In honor of the 10th anniversary of September 11th, Mom Corps Dallas remembers those who died during the terrorist attacks. We are thinking of their loved ones and friends as well as those injured and the heros who came to the rescue of many on this day. We asked Dallas business leaders what September 11th means to them. We were awed and honored for their responses. This is the final post in a three-part series.
“September 11, 2001 has changed the lives of many and the events that took place on that morning flash across my mind daily. I remember every second of the day as well as the days, weeks and months that immediately followed. To record all of my memories would require too many words for the Mom Corps Dallas’ remembrance. Not only did I live a few blocks north of the World Trade Center but I also happened to be standing on the sidewalk at the base of the Towers when the planes hit. Needless to say, the experience led me to see things that no human being should ever have to witness. After 10 years, many detailed thoughts still come to mind but nothing hits the soul of my heart more than thoughts of the children who lost a parent on this day. I hope these children grow to understand the bravery their loved one displayed during this tragic event – many sacrificed their own lives for the safety of others. 9/11 stripped many innocent families of life, hope and happiness and I’d like to find a way to contribute. Perhaps there is a way for Dallas business leaders to join together to provide a scholarship or something of similar quality to a particular child or family in need. Or, maybe we can organize a special day in Dallas dedicated to those who lost a loved one on 9/11 – the possibilities are endless.”
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elizabeth Kubler Ross, 1926-2004
Kelli Morash, resident of NYC on 9/11, Associate at TigerRisk Partners, www.tigerrisk.com
“September 11, 2001 affected us all and continues to do so. I had just dropped my three year-old daughter at St. Alcuin Montessori school on my way in to the office for a sales meeting. Upon walking in I noticed everyone glued to the television in our conference room. No one was moving, talking, hardly breathing. My manager was on the telephone frantically trying to reach his sister-in-law in New York City. I too became motionless, watching as the press shared moment by moment what was happening to so many loved ones, friends, employees and citizens of NY. It was horrifying, with every updated story our sales team began to cry, male and female, hug each other and there became an overwhelming need to go home, hug and hold our own children and loved ones. I remember climbing in the car, crying, driving as carefully yet quickly as I could to school where I was one of tens of parents picking up their children early. Everyone in shock and trying to deal with what was happening in their own way. I’ve never held my daughter so tight and couldn’t wait to get her safely home. As I sat watching the news updates learning the facts about what happened overwhelming feelings of all kinds washed over me, sadness, fear, shock, anger and then finally, after days, hope, pride and faith.
Our great country will never be the same, yet we stood together, joined forces – individually and through our businesses – to face forward, remember what had happened, and begin the journey of honoring those who had lost their lives by rebuilding America and holding firmly onto what this country stands for – life, liberty and justice for all. God Bless America, our heroes who serve and protect us and all of us who have the privilege to be its citizens.”
Cindy Yared, president and owner of Mom Corps Dallas
