My first reaction when I learned of the first plane crash was concern for my friends Mike and Chloe who work in Manhattan, about a mile from the World Trade Center.

I e-mailed Mike to see if they were OK, but before he could respond, the second plane hit the towers and we heard the news about the Pentagon. At this point, the reality of the situation began to set in. I felt so useless, like I was a million miles away and could do nothing to help.

About 15 minutes later, I got an e-mail from Mike. He wrote that they were fine, terrified, and about to evacuate his building. He said he could not get a phone line, and asked me to call his mom and dad to let them know he was alright.

I remember the terror in his mom’s voice when she answered the phone and heard my voice. I immediately reassured her that Mike and Chloe were fine, and on their way out of the City.

I was so grateful to be able make that call.