Ten years...

[PaddyBlueEyes]

Has it really been ten years? It doesn't seem that way, things are not back to normal here as much as they want us to believe. Why me? Why was I chosen to survive, why did I go left instead of right? Why did I have a truck to dive under, and why did I pick that truck, instead of jumping into the cab of 6 Truck? Why do I still cringe at the sound of a low flying plane, and the smell of jet fuel still make me sick. I have flown twice since then, short trips to the midwest, white knuckled and eyeing everyone else in the terminal and on the plane. Tensing, every time someone got up and started toward the cabin, and waiting until they left the rest room, checking their hands..looking into their eyes. Why do I still see the faces, of the dead..coated in that white shroud of dust, why do I look at the images again and again, watching my friends and family in the last moments of their lives. I can still see the lobby, hear the voices....smell burning flesh. Why was my trauma used to lauch an illegal and immoral war? Why did more Mothers have to bury their sons, and Fathers their daughters..Both American and Iraqi. Why does going to the site, not bring me peace...Has it really been ten years?

[muffin1]

1. ...

:hug:

[MissHoneychurch]

2. Paddy, I don't know what to say

so instead I offer you a big :hug:

You are a good man. Things like that aren't possible to understand. But we are all glad you are still around. :hug:

[Suich]

3. ...

:hug:

[Ptah]

4. Thank you

[nolabear]

5. I think because you hold the trauma for us all, Paddy.

I'm so sorry this is part of your life. All of us were traumatized by that terrible day to varying degrees, but few, very few, will ever know what you went through.

It's been my experience that talking about, writing about, having people witness your own experience and its effect with love and respect can, over time, help. I hope you have loving people, both personally and professionally, to be there. Why you're still here is, I think, a thing you create and will create forever.

I'm so sorry you were there, Paddy. And, painful as it is, I'm happy you're here to tell us what it's like.

[RedCloud]

6. And no one questions W making victim families sign away their rights.

That bastard made them promise not to sue him or no money! That was NOT government money.

Sue the bastard anyway.

[applegrove]

7. vibes to you on this most sad of anniversaries.

[mtnester]

8. OMG - what truck company were you with? I work with a lot of guys

who know darn near everyone there, and have a long time friend in HR. Who was your Bat Chief/Captain?

Terrible day it was. I find it hard to watch footage even today.

[Aristus]

9. We're with you, Paddy...

:grouphug:

[Ohio Joe]

10. .

My brother was a paramedic there and his thought have not been much different the last few days. :hug:

[Avalux]

11. I would like to hug you......I understand......

:hug:

[bigwillq]

12. ....

:hug:


Why you? I don't know. But it should teach us to live life to the fullest and don't look back. We don't know when it's our time to go, so live like it's your last day.
Sorry you have to go through this. :hug: I hope you find some solace from this terrible tragedy.
All the best.
:hug:

[bluesbassman]

13. ...

:pals:

[BlueIris]

14. (((( PBE ))))

I sometimes wonder myself--why was I chosen to stay behind? I'm still looking for that answer. Hope you find it.

[sarge43]

15. "Why me?"

Perhaps to stand witness and speak for those who can not.

Strength and comfort sir.

Thank you.