Sept. 17, 2001

I was on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. I did not see or hear a plane crash. I did not see or hear the World Trade Center crumble. I did not see any people run away from the buildings or see the rescue workers run towards them. In a sense, I was a world away. However, on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, My World as I knew it -- and everyone else's -- crumbled.

Engine Company 1/Ladder Company 24 is located in midtown Manhattan, right next to the building where I lived my first three WNBA seasons. For two years, I walked past this fire station every morning on my way to rehab my knee. Not once did I go by without a fireman waving and saying hello ... or asking how the Liberty was going to do that season. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, seven of those firemen lost their lives at the World Trade Center.

I will not walk down West 31st Street again and pass the fire station without thinking of the smiling faces that used to greet me each morning. I will not step foot in St. Francis again without thinking of a priest who died because he removed his fire hat to pray.

St. Francis of Assisi Church is located right across the street from Ladder Company 24. For three summers, I attended Mass at St. Francis. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, Father Mychal Judge from St. Francis died as he was administering last rites to a firefighter mortally injured in the attack. The Franciscan priest had removed his fire hat to pray when he was hit by falling debris.

I will not walk down West 31st Street again and pass the fire station without thinking of the smiling faces that used to greet me each morning. I will not step foot in St. Francis again without thinking of a priest who died because he removed his fire hat to pray. Actually, walking past any fire station ... or stepping into any church ... or doing any thing ... will never be the same.

My heart aches for all those who have lost someone. My soul weeps for all those who are still uncertain about the status of a loved one. And, to all the people in my life -- I LOVE YOU. That is the one thing in my world that hasn't changed ... and never could.

God bless.