9/11 Memories

Six years ago today we were in shock. Our world changed, and it will never be the same. A friend's husband was in a building attached to the twin towers and his building went down too. But fortunately he escaped. Yet before we knew that, we all prayed and waited.

Such a sad, sad day.

Today I attended a workshop on Vicarious Traumatization--how helpers and caregivers get traumatized even though they weren't at the original event, and what to do about it. It turned into more of a group therapy session than a workshop, but was very helpful. Every day we see staff members struggling. Some of them are hurricane survivors too, but still help others. They are great.

Yet, I often talk to individuals and am struck by how fragile we are, as well as how resilient and strong. I know it sounds like a contradiction but that's what I see. People are on the edge, yet they continue to do excellent work.