Posted on 26 April 2012

As it happened.
Day 1, aftermath.
Day 2, aftermath.
I’m glad I wasn’t in the blast, obviously. I’ve worked in a mill. I have plenty of friends who have or do. My brother was doing shutdown across the river at another mill when this happened. My dad was called out as a first responder as it happened. My mom works in the burn unit of the hospital. She’ll be helping survivors in the months to come. I’ve just been compiling stories. But man. Completely embedding yourself in something like this, all day, every day. It takes a toll.
I don’t want to overplay it. I can take a breath, leave the room. I didn’t see it happen. I didn’t smell burning hair or see flesh hanging off of anyone. My family isn’t hurt, unemployed, or dead as a result. My city, though affected, isn’t going to shut down.
But it’s still going to take some time to process. And I’m pretty far removed from this.
I can’t even imagine what it’s like for those who were there. I have no words for them. Just… good luck. Good luck.

Filed under: Best Of, personal