On the 10th anniversary of September 11th, it was important for me to acknowledge not just Peter and the thousands of other victims, but also myself, for moving my life forward despite being derailed that unexpected day. I felt the difference this year. Looking back at how I coped, it suddenly seems simple “ I let people be there for me in whatever way they could. I also discovered ACCESS, a network of those who have endured and rebounded from the loss of a loved one in sudden air disaster-related tragedies. It was 2003 when I first participated in ACCESS’ grief mentor training. Learning how I could guide someone through a horrific and traumatic loss appealed to me both as a professional and as a person who desperately needed to channel her suffering in a productive way. Heidi Snow and ACCESS have remained a cornerstone of support for me. During the most devastating times of our lives, we do not have to struggle to come out of the dark alone, and no one should have to. Having someone by your side who “gets it” and can demonstrate that life can and will be good again is an invaluable comfort that will always be appreciated.
Karen Carlucci lost her fiancé Peter Frank, 29, in Tower One on 9/11/01
