Fire in the North Tower

The pools “Reflecting Absence” mark where the Twin Towers stood. Magnificent skyscrapers again grace the skyline around the pools.

The schoolchildren giving the program tonight do not remember the day that reshaped our world. Perhaps their parents do. Laurence and I watched a sea of smoke roll and boil towards Staten Island that day. The towers were gone. It was more than the news report that I’d seen on television that morning when I went to the clinic to be with Laurence. I still have the picture in my mind of clerks standing, their eyes glued to the scene of a tower falling.

It hit me then. If the towers could fall – those buildings that always guided me back to my spot where I worked at a farmer’s market – then nothing is sure or secure. Someday this old world will go up in smoke. I saw then the pride I had in this city’s skyline, and I was humbled.

I hear planes roaring overhead. I look out past the fire escape to a patch of pink in the darkening sky. God is in our apartment tonight just like he was then.

I’m glad the story is being told, though we don’t care to listen to the program, to relive the memories. I don’t read the books, nor will we ever visit the 9/11 museum.

The day of the fire in the North Tower changed me, and no doubt, affected you. We’re reminded what really matters is that we’re ready when the end comes.

I expect to see you in Heaven. Berniece