This Day

While many parade their overwrought mediated emotions around tv specials on the burning towers, others snort themselves up on doses of militant patriotism, and the Leaders and Deciders crassly render the whole occasion one for politically gaming their constituents once again, one genuine survivor of the day will observe it otherwise.

The family will not plan anything special. They will not watch television, at least not shows showing the burning towers.

Graham herself was in one of the news clips that aired over and over. It was brief, and the background was dark, but everyone who saw it recognized her.

Her hair, beautifully braided the previous day, is caked with white ash. So is her red jersey, and her jean skirt. The tower has just collapsed. She seems to be in shock. The camera pans to another view, but you can hear what Graham is saying. It is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus."

"We'll just sit around together and talk, just be glad everyone is here and OK," she said of Monday's plans. "It will be a day to reflect, because that was the day I almost wasn't here."