We know about the deaths at the site of the World Trade Center twin towers on 9/11, and we’re reminded often, and no one should belittle their significance, and we should endeavor not to let them be forgotten. But how perspective-shifting is this, from the New York Daily News: top New York City Medical Examiner’s office investigator Shiya Ribowsky, who was deeply involved in the identification of victims from Ground Zero, points out that this was also “greatest rescue of civilians in American history,” in which 25,000 people were saved.

Talk about reframing your focus. How many other opportunities do we miss to appreciate what positive outcomes there may be all around us?

How to appreciate life, from someone who deals with death
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6 thoughts on “How to appreciate life, from someone who deals with death

  • September 12, 2006 at 3:46 pm
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    That’s a really cool way of looking at it and one that I had not seen before. Thanks.

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  • September 12, 2006 at 4:57 pm
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    25,000 really? That sounds way too high.

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  • September 12, 2006 at 9:12 pm
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    No idea. But even if it’s a significantly smaller number, his point is still meaningful to me.

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  • September 12, 2006 at 9:13 pm
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    I agree, definitely true.

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  • September 12, 2006 at 9:46 pm
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    Several sources report an estimated 50,000 people worked in the WTC. I think that includes the smaller buildings in the former complex.

    The first plane struck at 8:46 am, before most employees had arrived; so I think 20-25K is a reasonable estimate.

    Reply

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