To my friends, many of you know that I did indeed lose someone special to me on that terrible day in September. I have cried for her and the others, so many others, and no words can express the pain that comes to mind whenever I think of this horror. This doll creation was not in anyway meant to make light of or diminish our remembrance of the tragedy.

It is in fact an expression of celebration in our country, in our pride, in our need to go on and to heal and grieve and live our lives without fear. It is a much-needed practice of my creativity which was stunned and wounded and even now comes slowly and with much effort.

That day can never be forgotten but neither can our strength, our determination and the undauntable spirit of freedom that our country has embraced. I never considered myself a patriot but since September the colors and shapes that symbolize our nation have become more precious to me than any money or toy or possession. We have already won, by being who we are.