News On 6 Reporter Shares Personal Tie To OKC Bombing

April 19, 2013 marks 18 years since the bombing of Oklahoma City's Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

As always, the day was marked with a ceremony for survivors and victim's family members.

Just like previous years, 168 seconds of silence were observed at 9:02 a.m., one second to honor each person killed. Survivors and family members recited the names of those killed in the attack.

The bombing even touched our News On 6 family.

Dan Bewley's father was in the building when it was attacked, and father and son reflect on a day that changed lives:

It's an intriguing question to ponder.

How does good come from tragedy?

While it's impossible to answer for everyone, I can share my story.

I would say my dad and I were close, had a good relationship. He was always there for me.

But still, we were typical guys. We didn't talk much about our emotions and rarely said I love you.

But that changed nearly two decades ago, when a homegrown terrorist tried to rip apart Oklahoma City.

Meet Don Bewley, my father.

He's retired now, but 18 years ago he worked in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

"Seventh floor, Housing and Urban Development," he said.

April 19th, 1995 started out as any other day.

Dad planned to help a friend with a new computer program, but she changed her mind and he sat down at his boss' desk.

Then came 9:02 a.m.

Lives were changed.

One hundred sixty-eight people died, including Diane Althouse, my dad's friend.

Dad was sitting just feet away from where the building collapsed.

"In front of me was about 3 foot of concrete and 3 foot on the side," he said.

In the weeks following, dad was forced to make choices -- choices no one should ever have to consider.

"That was the hardest part of the whole thing was the fact that you had to make a decision as to whose funeral you were going to go to," he said.

What got him through was the city's resolve and the generosity of Oklahomans.

"It showed me that there's a lot of love out there that was given me that I have to return," he said.

Which is why he likes to come here to the memorial, take in the Survivor Tree and walk among the chairs representing the victims, and read the names of his fellow survivors.

What does this memorial mean to my dad?

"The fact that those who have died are still thought of," he said.

Dad says he doesn't dwell much on the days after the bombing

But there are little bits here and there that he'll always remember.

I guess I should tell you that I got married 38 days after the attack. Shortly after the blast, before the building was imploded, my bride-to-be and dad were talking when she told him something that always brings tears.

"As she said, 'I've waited all my life to have a father-in-law, and I almost lost him.' And from that moment forward, that girl was deep in my heart. She still is," he said.

The bombing also changed our relationship, remember before when I said we didn't say the "L" word to each other very much?

It's not that way any more.

I think that ever since then, I make a point to say that and I mean it more than I've ever meant it in my life. Does he think that?

"Yes, I do. Yes, I do," dad said.

While no score was kept, whatever the intent from the bomber, it looks to me as though he lost.

Reporter Dan Bewley: "Thanks for coming out and giving me the tour."

Don Bewley: "You're welcome. You're welcome."

Dan Bewley: "Love ya."

Don Bewley: "I love you, too, guy. I love you, too."

From death and mayhem came love and hope... from evil to virtue.