I will never forget watching the news that morning as a report came in showing the plane and broadcasters voicing puzzlement and concern as it was initially believed that the pilot may have been unwell and off course. And then the disbelief as the unthinkable began to dawn as we saw the direct and purposeful line of approach and direct hit on the tower. For a few minutes I sat unmoving, numb, just blinking and unable to process what I had just seen. And then as the awful, horrendous aftermath unfolded I burst into tears, praying for the people in the buildings and for everyone else involved.
To all Americans, and to anyone of any nationality who lost someone precious to them during the awful attacks on both towers and the hijacked planes, I offer deepest condolences on the 21st anniversary of the atrocity that was '9/11'. My thoughts and prayers are also with those who worked tirelessly as responders, and the construction crews we witnessed working so desperately at ground zero. How any of you ever got through any of that astounds me. I salute your courgage, your strength and your determination to go on during what surely were some of the darkest days our world has ever known.