"I can remember holding my face because of the ringing noise in my head, " she said.

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Before I speak about the challenges we face today, I'd like to take just a moment to remember together a tragedy that 10 years ago tore at our nation's heart.

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While I was getting my face painted, I remember my mom, dressed as a clown, running around through the event to make sure it was perfect for all the families and children that attended.

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In the waiting room as we checked into the hospital, his father sat next to my mother and I remember the image of him exactly: olive skin, broad face, and long shiny hair, his head held in his big hands as if it had cut loose from his body.

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