February 27, 2002

To My Family, Friends, Patients and Clients,

Well, I'm back - from my first deployment in New York City. It was an incredible experience. I knew that I needed to go there, but didn't realize that I would have to go back again. My mission is not done there - I now know that one person does make a difference. I will be going back to New York on March 16th for another week. When I was volunteering in Manhattan, I ended each day thinking that it was absolutely incredible and nothing could top that particular day, but I was wrong! Each day built upon the previous one. I found New Yorkers to welcome massage therapy/aroma therapy. I actually had people waiting for me to set up my chair. It was such a warm feeling. I had the opportunity to visit with so many people during that week too. I'm still in awe of that week.

The therapists were well received and much appreciated. I feel so proud to be a part of this healing process. I worked on PAPA (Port Authority Police Department), NYFD, NYPD, Correction Officers, social workers as well as other volunteers. I worked at JFK airport, Safe Horizons counseling centers, fire stations, St. Paul’s chapel, and the landfill on Staten Island. Some days I worked on over a dozen people, other days - a few. Each day was long (taking the subway to our destinations - meant sometimes up to 2 hours one way), lots of walking with a 12 lb chair strapped to my back (good incentive to loose 10 lbs because at the end of the week - that 12 lbs was unbelievably heavy).

I went as a caregiver, but realized that I also was a receiver as well. I can't begin to count how many people I worked on or met, but I can remember a very peaceful feeling throughout each day. The death and destruction that occurred on September 11th is a historical fact that none of us can change. However, the positive ripple effect it has caused is unbelievable! What a positive our society has created as a result of such a tragedy. I am so proud to be a small part of that ripple. I encourage all of you to do the same.

Upon my return the end of March, I will be looking to continue my mission of healing at a local level in the Buffalo area.

Sunshine and happiness to all of you,
Debbie Grey, LMT