Spending the Night at Ground Zero

A "Personal" Observation by Barbara Bahto

   St. Paul's Chapel is still providing radical hospitality at Ground Zero. Who
could resist the opportunity to do something of value, other than writing a
check? Three months ago, I probably could not have done this as I was still
groping my way through my feelings of disbelief and despair. To say this
experience was rewarding and awe-inspiring is putting it mildly. Words fail
me; it is a feeling that you must experience.

    This group of volunteer respite care workers was assembled by Father Ed
Murphy, a Red Cross Chaplain who has been making weekly trips to Ground Zero
for many months. Our trip on Wednesday, April 17th was for the 8pm to 8am
shift. Approximately twenty volunteers, three of us from Calvary; Father
Harry, Betsy Griswold, and myself, met at St.Paul's in Bound Brook and
car-pooled to the site, well, a mile away. Parking is tough in NYC. We all
convened at St. Paul's Chapel and spent some time reading the messages,
banners, and posters, that decorated the entire length of wrought iron
fences bordering the church yard. Photographs and flowers completed the
scene. We have all seen it on TV, but up close and personal, this was an
overwhelming experience. Upon entering St. Paul's, we were greeted with
banners, signs, letters, etc. There was not an empty space in the entire
building. If you can imagine each message as a light the size of a pinhead,
and all were gathered together, their brilliance would shine like the light
of God's love.

     Tables were set up on the side aisles for literature and toiletries, with
the back of the church devoted to food tables, buffet style. On the
left-hand side, a chiropractor was doing a steady business. George
Washington's pew was designated as the podiatrist's area. Upstairs the area
was crowded with cots and mountains of supplies. Blankets were in the pews
for those who wished to get a bit of a rest.

    After a brief indoctrination, we volunteered for specific areas of duty.
Since my main concern was to stay awake, I asked to be put on kitchen duty.
I figured that if I was busy and kept moving, I would be okay. It was also
the area with the most interactions with the rescue workers. Catered dinner
was still being served when we arrived. The food, supplied by local
restaurants, was excellent. I could not tell you how many Policemen,
Firemen, and Crane operators we served. Normally, the volunteers would serve
over 900 workers a day, but as the work at Ground Zero is in the winding
down stage, Father Ed placed the count at 360. We were kept busy
replenishing supplies and heating soup. I became know as the soup lady,
waffle lady and finally scrambled eggs lady, but relinquished that honor to
Father Harry. He was also designated as the water boy, going out on two
bottled water runs. We went through two refrigerated upright coolers filled
with water. This was the night of intense heat. Not only the rescue workers,
but also the volunteers were supplied with iced baby wipes to bring down the
body temperature. At 3am, we started preparing breakfast. This was not
catered; the volunteers cooked the food. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage,
waffles, oatmeal, grits, and bagels were on the menu that morning. Maggie
Murphy, in charge of cooking oatmeal and grits, was heard to say that she
didn't want to see any more grits! It was amazing to see our team come
together and get things done. And all this in a kitchen alcove, less than
half the size of Calvary's kitchen.

    It was not all work. During the slow periods we rested or were led on a
walking tour by Fr. Ed. Anxious to see the area with an experienced tour
guide, I forgot to ask a few basic questions, like, how long, and how far
are we going? We skirted around Ground Zero and saw areas that were only
seen on TV before. We saw the famous steel cross that was pulled from the
destruction, now proudly standing guard over the area. Forty minutes into
our walk, we reached a temporary monument set up to honor firefighter,
police, Port Authority personnel, and all rescue workers who died while
doing their duty. A canopy covered area where people left mementos to
remember the fallen, was situated on the riverfront and presented a peaceful
memorial. Continuing along, I jokingly said Fr. Ed could hail me a cab at
any time. Here we are in the middle of the night, down by the river, with
another forty minutes to return to St. Paul's. Sure enough, two blocks
later, he hailed a cab, and being the wimp that I am, I hopped in., I was
back at the chapel more than a half hour before the rest of the group
arrived. When Fr. Ed leads a tour, ask questions and be prepared. He takes
no prisoners.

     We also took another break around 2:30am and climbed the platform erected to
view Ground Zero. The guards were most gracious and let us pass without
tickets. (After all, we were feeding them all evening.) Even on the raised
platform, there was little to see. The excavations are below ground level
now. Tops of cranes could be seen and the huge trucks used to haul away
debris seemed like tinker toys as they crawled up and down the ramps.
Blinding spotlights illuminated every corner. The next thirty minutes were
spent just looking, lost in our thoughts, and praying. Very little conversation
took place. This platform has not been in existence very long, but there was
not a single bare spot left to write a message. Even the round railings were
filled with people's thoughts and prayers. Leaving the platform and
returning to St. Paul's we passed a wall with all the victims' names printed
on it. It was a subdued group as we returned to our duties.

    At the church entrance, there is a sign with the familiar shield and these
words, "The Episcopal Church: We're here for you." All the rescue personnel
were grateful and thankful that we volunteers were there to aid them with
food, care, and respite. .Thank you was the word of the evening. It was
indeed a rewarding experience and we were all proud to be part of the
Episcopal Church and to be there for them.

 We were also tired, dirty, and delighted we made it through our twelve-hour
shift. It was a personal victory for all of us.