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USA
September 11th 2001 changed the lives of all Americans and how we view our safety. Along with nearly 3,000 other families, my husband and I suffered the unimaginable loss of our precious 24-year-old son Brad in the attacks on the World Trade Center.
My son’s death changed my life profoundly – personally, spiritually and professionally. I now view my life in two chapters, before September 11th and after September 11th. Before 9/11, I worked as a clinical social worker and, like most mothers, I was focused on the everyday needs of my family, unaware of the threat of terrorism and unfamiliar with the political world. After 9/11, I co-founded Voices of September 11th, an organisation created to provide information to those impacted. Almost immediately, I joined other 9/11 families attending meetings in New York City and Washington, D.C. Our presence put a face on the victims’ families and our moral authority provided a voice. Initially I was reluctant to speak out publicly, due to the public nature of our loss and the debates surrounding it. But I felt a moral responsibility to prevent other mothers from walking in my shoes.
Since 9/11, my time has been devoted to leading Voices of September
11th. Our efforts continue today as we advocate for the creation of a respectful
memorial/museum at Ground Zero to commemorate those lives lost and tell
the story of 9/11. In addition, we are advocating for implementation of
the 9/11 Commission recommendations and educating the public about preparedness.
VOICES international
outreach has evolved to include programmes that provide support to other
victims of terrorism and foster mutual respect and understanding of cultures
and religions.
As I reflect on the past five years, I feel blessed with many gifts – my faith, the support of my family and friends and individuals from around the world who reached out to support our family. Their compassion and generosity carried us through our darkest hours. I am also grateful for the friendships I have made within our 9/11 community. We share an unspoken bond and are a source of strength and inspiration for each other.
Although I will always have a void in my life due to the loss of my wonderful son, Brad has a special place in my heart that is always reserved for him. I feel his presence every day which gives me strength and courage to continue on. His beautiful smile, sense of humour and thoughtful, understated manner are forever etched in my mind. In his memory I have intentionally chosen to focus on his life and his belief – that good can overcome evil, love is stronger than hate and when you change one heart you change many.
We must work together to create a safer world for our children for generations to come.
Every day we are given stones,
But what do we build?
Is it a bridge or is it a wall?
I believe we must build bridges.
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