From Bren and Nan:

We're sure you will agree that September has been a month of unsurpassed events. Everyone feels so deeply and the anxiety caused from the events of that day will continue to linger on. The flagrant terrorism, complete with manipulative, methodical and evil intent, stirred the hearts of our nation.  Our world as we have known it will never be the same again because of the outrageous disregard for human life that was displayed on September 11^th.

Over the past year and a half, all of us in PLWP have shared many feelings.  Parkinson’s disease has affected us emotionally in many ways. We have shared hurt, anger, loss, depression, pain and degradation. We have also shared love, hope, patience, prayer, perseverance...trying as we go to tone our perception with a positive attitude. But our days are no longer as typical as they used to be. Now we have a horrific vision imbedded in our brain of the World Trade Center, which once stood 110 stories high being called ground zero, a disaster area. A plane flying overhead no longer goes unnoticed and the New York City skyline will never again be the same.

Together as a nation we are sharing the same feelings and mourning the loss of brothers and sisters who were unsuspecting victims.  Our heritage has always been one of fighting for truth, justice and liberty. This tragedy has renewed our consciousness of strengthened patriotism and the privilege of freedom.  Did not our forefathers fight and die for the cause of freedom?  Has not love been the main force that brought us together as a nation and holds us together?  Has our nation not stood thru the years against starvation, acts of nature, illnesses, etc.?  We believe the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES!

We believe one of the main reasons our nation has and is standing in unity, with dedication and inner strength is because our nation doesn't look in the mirror. The United States of America has prided itself as a nation considerate of the needs of others and always there when another country is in harm's way, be it one of nature or of man.  Now we are proud to see many who are standing with us side by side because they see this as not just an attack against America, they see it as an attack against mankind.

The events of the last several weeks have caused us to think beyond ourselves as individuals with a chronic progressive degenerative disease. We are Americans who are here to support and help others. We believe acts of oppression, either manmade or other, cause us to slow down and look around.  The efforts have always been there and been united, standing firm and being aggressive when need be.  We must live each day to it’s fullest andsmell the roses as we scuttle through our life. We must make sure that just aren’t making a life instead of living it.

As we said earlier, the world as we know it will be forever changed.  The fact is, that we will have a part in that change.  When one thinks of priorities, first thoughts are to put everything on the back burner and treat the aggression with the utmost priority.  We believe that the answer is to keep on keeping on...with renewed enthusiasm and dedication.  Our nation is made up of many cultures, many talents and many roles to fill.

 We are very fortunate that our paths have drawn us together and that we are committed to help others and ourselves by doing what ever it is that we do best. We have suffered a loss that will never be understood or reconciled. We have found strength from our heroes who have shown us what courage and selfless hearts can do. They have shown us that that together we make a difference!

 God bless America!  God bless you!