I got this message from an anonymous New Yorker last night. On this day of mourning, I thought I should share it rather than resume daily jokes today.
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I myself am a New Yorker. I live roughly 10 minutes from JFK International airport and from a local park where I once could see what was a beautiful city skyline. My high school is well equipped with TV's in the hallways and throughout the classrooms.

As I walked into school at about 9:00 I was in time to see the second plane crash right through the second twin tower. Talk about close to home. The school was immediately in a panic yet classes still remained in session.

Two periods later I had a free and with two of my friends went to the park and literally watched the first tower collapse. I couldn't believe what I saw before my eyes.

As the school day wore on, the Jr. Firefighters from my school where called to Belmont Racetrack to be on standby if they needed anymore help. Every classroom had CNN on and the halls were completely silent. The last time the halls were silent was when a boy from our school died in a car accident last year.

I honestly still can't get over this tragedy. My math teacher's boyfriend and other friends are missing; there is a girl whose father was one of the first 200 firefighters on scene. He is still missing and he had probably gone into the building before it collapsed. It's sad to see everyone upset.

I have to admit yesterday was the first day in 12 years of schooling I, along with my peers actually stood up and in unison said the pledge of allegiance. It was pretty emotional.

Every year in the high school yearbook the seniors take a picture outside in front of the school. This year we are making it the shape of a heart and we are all wearing red white and blue. This is something that I never thought would happen.

These people should be punished or killed or make them suffer the way others did. It's disgusting.

Well, on that note I pray for all those missing and who have died.
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When I said on Wednesday that I was not directly affected, I lied. Everyone in this country has been directly affected and will be in the days, weeks, and months to come. However, my own mother started a business trip last Friday in Boston. Last night, she was in Portland, Maine since Logan International Airport in Boston was shut down for the time being. For about two hours yesterday, I had no idea where she was.

For all those that are still missing loved ones, I wish you the best and I also hope that things turn out for the best for you. Today is the day of prayer and remembrance. Everyone should use today to do just that.

On a much lighter note, last night on the Des Moines NBC affiliate, part of the message I sent on this list on Wednesday was used in a "How Iowans are Reacting" segment. Since I feel we all need some humor to brighten these dark days, I will resume normal daily jokes as of tomorrow.

I wish you all a much brighter day.

--Brent Butler