In Memoriam

It's been five years ago today since the fatal bombing of the Twin Towers in New York. I haven't really given this horrific occasion much thought before on previous anniversaries. Somehow, I just want to avoid recalling those painful and sad memories on that ill-fated day. With the sadness comes anger and frustration over world events. I'm just not the type of person who likes to dwell on political matters so I pretty much avoid news coverages. The last time I was so engrossed on watching bad news on TV was during Princess Diana's untimely death. I was glued to the TV and didn't sleep and eat much for a few days after it happened. It just wasn't healthy.

Where was I when 9/11 occured? I remember it like it was just a year ago. I was driving on my way from work at around 8:30 in the morning. As usual, I tuned in to my favorite Howard Stern radio show but couldn't seem to make out what they were talking about. I thought they were having a bad broadcast day so I changed to a music channel. A few minutes later, I got a call from my sister-in-law. She was watching the news at home and was concerned about the possible danger that the Sears Tower or the John Hancock Building might be targets. She was worried that I might still be in the city. I didn't understand her fear at first and then she briefed me on what just happened. I could tell that she was distraught and crying. I assured her that I was okay. I hurried home and turned the TV on. I surfed all the channels with news coverage and it was pretty much all I did for most of the week. The sight of the planes crashing into the buildings was aweful. Things like these only happen in the movies, not in reality. The images were horrific and the magnitude of the event was just unbelievable. I felt like reaching out to those people who were greatly affected. I called my relatives and friends in NY to check if they're okay. They were just devastated. Although they weren't born and grow up in New York, they had become quintessential New Yorkers. Their hearts bled for their own. I desperately wished there was something I can do to help. Kenny and I then made a small donation to the Red Cross. It's the least we could do at that time.

I had been fortunate enough to visit New York a few times, the last time being in November 2000 to attend a friend's wedding. I even contemplated moving there during one of the darkest times in my life. It represented a new beginning and better opportunities. Although I never got to see the buildings up close, one of my favorite images of New York was the one below. I took this photo from the ferry boat coming back from the Ellis Island. I consider this a reminder of a different face of New York five years ago. This image is very precious indeed now that I know I will never see it again.