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September 16, 2002 Issue

9/11 - One Year Later

In this issue of Astronology we remember the events of September 11, 2001 and reflect on how our world has changed since then. If you would like to compare the following articles with those written by Jennifer and Michael on September 17, 2001, please click here.

Perspective 1 - Jennifer Loftus

My best friend and I went to the observation deck of the Empire State Building Friday night, August 30th. By all accounts it was a perfect evening – 25 mile visibility, 75 degree temperature, no wind, and no wait to get outside. We first faced east and experienced a breathtaking view of New York City.

When then moved to the southern side of the observation deck. Most people were enjoying the beauty of the evening by laughing, talking, and taking photos. A few, like me, looked out at the overwhelming view. One man said to his children, “See that dark spot? That’s where they were.”

No one had to ask what “they” meant.

As I looked out, I stood next to a man alone, his gaze fixed to the south, his mind deep in thought. His hand tenuously held the protective guardrail. Perhaps he witnessed the events of September 11 firsthand. Perhaps he was remembering happy times at the World Trade Center. Although he was holding on physically and spiritually, mentally he knew the reality of what had happened. The hope of changing the past was slipping away. No amount of clinging would change that.

How the events of September 11 have changed us all. Patriotism is at a high. We’ve learned that in times of crisis, we are all Americans, one nation. We are strong and will overcome. Myriad other lessons come to mind. Too bad it took such horror to bring this about.

It took me over three months to find my hairdresser. I had last seen her at the end of August 2001 at her salon across the street from the World Trade Center. How I worried and prayed that she was not at work early the morning of September 11. Since seeing her again, I have always tried never to take for granted that I’ll see someone again soon, or that they’ll be there tomorrow. The last tomorrow may come sooner than I think.

Last September I wrote of the candlelight vigil in the lobby of my apartment building for my neighbor Carol. Carol never did return home. A plaque on the outside of my building and a candlelight vigil by her apartment door marked this September 11. A joint memorial mass was held for her and Father Mychal Judge at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Carol probably would be surprised to find herself remembered with such a famous hero. But through the life she led, how she always had time to help others, even when it was inconvenient, she too is a hero to me.

Things are not entirely as I would have hoped or planned for the 365 days after September 10, 2001. Not all those events even relate to the terrorist attacks. There has been a lot of sorrow, disappointment, worry, shock, and pain. I suspect I am not alone in these feelings.

I was eating lunch at a mall a few months ago when a boy of about seven years of age approached me. We engaged in some brief, seemingly inconsequential conversation, when suddenly the boy told me “I’m going to be OK.” Not quite sure what to make of that statement, I replied, “Of course you are. Why wouldn’t you be?” The boy then left as quickly as he arrived, returning to his life, leaving mine profoundly changed.

Like the little boy said, I’m going to be OK.

And you are, too.

Perspective 2 - Michael Maciekowich

Many I know tell me things have changed since 9/11/01. Others I meet say that things are the same. As I travel across this country on business, I have not noticed much change other than increased attempts at airport security and unrelated economic difficulties. Our client concerns are as before:

continuing shortage of qualified staff,
decreasing revenue sources to meet increasing pay demands,
wanting to know why employees are dissatisfied and leaving the organization,
needing to know how to better recognize, reward, and send the message that our employees are partners in business, and
budgeting for 2003 compensation adjustments.

These are real, continuing needs of our clients. The events of 9/11 and the past year have had little impact on these day-to-day issues.

The one change I have noticed as I travel is the heartfelt concern from clients and strangers regarding how we in New York City are doing. Everywhere I travel, I am asked if things are getting back to normal, how is the economy, is there anything we can do, and the like.

The answer is that yes, we are in some ways getting back to normal. One can conclude based on the frequency of horn blowing on 34th street that the impatience of drivers has returned. City police are no longer found on every street corner.

One lasting impact on New York City is the continued high unemployment rate and the exodus of business. New York City currently has 8% unemployment, much higher than the 5.9% national rate. The Empire State Building is 30% vacant, especially the top floors. More and more companies are moving to New Jersey due to the lack of decision on what to do with the World Trade Center property.

Yes, some things have changed and others have stayed the same. The world will always have a different look after 9/11, and in many ways I am thankful for that. I spend a little more time meeting and talking to neighbors and saying good morning on the busy New York streets. I do not always get a reply but I have noticed a few more smiles than before.

Perhaps this will draw businesses back to the city – a smile on everyone’s face.

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ISSN Number 1549-0467