re: #35 Charles Johnson

That photo taken from Rockefeller Center towards downtown shows a couple of tall buildings down there. The tallest of those is the Woolworth Building, which is a few blocks from the WTC and Ground Zero.

Made it into work this morning, and the security gates are up all over. Rudy was giving interviews along Vesey at Church, just a few feet from a bunch of Troofers who were busy Troofing.

Sad reminders all about, including several people who put up candles/incense along the fence line at St. Paul’s Chapel across from the WTC.

I just can’t take pictures of those who were clutching photos of their loved ones or the firefighters or police who were in their dress uniforms from departments near or far. It’s too personal - for them, and for me. Let them have their day to grieve and remember.

For me, my coping comes from writing about the events of the day and the rebuilding efforts that have come since. It also takes my mind off the fact that I very nearly lost two people I love - one being a very close friend that I’ve known since our tweens and the other being my dad. Both worked in Lower Manhattan. My friend actually was getting out of his express bus at the WTC just about the time the first plane hit - and managed to take a subway uptown within moments. My dad never did make it to the City - transfixed like everyone else along the Hoboken waterfront as the horror unfolded.

Later I would learn that a few acquaintances I had worked with previously had been in the towers when they were hit, but they were able to get out.

Others wouldn’t be at the WTC that morning because they were voting in that year’s primary elections. But we were all changed people after that day.