A NYC FReeper's Perspective: The Smoke Outside My Window

I'd like to share what it has been like here in midtown Manhattan... I'll provide some running commentary with my observations.

I must be up early and in Manhattan tomorrow. Thank God tomorrow is Friday...

60 Posted on 09/13/2001 21:52:37 PDT by Silly

Yes, thank God, Silly, maybe you can get some rest. We're leaving about 9AM, back on Sun aft. Already know, Masses and prayrs are being offered.

I met my local firemen today, one block from work.

This fire station lost 10 men on Sept. 11.

The flowers, candles, and children's artwork covered the sidewalk and walls on 51st Street. The men are appreciative. They take turns to come out and talk to us; you can tell they feel our support because of their attitudes. They hug and shake hands, they tell stories, they thank us. And we thank them.

Today was the first day I felt relaxed and happy. More bad feelings will come, but perhaps it will be easier to get on with our lives.

MY BROTHER THE COP VISITED FROM OHIO

My oldest brother delivered a large truck of fire equipment from Ohio. I helped him locate the right place to deliver this stuff -- it was the staging area called FDNY Technical Services in Queens.

After he unloaded the axes, shovels, masks, gloves, and other much-needed equipment, he assisted the men load more equipment to a pier near Shea Stadium, another staging area for FDNY. And today, after breaking eggs to help make the guys breakfast, they asked him to accompany them to Ground Zero.

He called after spending a day there. He said, "it was 100 times worse at Ground Zero than you can imagine from television."

I'm proud to have a brother who drove to my city when it was bombed...

Still in Manhattan and feeling a bit more,

I've heard many say Ground Zero is not well reflected from what we see. I saw a lot of destruction, tho' not on such a grand scale but more of it, when I worked in SE Asia; I'll never forget it, and the WTC people won't either. So many selfless heroes.

You have a lot to be proud of, Silly; you're a good man, and obviously a caring one, as well. I hope this tragedy won't change your outlook on life. It has unfortunately changed mine; my love of learning about all world cultures has gone; I know far more than I want to, as of 11Sep01.

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