My son and I witnessed the New Orleans terror attack. We won't let it deter us from visiting the city again.

Ruth Chavez and her son, Jonathan, witnessed the attack while on vacation in New Orleans.

Courtesy of Ruth Chavez.

• A man drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year's Day, killing 14 people.
• Ruth Chavez, 40, was there celebrating with her 17-year-old son. They narrowly escaped harm.
• She told BI she hoped the horrific attack wouldn't ruin their beloved mom-and-son tradition.

This as-told-to essay is based on an interview with Ruth Chavez...