A_Tribute

"The Dream Keepers"
by Kathryn Fincher

18" x 24"
Signed and Numbered Edition of 1500

However, the miracle that I remember most is my experience after "The Dream Keepers" was completed. As with most of my paintings, I submit to my publisher the story "behind the scene." However, I was unable to find the time or the words to write.

I was unaware that I was scheduled for an overnight trip to New York City. Once there, I realized my hesitancy, for I needed to see Ground Zero for confirmation to make "The Dream Keepers" complete. Ground Zero, however, was blocked-off from the public. As it turned out, I spoke with a New York policeman and he escorted me inside the barricade, and arranged for my friends and I to have a private tour.

Outside the barricade was covered with flowers and memorials. With so much mourning, could I endure the devastation inside? I expected the experience inside to be similar. It was not. Within the barricade, there was a busy community. The workers were not in a rush and everyone worked together. There was a gentleness and kindness beyond measure that I had not experienced previously in New York…or anywhere. Surrounding the huge pile of rubble were men and women, of all different ethnic backgrounds, working side by side.

I realized that the unity and spirit of the workers was also reflected and protected by two churches facing one another, on either side of the rubble, both untouched. These churches served as a safe refuge to many on that tragic day. They continue to serve as a safe harbor for mourners and workers during the recovery effort.

As I returned to the world outside the barricade, onlookers asked, "What was it like? Sad? Disgusting? What did you feel?"

Some say our innocence is forever lost, we will never be the same. Maybe so. However, from my experience at Ground Zero, I was uplifted by a spirit of hope that was piled higher than any rubble or despair. I saw and I met "The Dream Keepers."