Great article. I still remember almost every minute of that morning. I was almost there when they started reporting it was actually the Murrah building, the building my mom worked in. Somehow, in the middle of all the chaos and debris, I located my dad on the NE corner. That was the first time I had ever seen him truly terrified and and in shock. We both just stood there, looking up where my mom’s office used to be, knowing that she was probably gone.
The most vivid memory of that day, was when several police and rescue workers came running past us screaming at everybody to run for cover. That they had just found more bombs. No one has ever explained why they thought there were more bombs in the building, since it was supposedly just one truck. Of course I still have a lot of questions about that day and why so much has been kept from us.
Thank you for running in remembrance of my mom and all the other victims. I have run it several times, but sadly a health issue forced me to stop a few years ago. The starting line, truly is on of the most intense, emotional, and surreal moments that someone can experience.
okkev68 —
Thank you for your kind words. I have many more memories about that day, that will always be with me. I feel for your loss, and that of your Dad. I continue to discover people that were impacted much more than I was that day. When you were on the NE corner you, if you looked to the NW, would have seen the blue sky through the top of the Journal Record Building. All of the stone “shingles “were” removed by the force of the blast. That is what I was referring to; disorder accompanied by regular order.
I suspect your dad leaned on you quite a bit; and you on him. One of our Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices (Steve Taylor) was a district judge when this happened. He was the judge from McAlester that was hand selected for the Terry Nichols trial. I can only imagine being in the same courtroom with evil. But he did it for the duration of the trial. I’ve had several occasions over the years to express my appreciation to him for his professionalism and care. I was fortunate to try a case before him some 10 years before 4/19/1995. He was indeed a lawyer’s judge.
Yes, the starting line is one of the most somber, thoughtful, reflective beginnings. The organizers always treat it with the respect and dignity that is healthy.
I wish you well on your journey, my FRiend.
Guy