ONLINE EDITION FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2001

Opinion

When a favorite place disappears it is almost like losing a dear friend. The horrible events of Sept. 11, brought that lesson home very suddenly.

Two years ago, I was on the committee to find a place to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my New York University Dental School graduation. Many places and locations were bandied about but no real winner came to the fore. We held a meeting to discuss the subject.

Staten Island - Definite Nay!

New Jersey - Uh-uh!

The Catskills - No chance!

It was then that I made my impassioned and heartfelt speech. I used all my elocutionary skills when I pleaded "We graduated from a school in Manhattan. We should celebrate our 40th anniversary in Manhattan. Manhattan is the center of the civilized world (a bit of hyperbole). Who knows how many of us will be healthy enough to attend the 50th anniversary in 10 years."

After an exhaustive search we decided to go with Windows on the World at the top of the World Trade Center. It would be expensive but it would be impressive. We knew the class cheapskates would drop out and it came to pass.

The Party

A limousine pulled up and let myself and two other couples out. The men were tuxedoed and the women were gorgeous in their ball gowns and finery. The elevator ride to the 106th floor was a stomach turner.

As we stepped into the room for the party, it was a sight never to be forgotten. New York City was spread out before us and she was putting on a grand show. The lights of Queens and Brooklyn twinkled at us as if to say "Have a great party." Manhattan intensified the welcome with its skyscrapers and landmark buildings. A look down on Ellis Island and the beautiful Lady of the Harbor took one's breath away. We dined and danced at the top of the world. A glorious evening never to be lost to our imaginations.

And now on one morning in one stroke of evil, it is all gone. Beauty and elegance destroyed. It only lives in memory.

Horror and wickedness have triumphed over grace and splendor.

Now it is all only a dream.

Unfortunately, my dream and memory is now a nightmare for the families of the victims. My thoughts are with them all.