6 Comments
User's avatar
Summer Goralik's avatar

Very thoughtful and personal piece, Ruth!

Vanessa Saunders's avatar

Ruth, you belonged in that room. Full stop. Grief doesn’t require a receipt.

“It wasn’t the buildings” is the truth nobody wants to face because it means the loss isn’t solvable with lumber and permits. It’s memory. Legacy. The quiet, ordinary life that made those walls matter.

Thank you for saying it plainly, and for the reminder that “moving forward” isn’t the same as “moving on.” I’m holding you and everyone impacted with a lot of respect, and a lot of hope.

Joy Chen's avatar

You most certainly belonged in the room. Thank you for gracing us, and for sharing this. It can be hard to put all these emotions into words, and I know that your beautiful reflection will bring comfort to many.

Ruth Catchen's avatar

Joy, thank you. Your kind words mean more than you know. I’m deeply grateful for your leadership and for creating a space where people could feel seen and supported.

John Reilly's avatar

I feel for you, Ruth. It was like I was in the room with you survivors.

Ruth Catchen's avatar

Thanks to Vanessa and Summer for your comments and support. It was a hard day and honestly, I couldn't have chosen a better way to spend it.