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!

d.