Oh my....there is always a FIRST for everything! I am 53 years old and never called in to a 'talk radio' station....until tonight!

Anyone listen to 77 WABC news radio? It's out of NYC but I actually listen via the web. I have been enjoying the various programs lately and the commentary on the political race and other issues. Tonights' program on the Bob Grant show was focused on the anniversary of the attack on Sept. 11, 7 years ago. Mr. Grant was asking listeners to call in and share their recollection of that terrible day.

I called in because I felt it important to share my perspective as someone who did not live in this tri-state area during the time of 9-11. I had heard mentioned in the past, the very significant way that 9-11 effected almost every person who resides in the tri-state (NY, NJ and CT) area.

I recall feeling the horror and grief of this terrible day, as people all over the country did, but it was not until I moved to CT that I began to realize just how profoundly this terrible attack effected the people of this particular area. You can talk to almost any person and each one will have known someone who lived and worked in the city at the time of the attack. It's a little like just 'hearing about' the death of someone as opposed to EXPERIENCING the actual death of a loved one. Intimate experience of an event changes one's entire perspective and view of that event. New Yorkers as well as residents of New Jersey and Connecticut experienced this terrible and tragic event in our nation's history in ways unlike any other residents of our country.

I must admit that I was a bit 'nervous' to call in; I don't speak well "off the cuff". I MUCH prefer to write or to read what I want to say. Bob Grant comes across on his radio program often as quite 'hostile' and I SURE didn't want to be yelled at like he does many of his callers! Because of the topic, I felt fairly 'safe' that he would respect my comments and listen. He did...and the call went well! He actually thanked me for my call.....which he DOES NOT do for too many of his callers!

If you have opportunity, check out the 77 WABC News radio web site and listen online to some very good programs and commentary. Rush Limbaugh, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and others...

On another note: I began a 10 day vacation today at 3:30 pm!! Whoo Hoo! I have photos and experiences from this past week that I want to share, but just haven't had the time or enthusiasm to do the posting! I hope to relax and have some free time during my vacation and I'll update you all as I'm able!

May We Never Forget....September 11, 2001