Mr. Athena, for those of you who don’t know, is a self-employed software engineer with one big ol’ client. Client is based in NYC, although there are offices everywhere. All the people Mr. Athena regularly work with are in New Jersey, directly across the river from where the WTC once was. Last time Mr. Athena visited them, he stayed at the WTC because that was the most convenient hotel.
Client is starting to make noises about wanting Mr. Athena to come out there in early December.
I know the chances of anything happening are next to nil. I know that he probably has more of a chance getting hit by a car in front of his office than he does getting Anthrax or being on a plane that gets hijacked. But damn it, he’s my guy. If anything happened to him, I’d… well, I don’t even like to think about it.
Mr. Athena isn’t fighting this at all. He says he wouldn’t want me to go, and all I have to do is ask him and he won’t go. He’s trying to get his client to come out here instead.
So what is it - am I a nut? Just tell me. I can handle it.
Well, as long as you can take it – yes, you’re a nut. A caring nut, but a nut nonetheless. I don’t mean to be overly harsh, so please forgive me if any of this seems that way.
Consider the following:
[ul]
[li]A lot of us Dopers live here in NYC every day, and none of us are dead yet. No anthrax, no more planes dropping out of the sky. We have more to worry about from cab drivers than we do from terrorists.[/li][li]Mr. Athena won’t be in a high-value target like the WTC, because it doesn’t exist anymore. Unless the terrorists decide to strike at the heart of American culture by crashing into the local Marriott, he’ll be fine.[/li][li]You’re talking about December. A lot can happen in more than a month. That’s like giving up driving because you know that someday a bridge might collapse.[/li][li]Your statement, “I know that he probably has more of a chance getting hit by a car in front of his office than he does getting Anthrax or being on a plane that gets hijacked” is right on the money. Did you obsess about his safety before 9/11, any more than a spouse normally would? Do you put on gloves to pick up your mail?[/li][li]Not coming to NYC might jeopardize his job; clients don’t like to be turned down over vague fears.[/li][/ul]
I don’t want to belittle your concern for your husband too much, but come on – in the aftermath of the attacks, things are just as safe as they always were, anthrax spores notwithstanding. People don’t stay indoors during the Perseid meteor shower every summer for fear of getting bopped on the head by a rock. Go about your regular business or you’ll never stop jumping at shadows.
I wouldn’t say you’re a nut, exactly, but as you yourself realize, your fears are irrational.
I would point out that reactions such as yours are exactly what the terrorists have been hoping to achieve. America Quakes in Fear! As long as you allow such aprehension limit your or your husband’s activities, they are winning.
I don’t mean to be overly harsh, so please forgive me if any of this seems that way.