Most people remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news about the attack on the World Trade Center. Where were you? How has it impacted your life?

I was at home and watched it live on TV. At the time, I was still working as an Licensed Clinical Social Worker and was a certified trauma counselor. Within days, I received calls to go to Arlington to provide trauma counseling and one call to lead a team because I was also a certified supervisor. I declined both requests. My gut told me that it would be my undoing. My own sense of safety and security was so utterly shattered that I could not help anyone else. It shook me so thoroughly that I retired from social work completely. I have not worked since.