9/11 Memorial New York City Monday August 4th 2014

9/11 Memorial, New York City Monday August 4th 2014

Today we walked from Wall St along Liberty St towards the 9/11 Memorial Park.  We had been around this area on every trip since 2008 and have chosen not to go and see it until the shell of the Freedom Tower was completed.

So today was a memorable day as we will never forget that morning in Melbourne.  I was grateful that I went to bed early on the Melbourne September 11th.  To wake up on our September 12th morning day was so sad and still brings me to tears.

When my partner screamed when he turned on the tv.  I shouted as I had no idea of the situation.   I cried and cried as I drove all the way up Burke Road to Heidleberg for a training session that was to run for three days.  The traffic was so slow that day.

with a wonderful group of people at Hagermeyer.  To share that memorable day with them is etched in my memory.  I will never forget their faces as I was trying to facilitate a leadership program.  One of the most powerful training sessions I have ever run.  

It was wonderfully meditative to reflect upon each of the names that I could see.  I, like many had to touch their names as if they had touched our hearts.  My partner commented that the metal was not hot in the summer sunshine beating down on the metal.  I think I saw on a documentary that this design was intentional to juxtapose the heat of the day.

Tears rolled down my face as I quietly tried to reflect and wander around.  I was a bit disappointed that some tourist use it like a bucket list of "Must do" NYC destinations.  Though being through too many deaths I understand that there is no way to grieve.  It is personal.  I just had to step back inside myself and repeat that to myself.

We will go to the 9/11 Museum on another day as it deserves our full attention and a break from seeing the memorial.  We need to savour the richness of life that NYC has grown out of this tragedy.

We went to "Brooks Brothers" on Liberty Street and were served by very accommodating staff.  Mark provided great service and the clothes suit our colouring as they have Spring tones according to the Carol Jackson "Colour For Men" system.

What is amazing is that on the second floor of "Brooks Brothers" is the photographic display of the impact of 9/11 and the new store.  There is a very spooky photograph with what looks like a body but is a mannequin laying on the floor.  In the photograph next to this is the new store version and what appears to be a ghost.

I believe what is now the main lobby to the building is where the sports department for Brooks Brothers was located.  This is where they stored bodies like a morgue.  It was very special and an honour to visit and pay our respects.  Tears well in my eyes as I try to type this as the emotion is still so raw.  I try not to suppress my emotions as I do not think that is healthy.  Empathy is what the world needs.

Each year we come here you can see areas being renewed.  It is creating a fresher spirit.  We have noticed less scaffolding this year is as if the chains or cages are allowing everyone to savour New York's vitality again.

Thank you New York for your renewal.