Coping Since Sept. 11
NPR Listeners Reflect on Life After National Tragedy

Since that time, my life has changed drastically. I was in a relationship that was loveless and abusive. I have ended that relationship, changed jobs and found a place of my own. I have become so aware how precious and short life is.

I feel like the Grinch as he listened to the voices of Whoville on Christmas morning -- my heart has grown nearly out of my chest. I have rediscovered the part of me that I'd left behind many years ago. That part of me that buys a homeless man a meal rather than stepping over him, the part of me that stops and pushes a stranded car off the road, and most importantly, the part of me that's not afraid to tell those I love how much they mean to me.

I've rediscovered my passions, my fears and my love for others. I feel as though I've been sleepwalking for most of my life.

Joey T. Johnston, 38
Dallas

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