I wrote a bit on the "check in" thread, I guess I should have started a thread to make it stand out more. I'll write more tomorrow about things here in NYC.
It is unbelievable, we are just numb.
Yes, I have been working, my hospital is a recieving hospital, and I am an administrator and psychologist, so was here late last night.
My family and friends are all fine, we are just like you all, upset and unspeakably sad.
Dottie, stay safe!! You are in my thoughts and prayers!!! Let us know what we can do!! I gave blood--that was all I could think of to physically do at the time. Anything else---name it!
I want to thank everyone so much for your concern for me personally- I wish I could hug you all! I am totally fine, only very sad as you all are, and unable to comprehend what happened. Believe me, I did very little- to talk to survivors was a privledge and I was grateful to be able to do even that little thing! You know you all would feel exactly the same way if it was your town!
Currently, I alternate between incredible gratitude that no one I know closely was killed, and complete disbelief. After the first day, we had few patients:maybe 20 or so- all people that had run from the building- for example, one that escaped from the 72nd floor, and 2 women from the same office on the 40th floor, that came down the stairwell together and ran through the streets of Manhattan, and over one of the bridges. It was amazing- they were covered with the dusty pulverised debris, and were shaking from what they'd seen. It must have been terrifying. One girl was only 20.
Now the job is the clean-up and search for survivors. People are showing up here from all over, miles away, from other states and countries. It is overwhelming to see the footage of these people down there. Everyone is touched by the support and love. There will be so many lost that I think anyone anywhere near here will end up knowing someone that died, personally, or through a neighbor or coworker.
Thanks from NY-
to our Canadian friends who are taking care of our displaced Americans!
to the school children that have made cards, or sent donations
to all the blood donors
for all the thoughts and love from all over
and for your prayers... Thank you!
love, dottie
P.S. I know that there is a strong desire to help out here. I know that there are enough volunteers for now, but that they need certain things( right now it is construction gloves and hard hats, eye wash-saline solution, socks, sweatclothes and t-shirts for the rescue teams to change into to sleep). That may change. The Red Cross or your churches and civic groups know what to do.
Just keep praying, don't let people get carried away with anger, hug your children and try to get back to normal. You guys are great!
The Canadian Red Cross says the best thing we can do is give blood and money. And of course, our tears and prayers.
Thanks Dottie. I printed your comments when you checked in and my Old Curmudgeon of a DH read them and wept!
Thaks for keeping us updated.
God bless you Dottie, and all those working so hard with you....My brother and cousin are there helping with the rescue efforts...they say the same thing, there will be few survivors, but they never give up!!!
Wow Dottie, that is amazing! I'm glad that there is someone we "know" who is actually there and can talk to people. Watching a bit of it today and the saddest part is people crawling the streets looking for their family and loved ones and hoping to God that they aren't dead. So happy to know that you are assisting these people as much as possible!
I'm here
d.
