I just wanted to drop a few lines and express how 9-11 changed me. I didn’t have anyone close to me get hurt, but it still changed the way I look at life. I certainly don’t take life for granted anymore.

My baby brother is in the Army and had to go to ground zero and help clean up things. I couldn’t imagine how he dealt with that, seeing the things he did at ground zero. He said he had dreams after he left there.

I certainly pray to God every night for the safety of our troops. And for the families that lost their loved ones that he will give them some kind of peace. I certainly commend our troops for doing what they are doing to protect us Americans. If only we could have protected all those lives that were lost.

My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

It makes me question though how safe we really are in America. It makes me realize how precious life is also.

Brandy Gooding, Lawrence