Readers reflect on tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001

I went to work Tuesday not knowing what was happening in the world around me. My day as a geriatric physician was more stressful than usual. I started by coordinating an autopsy of the patient whom I was called on in the middle of the night who died suddenly and unexpectedly.

While saddened by this unexpected death, I was excited about seeing my wife and son whom I spoke with last night to finalize their long-awaited trip to the United States and end 10 years of separation.

Then, before I saw my first patient of the day, I heard the news of a plane hitting the World Trade Center. As I came in and out of patients’ rooms, I was shocked to learn that what hit the trade center was an airliner.

I canceled my afternoon appointments and took some time to deal with these developments. I called Kansas City Red Cross where I helped with disaster services in the past and left a message offering my time. I called the local Red Cross and gave my pager number and offered my services. I also called to try to halt my family’s travel plans to the United States.

As America came under attack, so too, did everything else around us – the open way of life, the freedoms, and my own family reunion. The question remains how we would face tomorrow, whether we are Pentagon workers or the Iranian son of a Maine doctor.

Jabbar Fazeli, M.D.

Lewiston