From the NJN Archives...
Individual Voices

Elena Bitner Macpherson
Sparta, NJ

"I read in our local paper the Sparta Independent that a memorial will be held at the Skyland Park. There is one question I have. How many Sussex County residents actually worked in the WTC?

"Well my husband worked in the South Tower for 11 years. He watched in horror and disbelief on that day.

"My husband works for AON, the third largest tenant of the WTC. He was not there that day by the grace of God.

"I cannot begin to tell you the emotions that I felt after the horrible day.

"But what was worse was my husband trying to determine who made it out and who did not. His company lost nearly 200 people that day.

"He tells people how there was no way out of the building above the crash sight. He tells people about trying to reach his co-workers on cell phones.

"He says he does not dream anymore and never really sleeps...

"Is it easier to mourn the dead or the living?

"I am grateful that my husband is here today and I know had my husband got on the bus by the police station as he did everyday for nearly 11 years he too would have been counted among the missing.

"He never went to Ground Zero, he says. 'I do not want to go the cemetery'.

"I am not sure if he will attend any memorial services on 9/11/02. I will not ask him.

"God Bless

"Elena Bitner Macpherson "