10-22-01

I had a fascinating conversation this afternoon. I met a woman who came close to being killed in the NY bombing. I don't recall her entire story (I wish I had had time to write it all down), but I'm going to try to capture as much as I can. Her name is Teresa, and she lived in an apartment building very close to the WTC. Her apartment building was the only one that ended up being directly damaged (and subsequently became unlivable) due to the collapse of the towers. She was at home on maternity leave with her 5-week old baby and fortunately, she said, her husband was running late for work so he was with her. They heard a sound that was like 100 dumptrucks unloading at the same time and saw people running toward the towers to see what the hell had happened. By the time they got downstairs, the towers started to collapse, and huge cloud of dust started down the street toward them. Everyone was now running and screaming away from the tower. Someone shouted, "Someone's going to get hurt!" and they all slowed down and began walking and walking and walking away from the Towers.

Teresa said you now have to carry your passport and ID because there are so many checkpoints in NY, mainly below Canal Street near the accident. She and her husband are currently living at her mother-in-law's in New Jersey. They have been back to the apartment with special military escort, but only a few times and for short periods of time. The have to climb up 30 flights of stairs. They have grabbed some clothes, but that's about it. The windows of their apartment were not blown in like many others, but there's a great deal of soot and fiberglass over the place from windows being partially opened. She was just there yesterday and scratched up her hands because she forgot to wear gloves. She said that they didn't have renter's insurance so they may have lost a lot. It never crossed their mind that they might need Renter's Insurance. FEMA (Federal Emergency something Agency) did give them $1500 in emergency money, direct to their bank account, as soon as they were able to demonstrate proof their residence.

The smell, she said, changes every time you go back. It's still smoldering, smoking. The last time there she smelled Formaldehyde - because they dumped it on the site to cover the rotting bodies. She said people in New York since 911 have been incredibly kind and friendly all around. She particularly mentioned cabbies and police. She said people are going out their way to frequent stores in Tribeca and support shops, although many shows on Broadway have closed. Traffic has been jammed up partially because of the many roadblocks, but also because there are many tourists now coming into NY to try and see what they can see.

Teresa didn't know anyone directly who died - friends of friends. I wish her and her husband the best. I hope you can find a new place to live soon, Teresa, and good luck with your baby! I probably got some of your story wrong and missed details, but if you read this, please email me with anything else that I could add and/or correct.

Peace to everyone.

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