Today, 6 years later, we still cannot escape the trauma associated with the date of 9/11. I was in Birmingham Alabama working for a managed care health plan. Someone came running in looking for a TV saying the World Trade Center had been hit by a commercial passenger jet.  I think, like most people, as events of the morning unfolded, I went into shock. Is this really happening?

I was so far from home and my children. I had to call them and make sure they were okay. My daughter is a nurse who worked in a major hospital not far from the Pentagon hit. They were okay but I needed to get home. No planes.

My colleague and I confiscated (with permission) the company car since there were no rental cars available either. And, we packed our things and left. It was a very long and difficult drive. But we made it. Though the major highways were crowded with people like us who were business commuters who usually flew weekly. Now no flying. It would be 2 weeks before I was able to return. Southwest was the first to offer air travel. We took it. But things would never be the same.

At times like this one reflects on life and what is important. I decided then and there that I would find a job closer to home, family, and friends.

Where were you?

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