At eight-thirty a.m., I was visiting an escrow officer at a title company, but as each employee arrived, the buzz was strong that something major had happened to the World Trade Center. We gathered to watch the breaking news on a small black and white tv. At first, it seemed surreal. Workers came and went from the room as they had to attend to business, but soon were drawn back in to see the horrific updates of the collapsing buildings, Pentagon strike and fallen plane in Pennsylvania. All of us cried in anguish for the victims. I couldn't leave the coverage until it seemed that no further strike or calamity was occuring. I dragged myself to my office, which was virtually empty. One other agent was on his cell phone to his partner, now stranded in L.A. We cried and hugged each other as we expressed our shock and worry. I joined my family for the rest of the day, as work was suspended everywhere. Watching the images on a big screen tv in vivid color brought a new level of horror and disbelief. We left to go give blood, but the response was so overwhelming, we were asked to come back to the hospital later, as were many others. Driving home, we drove by several empty shopping centers, the stores closed in collective grief. I have since cried often over the attack, the victims, the grim bravery of the searchers, the generosity of the New Yorkers and the nation, and the agonizing passing of each hour where victims remain unfound, time running out for those still alive. Today, a fire truck passed my car with a huge flag mounted upon it. I burst into tears at the sight of the heroic, Dallas firefighters and had to pull over. I feel in mourning, yet do not know any of the victims personally. These catastrophes have touched us all. I feel like I am waiting to feel okay to laugh again, to solicit homesales, to shop and dine out again, to do so much that was my American way of life. I would rather live in America than anywhere else on earth. My next vacation will be on its soil. Thanks, Realty Times, for providing a forum to voice this.

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