I've been watching TV coverage of the earthquake in Mexico

[KY_EnviroGuy]

50. Time is our enemy before and our best friend after.

Thank you for that link to your beautiful letter on 9/11. What an honor it is to have been there, and I'm sure you know millions of first responders (and retired ones like me) that couldn't be there were by your side in spirit - all wishing they were there, if only to tote water. If you have no objection, I would like to print that for my daughter, a 5th grade teacher in elementary reading classes. She perhaps can use it for an inspirational and patriotic reading.

Having written that, I'm sure you understand the psychological power of writing of your experiences after trauma. Many times for me when it's a highly personal issue, it still works magic even if I tear it up after it's written.

I recall now the horrifying delays in basic aid reaching Haiti with the airport and shipping ports damaged, making your job more urgent. Like you, when we responded to fires, many times it was "if only this had been discovered a little sooner". In some ways, natural disasters are easier to cope with, as they're beyond our control.

Fate sure weaves a tangled web, with a brew of tragedy mixed with what appears to be a miracle. Thank goodness that with enough time and the support of friends, we're able to heal.