Remembering 9/11

On 9/11/01, I was living in NYC, attending grad school in public health at the northern tip of Manhattan. My friend called to tell me to turn on the TV after the first tower was hit. We had no idea what was going on - there was no footage from lower Manhattan for a while, I don't know how long. And then, when there was, it looked like a nuclear wasteland. Just white smoke and paper fragments.

From my window on the 23rd floor of a Washington Heights apartment building, some 13 miles away, I could see the towers burning. My grad school friends and I tried to donate blood, but were turned away- no need.

At first, I couldn't cry. I must have been in shock. A few days later, I think, I was at the Javets center as a volunteer Spanish translator for the Red Cross. My first few clients were people who had been affected economically, by losing their jobs or their customer base, and were seeking financial help. But then I was asked to translate as the U.S. flag was given to a Ecuadorian family whose husband/father had died in Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of the north tower. This man had a 15year old son who was furious. I could barely get out the words without falling to pieces. That night, I went home and cried for hours.

The next day, I visited Union Square. I was astonished at the outpouring of love and community evident all around me. There was an enormous circle of candles and flowers, with volunteers continuously lighting the candles that blew out. I remember the twin towers depicted in roses, donated by South Africa, if I remember correctly. And the signs, oh, the signs. Grieving families and friends had hung up thousands of signs with pictures and information about their loved ones. The fire stations were swallowed in flowers and cards as well. It was heartbreaking.  It was also strengthening, to watch the city come together.

I remember you, NYC. I miss you from afar. I will never forget being there with you on that day.

Tonight I grieve for the families who lost their loved ones that day, in NYC, Washington, DC, and near Shanksville, PA.