On September 11, 2001, I was running late for work. I waited for the E train to arrive for 15 mins. NOTHING, no trains in sight and I took the J train instead. I heard the conductor’s voice an hour later, “BROAD STREET NEXT” I gathered my belongings and proceeded to the subway doors. Running up the stairs to the street, I checked my watch that read 8:57 A.M. “My God, something must be on fire on Wall Street!! What is that burning smell and debris flying in the air?” I removed my suit jacket, placed it over my head and walked calming to my office. As I arrived, an employee immediately runs to my attention. “Judy, a plane crashed into the World Trade Center!!” Seconds later, an announcement to leave the building is heard over the intercom, “Tenants, leave the building now!” OUTSIDE, pure devastation people running and screaming!!

Prior to returning to work, I decided to travel downtown to capture some photos. Once I reached the cutoff point, I stood in disbelief as people around me joined in conversation, my voice was silenced and my heart filled with sorrow as tears rolled down my face. No words were spoken. As I attempted to maintain my composure and lift my camera to photograph, it all came back. I walked away thanking my God for the protection. If the E Train had arrived on time September 11th, I would have been a part of the devastation and would not be alive today. My train stop would have been the last, the World Trade Center.

Judy Rouse
President and CEO
Kyle Felton Photography, Inc.