On Tuesday, September 11th I woke to a persistent ringing. I picked up the telephone and was shaken as my best friend shouted, "TURN ON THE TELEVISION!" followed by hysterical screams, and constant crying. I was paralyzed in front of the screen, shock and disbelief racing through my mind as I witnessed the plane crashing into the 2nd tower of the World Trade Center. "Terrorist Attack! Oh my God! They also crashed a plane into the Pentagon!" were the next words I heard. I listened to my friend's questions, fear, and the news reports at the same time…

"Who would do this?" she continued….

A chill went through my body as I recalled the first attempt to bring down the World Trade Center in 1993, "The only person that I can think of behind all of this would be----Osama Bin Laden."

We've had one helluva week! Since Tuesday, I've experienced a roller coaster of emotions. I feel overwhelming sadness for the victims, and anger for the persons responsible for this horrific attack against the United States. I'm comforted knowing that during this crisis heroes emerged rushing to the aid of survivors, heroes that sacrificed their lives as the towers collapsed to the Manhattan streets below, more heroes volunteering for rescue and recovery, heroes stepping forward to pick up the pieces, ALL caring individuals with compassion and the highest respect for human life. I feel the deepest sorrow for those that have lost their loved ones and friends.

Will any of us ever be the same? I don't think so….

I visited a local strip club in Nashville the day after the attack. Everyone that I spoke with explained that they were in shock. All were faced with the uncertainty of how this would affect them. The dancers, DJ, waitresses, bartenders, security, customers, and the club owner expressed deep concern wondering how or what they could do to help. I later learned that some of the dancers were donating a portion of their earnings to the RED CROSS and UNITED WAY and that several stood in line anywhere from 6 to 8 hours to give blood.

I urge everyone in this industry to give during this time of need. Give money, give blood, donate your time---stand united with our leaders against terrorism. Can anyone put a price on the human lives that were sacrificed, our survival, or freedom? Make a daily effort to stand for what you believe---I guarantee: YOU WILL NOT STAND ALONE!

"God Bless America, my home sweet home…"
Rose Garten