New York City Memories
It’s been exactly a year since this photo was taken, right at Ground Zero, what remains of the World Trade Center in New York City. September 13, two days after the planes crashed and burned the Twin Towers, it began to rain. As the rain ceased and the dust settled in the city, I realized it was the best time to go to the funeral.
First I headed for the East Village – St. Mark’s Place was bustling, people were in shock but in good spirits, a camaraderie that graciously emerges when tough times unite a group of people. After that I knew I was ready for my pilgrimage downtown.
At that time there were few people on the streets. I walked around the barricades to make my way closer to the ruins. It was amazing to see what remained of the towers that used to be so tall, I can’t even imagine how tall it is now that it’s gone. What’s nice is that the Empire State Building with its red,white and blue lights stands tall as the symbol of the biggest city in the world.
Later on that week, I visited friends throughout the city, happy to see them alive and well. Best of all, I also ran into an old enemy and made peace. I write this piece not as support for any kind of war effort. I believe that creation and destruction are entwined, just as much as life and death.
The destruction of the Twin Towers is a shocking event, and tragic for many people. I believe it is important that we take every event in life and turn it into something positive and life-affirming. For everyone, all citizens of the world.
