Hot, sweaty, running shirt clinging and sports watch stuck at 7AM, I wandered my Target store in search of a printer cartridge and a battery. The electronics clerk was absent from his counter so I went looking for assistance. I found the clerk. I found every patron of the store. I found the manager and the rows of hypnotic televisions. All channels blared the sounds and breaking news of a terrorist attack. All eyes stared. All voices silent. Together we watched the unbelievable horrors unfold. One man turned to me, his eyes met mine. No words, just understanding.

Tasks abandon I went home. While cleaning the kitchen, I turned my television on and relived the events of an hour earlier. The local news cut into the broadcast and announced several bomb threats at local high schools. They believed all were hoaxes in the wake of the World Trade Center attacks. I continued my task but my heart ached for companionship. Setting my chore aside, I turned off the news and solemnly drove to my children's elementary. The school staff knew me well from my work as a substitute teacher. The office was unusually quiet. Staff shuffled papers and busied themselves with the daily lunch counts but behind those working hands thoughts were elsewhere.

Two beautiful children pushed hard against the office door and together surrounded me with soft hugs and smiles. I told them we were going home because Mommy missed them. Kisses and voices like song escorted me from the school.

Cuddled together on the big bed, I told these angelic faces the tragedy of the day. I did not allow them to view the event. They understood why Mommy missed them. From terrorist to tales of castles, we read and napped together.

Did I lose anyone in the attack? Yes. I lost Fathers and Brothers. I lost Mothers and children. I lost the strangers I would never meet. We all lost those we know be it in body or spirit. It is for the fallen and the ones that survive. For the hero's and the heroics. For all that empathize and those that cannot, I remember.