September 11, 2001 also had a great impact on a few friends that we have come to know since that fateful day. I thought I'd share their stories because they are such a testament to strength and God's invisible hand.
My Son's Godfather
I didn't find out until a few years after we met him, that J's presence in our life was lucky. He was one of the "survivors" of the World Trade Center building. Survivor is in quotes only due to the coincidental circumstances of his story. J worked at Lehman Brothers in the Towers. On the morning of the attacks, his alarm failed to go off. He awoke and headed to work, finding out along the way that something had occurred. Not knowing what was happening, he decided to continue heading in. When nearly there, in the World Trade Center area, he was suddenly told that they should go to a nearby building as they were not sure what was happening and wanted them to be safe in the perimeter. Soon after heading that way, and nearly upon arrival at the building, the first tower fell. He and several others stayed in the building until they were told it was safe to continue on. When given clearance, J headed on home. Like many in his situation, he ended up walking all the way home due to the shutdowns of the transportation system.
His family had been placing phone calls. They lived across the country and were obviously worried about his safety. His roommates had all but come to terms with the fact that J likely wasn't coming home that day. That evening, J, covered in white soot, walked into the apartment, and his roommate said he felt like it was seeing a ghost. Years later at his wife's bridal shower, his mother gave a moving speech about her joy in seeing this day come given what could have been. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. J has been a great godfather and is an upstanding Catholic. While I'm sure he constantly questions why him and what he is supposed to do now, those of us that know him are thankful for his presence in our lives.
My Dear CRHP Sister
M and her new husband, R, went to New York on their honeymoon. They were touring the area and had plans to go to Washington D.C. sometime around September 13. The day the attacks happened, R kept trying to convince her to go to the World Trade Center. M adamantly refused. She did not want to be there and really had no interest in seeing the location. At the time of the attacks, they were in their hotel room and thought that there was an earthquake. They left their room thinking they needed to be evacuating the building. Instead, they were told of the events and went back up to their room.
They rode out some time in the room, watching the news and looking out their window to see what they could. While the plan for the honeymoon had been more extensive and included a trip up the East Coast, they decided to cut their losses and head home. They rented the last car out of New York and drove nonstop until they reached home many hours later. M is one of the sweetest and most giving people that I know. She and her husband are gentle and have a deep faith. I find that she makes me want to work harder to be a better Catholic.
In recounting these stories, I am consumed with the gratitude for the ability to see God's hand in the lives of the survivors. I think stories like these allow us to know that even in the midst of great tragedy, God is there and He does still care. My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones on this terrible day. The day likely goes down as the worst day ever for many. And yet, out of that darkness are tiny beams of light. Little stirrings to show us that we were not completely abandoned. I pray that the Lord continues to bring healing to those who were adversely affected by the events of September 11. Prayers, too, extend to those who lost their lives in the aftermath. My heart is with you and yours.
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