The final afternoon in the city was a bit of blur. Fueled now by excitement and disbelief at all the secrets and behind-the-scenes work that went in to pulling off this huge surprise! While I wish both Cade and Ruthie could have spend the afternoon with me, Ruthie’s flight left shortly after the segment aired, but we enjoyed a few moments chatting and smiling (I couldn’t stop!) before she and her mom headed off to the airport.
Cade and his mom spent the afternoon with Julie and I as we once again headed south to catch a glimpse of Lady Liberty and spend a few moments of reflection at Ground Zero.
I think about the last time I was here in 2007 –
While I don’t know if this is the exact area I’m looking at now, I remember how far from healing the city felt at that time. Now, though certainly nowhere near the same, I feel some closure. Having spent six months here in college, having returned in May of 2001, in November of 2007 and now for this unforgettable experience in 2016, I am amazed all the transformation I both see and feel.
The Survivor’s Tree – the only living thing that remained after 9/11. It was temporarily transplanted elsewhere then returned to Ground Zero when rebuilding was complete.
The remainder of the afternoon, we navigated our way northward until we arrived back at the hotel in time for our car to take us to the airport. So many memories made in such a short span of time!