students their fathers. I could not get home to my girls until the next day. I'll never forget all the missing posters, the streets filled with soldiers, the terrible smell. The last funeral I attended was at St Patrick's Cathedral. The majesty and support of people for each other was very important. Growing up in NYC has made my children tolerant and appreciative of diversity. Terrorists can't take that away.