Uncle Dave,
As a NYC resident (work and live) I appreciate your comments. Its corny to talk about it sometimes, to hear all news casters speak about- what were you doing at the time...... but it hits pretty hard when you pride yourself as an american. Yes it hit NYC, but it was my pride and sincere love of this country that is what felt like a stake being driven into my heart.
Of sense of shock, looking downtown to see the towers smoking, no I could not grasp it situation, only that the day ended right there to go home to my family, there was a lot of people in the street crying lots of tears. It got worse when crossing the Queensboro bridge to get home (we had to walk- no busses, taxi's, cell phones or subways). For me it was this time, looking to see the smoke come from the ground (where I had last seen it the towers were still up). I said to myself, how can the smoke be down there and just at that time I saw a friend run to his pal waving his arms and say "there both down, there both down" and as I took another look at that low line of smoke it hit me in a way that I finally broke myself. I just assumed ALL were dead- no one could survive, including the few that are my client and long time friends. All Dead was the only thing that registered. It took me 2-1/2 hrs to walk home to learn that so many were evacuated and 2 weeks to learn that my friends were okay.
My father being and engineer/archtitect I grew fond of the towers that I have visited about once a month for the past 2 years (network maintenance contract for a client). My father,who taught us to respect the Service men, police and firemen and the medical community above all others (mainly rock/sports stars). I took and I have shed many many thoughts for these people. What a sense of pride in our silent hero's. This is why my father taught me so... going up the "stairway to doom" with great honor and intent.
I cant visit the site myself, I cant watch the replays on TV, I still cannot imagine the devastation. I appreciate your looking and telling us about your trip. Perhaps I will make an effort.
Our little business has suffered severely. WIth new-born twin girls we were about to buy a house when teh phones stopped ringing. We are at a critical stage of survival, and we may have to face what so many are facing today, looking for work in a crowded market.
But we count our blessings. Each smile I get to see on my twins faces is enough to handle the rest. It really is that sad for those who are passed and missing and I wish I can change what we all know we cannot.
Well, I dont get to talk much about it, not even much time with worry and all, the phones are slowly coming to life and I vow not to let a possible return to business replace the grace of those affected, there loss has taught us a lesson and we owe them to carry on in a new with a little more depth than before.
I am glad I can let out some hidden thoughts becuase soon as I hit the submit but its out and I feel a little better to let some of the passion out.
Here goes