I didn't believe Jackie when she called. I may even have hung up on her, causing her to call me a second time. I wanted to sleep in before starting my office hours. I turned on my TV like she asked me to. When I could finally shut my mouth, the tears came.

And then I realized that 366 women would be reacting to everything. I went to my office and started talking to my hall director. We had the news on. There were emergency staff meetings. Office phones were used for the fifteen or so women to keep trying to reach their families in New York. A prayer service was held in the hall. I heard about another attack in Pennsylvania, but no one could tell me if it was in Philadelphia or not. Classes were canceled. Everyone gave blood. The tears didn't stop.

A girl on my staff finally heard that her folks were fine. We were relieved with her. My friend was still trying to find out if his firefighter father was ok. We cried with him. The Pennsylvania plane landed far away from Philadelphia. I cried with relief.

The news looped the attacks like instant replay. I cried for two whole days. The tears stopped long before the news stopped. Classes began again.

Today, the tears visited once more. I cannot dishonor the memory of our heroes and citizens by not being sad. Nor will I let myself forget.