Relationships and family reevaluated after 9/11

Name: Bill Coskrey
Age: N/A
Hometown: New Orleans, La.

The events of 9/11 showed me how fragile life is and how quickly and unexpectedly life can end.

I suddenly realized I was unhappy in my daily life, and I left a 14-year relationship and moved to a different area of the country.

I am no longer willing to settle for living in a relationship that does not meet my most important needs.

***

Name: Ann Forbes
Age: 42
Hometown: Atlantic Highlands, NJ

My husband and I were married for almost 15 years before we had our first child. It wasn't for lack or wanting or trying, but we were having significant difficulties conceiving.

I was in NYC on 9/11; it had been only my second time in the city all year and I was just there for the day. I was not at Ground Zero, but nevertheless, it took me about 12 hours to get home to New Jersey.

After finally arriving home, I sat watching the news the next day and one show featured two psychologists who were discussing the emotional and psychological impact of 9/11 and had very different viewpoints.

Once doctor said the event was so traumatic that no one should make any big decisions so soon. That people needed to let things settle down before they make any major life changes. The other doctor's opinion was that, if this event (i.e., 9/11) didn't cause people to reevaluate their lives and make changes, then nothing would.

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I chose to take the advice of the 2nd doctor. Two days later, I asked for a voluntary severance package at my job of 15 years and immediately began working with a new fertility doctor.

I stopped working in Dec. '01 and became pregnant in Jan. '02. Today, we are the happy parents of two little girls ages 3 years and 9 months.

Although 9/11 was tragic, it was the wake-up call I needed to seek medical intervention to start a family. Without a doubt, the best decision I ever made.

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