Out of the chaos of Sept. 11, 2001, our family and friends were blessed with a miracle. After the plane struck the North Tower, my husband, Joe, struggled to walk down from the 33rd floor, helping two colleagues along the way.
Joe's survival on that horrific day has deepened our faith. Personal prayer and reflection have become more important in our lives. Our sense of patriotism has become more profound.
As a member of the local American Legion Post, Joe became instrumental in establishing a Legacy Scholarship Fund. As a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, he continues to volunteer for the Parish Outreach program at Holy Name of Mary Church by working in the pantry and delivering food.
I work in an elementary school and take every opportunity to teach the children about good citizenship as well as foster love of country and respect for the American flag. I coordinated a writing program wherein the children send letters of thanks to our troops.
Since 9/11 we have tried to pay it forward as a way of saying thank you. Joe has a chronic respiratory condition and I continue to deal with panic attacks, but it's a small price to pay for a second chance.
Please, please, NEVER FORGET.
