Kia Ora!
by New Zealand Member,
John Dwyer
Member Since 2/2000

Hello Jo Ann and Gene,

Here in New Zealand, I first heard of September 11, 2001, at 7:20 AM, 12 Sept. I was at work, my fellow worker arrived at 7:20 am, rushing to the two radios we have at work, turning both full volume, and racing out to tell me about a plane crash! Oh I thought, where? After opening our building and later on in the hour, a customer was able to spread some light on my fellow worker's frantic serving the customers and racing back to the radio, seems he saw the news on TV before coming to work.

Just seemed so unreal, all day I heard bits and pieces as well our newspapers had heard from fellow Kiwi's in New York and it was in the morning newspaper. Mainly the photos of the twin towers burning. When I arrived home, my wife was watching TV, nothing unusual in that. It was not until I entered the room and saw TV that I could see what had happened and start to imagine what had happened and what it must have been like. For many nights I sat in front of TV, glued to the Towers scenes and the news. Unable to move for hope of good news!

Being a medical volunteer and watching the events unfold, it was gut wrenching, to think of all the people in the towers, having just gone to work, to do their job, now injured, or having died in the rubble. Also the firemen, ambulance, police personal who train to rescue, help others, now victims themselves. To read of the heroism of these people and the true heroism of the people of the towers who helped others who were injured and having trouble getting out of the towers themselves, how they stopped and lent a hand to get these people to the bottom.

The help that was given to the rescuers after the collapse and the help of the people of New York and probably further a field, to the rescue workers left to help at Ground Zero. Shows how when we need help the most, there is always some one prepared to reach out and help in some little way. I sure hope we never lose this as a gift we have in us all. Its the people, who help the people, who need it most at the time, that shows us there is still good out there just waiting to be given. I sure hope that if our youth of today can carry that forward with them in their lifetime too, we will still have a great place to live in. Now a year on, the true stories of the events show us how much people cared about the people of the towers and what they did to help and how it has effected them from that day. And if in our bond of love for walking we can all walk together, help others who need it along the way, we will be able to show each other that, "we really do care for each other".

Though we may be far away, we can still feel the pain.

Happy Walking,
John Dwyer

NOTE: The Walking Connection has toured New Zealand 3-times, but we have never personally met John. We were hoping to meet him and his family on our 4th visit, but due to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, our 2002 trip was canceled so that did not happen. We hope to meet them on a future trip. In the meantime we want to thank him for his kind thoughts for our nation in our time of need and for keeping us informed about events in his corner of the world.

RELEASE: Exercise is only one part of being healthy, seeing your doctor is another! If, at any time during a training session (whether it is a group session, individual personal training session, or self-training session), you suffer any mishap or injury, we urge you to stop your activity immediately and seek professional medical attention. The information contained on this site is intended to give information about personal health and fitness, not to act as a medical manual or guide to self-treatment. Keep in mind that exercise, health and nutritional needs vary from person to person, depending on age, gender, family medical history, current health status, and other individual factors . Before engaging in these, or any other exercise or recreational activities, we urge all individuals to consult a physician. He or she is most-qualified to advise each about your specific health status and needs. By participating in any Walking Connection walk, hike or event, now or in the future, I have and do hereby fully assume all risk of injury, property damage, emotional trauma and death, and it is my intention for me and my heirs, executors and administrators to waive any and all right and claims for damages I may have against Gene and Jo Ann Taylor, Taylor Marketing and Management, LLC., The Walking Connection and any individual associated with these walks, hikes or events, their representatives, successors, and assignees, and will hold them harmless for any and all injuries, mishaps and loss of property suffered in connection with my participation in these walks, hikes, events.