The Miracle Survivors – Coping with Recovery

September 18th, 2003 by Julie Ferguson

Among the many stories, news items and remembrances of 9/11/2001, there was one very compelling article relating the astounding story of the 16 people who survived the collapse of the twin towers. Surviving proved to be only part of the story. This article tells a lot about the difficulties of recovery from a traumatic event, even when physical injuries are relatively minor.

For a long time, Buzzelli wanted to be left alone – most of the survivors did. Billy Butler, who got himself a tattoo – a tattered flag and the date, 9-11-01 – would go upstairs when he got home, turn on the TV, ignore his wife and kids. “It’s not a deliberate self-absorption, explains Komorowski. You’re just trying to battle to keep yourself together on a day-to-day basis.”

Those of us working in the area of disability should learn what we can about helping others from these incredible stories.

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