I was eighteen when I joined the Port Authority Personnel Department at the PAB. We were all excited knowing we would be moving to the World Trade Center in a couple of years. I watched it being built, but little did I realize one day I would work there.
Our office went from the 2nd floor to the 61st. It took a while to get used to it, but i soon loved to work there.
At approximately 8:15 on 9/11, I tried my ID card three times, but it didn't work. The security guard opened the gate and as I approached the elevator, I turned and jokingly asked him:"Is someone trying to tell me something?"
At 8;46, we felt a loud explosion and I and my coworkers on the 72nd floor screamed as we looked out the windows to see flaming debris falling. There was no hesitation; we headed for our assigned stairwell. We soon heard cries of "Stay.to the right, firefighters approaching." I will never forget thr looks on their faces. Water started flowing down the stairs.
I finally exited the building and walked towards Park Place where I encountered a few PA coworkers. All of a sudden there was a terrible explosion and thick black smoke rolled towards us. I finally made it home, went on a medical leave in March and retired in December 2002.
A few years later, the Port Authority Retirees Association sent an invitation to visit the 9/11 Tribute Center. One of the reasons for the event was to recruit docents to share their 9/11 experience. I told my son Andrew I would go to the training and then decide. I felt at home right away. There were people there who understood what I was going through. It felt like a safe place. I became a "Support" keeping track of visitors on our tour and sharing my story. The Group Leader shared facts about the history of the WTC complex, 9/11 and rebuilding. I was always amazed to hear where our visitors were from: all over the states and the world. I always end my story with my reason for surviving: the birth of my grandson Julian in 2007. The amount of love and support we received at the end of the tour was incredible. There were hugs, tears and photos. It was a place to share my emotions and fears and played a major role in my healing.
My time at Tribute helped me to craft my story. I'm often asked about my experiences; I believe it's so important to share. I usually start by telling the time I bought a raffle ticket and the number was 8463911.
