Shaun Dennis visits Ground Zero, New York City

The families of mediums also have to face dealing with the physical suffering and loss that goes on this side of life. It was against just such a background that my wife and I visited New York last year, which was a gift from our sons. It was a very difficult time for my wife, for her fourth remaining brother was being treated for lymphoma. She almost didn’t go but his condition improved so we went. Unfortunately, his position considerably worsened in the weeks that followed and he left this side of life at the end of December 2009.

Our first visit when in New York was to St Patrick’s Cathedral to offer our prayers for those who passed and were affected by the 9/11 tragedy. Amongst the many that lost their lives on that fateful day were also 411 emergency workers. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) lost 341 firefighters and 2 FDNY paramedics. The New York City Police Department lost 23 officers. The Port Authority Police Department lost 37 officers and 8 additional EMTs and paramedics from private EMS units were killed. These very special people paid the ultimate sacrifice on that day and it is to their honour that I have made this entry.

We also went to the site of 9/11 and the photo shows a photograph taken inside St Paul’s which, in the weeks following the attack, well-wishers created a make- shift memorial along the iron gates that surrounded it. They left thousands of pictures, notes, cards, patches from different fire departments worldwide and flowers dedicated to those who lost their lives. This part of our visit was very moving.

I would recommend anybody who can visit New York to do so for despite the difficulties that this fine City has had to endure, we found it to be a very interesting place to visit and the people were so friendly and welcoming.