Finding Life on a Day of Loss
Filed by Ben Allen in Local News, News.
September 9, 2011
Rudy Guzman’s September 11th came on April 19th, 1995. Another Guzman was in the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, his brother Randolph. The US Marine Corps recruiter died in the attack. Guzman says the loss left him in a fog, but then September 11th gave him a sense of purpose.
“I was sitting at home in California and I was like and watching all the devastation here in New York and in Shanksville and at the Pentagon and I started thinking wow we need to do something. [Those in] Oklahoma City [who] lost loved ones, survivors, or everyone that’s pretty much involved, we need to be there,” said Guzman.
How focused is Guzman? He took a red eye from California to New York to get there in time for the tenth anniversary, and launched himself into work once he arrived.
“You just see them and you start talking and you have a common bond from New York City and Oklahoma City that we did lose somebody and helping out from there,” said Guzman.
“We help each other, whether talking about it or that simple hug goes a long way.”
Rudy, as part of a group from Oklahoma City, meets with those who lost a sister, a father, a co-worker, a son, because of September 11th.
“I talk about my brother Randy being so close. And sharing with other people here in New York how they lost their loved one, especially if it’s a brother or sister. It’s so similar how me and Randy grew up and how another person and their brother or sister grew up too,” said Guzman.
Trips to New York over the past ten years have left an impression on Rudy.
“I’ll remember all the people I’ve met throughout the years and hopefully you meet new people too and just share our experience and just hopefully I help them and they’ll help me in my healing process,” said Guzman.
“It’s a common bond and just helps me out and hopefully I put a smile on someone’s face.”
On September 11th, 2001, 2,753 people lost their lives. Across the country, Rudy Guzman found his.
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