I keep meaning to switch my user name again... Ten years ago, I think I was already on GW--I suspect I came on slightly after Andie, because I think it was just about the time the GP started. I had an Internet connection of sorts in the early '90s--something called "Prodigy" that was pretty basic and didn't have much of a graphic interface. I switched to a Mac in '94 and started using the precursor to Netscape. I ventured onto GW when I had a question about black tomatoes. I chose my user name accordingly. Bigfoot was one of the first to answer my question, along with a Robin from Calif. Suzanne, Diana was the dark-haired daughter of a Nobel physicist. I saw her name in the paper not too long ago in a listing of area how-to classes (hers was mosaics). I'm in that group photo of Linda C's too, looking, unfortunately, rather better and younger than I do now. And, Linda C, I fear the martini drinker may have been me. Are olives not a legitimate food group? Ms. Ann Thrope

Karyn you have me crying now also!! For I REMEMBER how I felt when I saw it, sitting in my living room in Germany. The horror and reaction that came over me by this tragedy was not any less as if I would have been in the US. You see, I have ALWAYS loved this Country from the first moment I set foot on it in -1975-. Mary that is really a memory I believe you right away that it puts it all in a very different light when you remember that day. Like everyone who personally knew SOMEONE from 9/11 Brenda I believe that we ALL are praying and hoping that it will never ever happen again!! I just know that if we would be able to do so, we would form a circle, lay our arms around each other and let the strength of our prayers and wishes go out to the world...for PEACE!!! Lucy

Hi Kris, I'm facing the same dilemma myself. May 13th 09 marks 10 years since my brother died in a car crash and I also feel I should mark the day in some special way. At the same time the anniversary of his death has always been a private day for me to be quiet and reflect on my feelings; I almost feel I shouldn't bring it up with my parents in fear of upsetting them. Like you I met my boyfriend Lee a couple of years after Tom had died. He knew of my brother and was also friends with my older sister, which I feel helps when I talk about Tom. Mostly Lee just holds me when I cry on my brother's anniversary and the day passes in a subdued manner. I don't want to toot the horns to announce Tom's been dead for 10 years but you're right, it's significant. I think the fact you're giving blood is great. I'm in no way religious but do sometimes smile at coincidences or what I hope are signs. On the same date Andy lost his life you're potentially saving another! You say you've had a variety of emotions and experiences with grief, me too. Some days are fine then others, like today for me, come and bite you in the ass out of nowhere. I wrote this poem today as that's exactly how I felt: My heart hurts today for the brother I lost ten years ago Although the charcoal grey of pain sometimes fades to the colour of a rainy autumn sky, today it is black and screaming at me I want to turn my head and look away, to busy myself with other things But it's tap-tap-tapping on my shoulder and pulling on my legs I can feel myself being dragged down, despite my every effort to stand tall Clawing at my throat, clouding my head; only it will decide when I've had enough, when it will scuttle back to that well worn place upon my shoulder Well I've had enough! I scream and cry and try to shake it off but it sits heavily above my heart Mocking me with the certainty of knowing it'll be back, but not knowing when With a defeated sigh I raise my head, I dry my eyes and vow to prepare for its next cruel arrival Knowing, in my next breath, I can't. I don't mean to sound depressing but I think sometimes people presume because someone died a while ago that you're over it. Yes time heals but you never forget. I hope the anniversary wasn't too horrendous for you : ) Connie x

Adrienne, It's timely you should post this, because just this morning I was thinking, "Well, here comes the 'Anniversary Season' again." I lost my mother in May ... 19 years ago. A very close friend in July ... 13 years ago. My father in July ... 36 years ago. So, even though it's been so very many years, these dates still and always will mean a great deal. I think of these loved ones all day long on these anniversaries .... and while I think of the loss and all that they have missed, I always end up spending more time thinking about how blessed I am to have had them in my life at all, even if just for a little while. The days are bittersweet, but much more sweet than bitter. Some years I mention to others what day it is for me, other years I don't. But I carry my loved ones very close to me on those days. Best to you as you work your way through your journey. Mary