Going Back to New York

Part II: Arriving in Manhattan

Photos Below Story

The smell of smoke still hangs in the air. Particles subtley grab at your throat and everywhere, there's a sense of determination with a hint of sadness.

Even though the WTC death toll was high, I was luck enough not to have lost anyone I knew in the attack. Or so I thought.

About a week after the attack, I found out that a former colleague was amongst the missing. Later, I would find out that a former high school and college classmate was also a victim.

On the first day back into New York, the last thing I needed was to see this poster. There are many like it, but I knew this guy. He was also a former high school classmate. I had even spoken to him at my 10 year reunion.

Back in the day, I had run against him for Student Council President and won. After that, he had always respected me and was always there to help if anything needed to be done. Though we lost touch after high shool, we talked at our 10 year reunion in May. He was doing well in his career and looked exactly the same as he did back then.

I was speechless when I that same person staring back at me on this piece of paper hanging from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.