On the morning of September 11, 2001, Michael Hingson was at work on the 78th floor of the North Tower. Blind since birth, he couldn’t see the flames or the debris falling outside his window — but he could feel the shudders in the building and hear the chaos erupting around him. Beside him, his guide dog Roselle had just woken from a nap. She remained calm, showing no signs of fear — and in that moment, Michael knew they still had a chance. With Roselle leading the way, they began the long descent — 1,463 steps down through smoke, jet fuel, injured people, and growing panic. At one point, a colleague lost hope and cried out, “We’re not going to make it!” Michael replied gently, “If Roselle and I can do it, so can you.” Roselle never faltered. They moved steadily downward, passing firefighters heading up — many of whom would not return. They reached the lobby just minutes before the tower collapsed. Outside, the world was engulfed in dust and darkness. For the first time, no one could see — but Michael had been navigating the world without sight his entire life. And with Roselle still guiding him, they moved through the wreckage until she stopped at the edge of a stairwell that led to clean air and safety below.
Source: 9/11 Memorial World Trade Center.
Credits: Fire Heroic LLC
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