Survivors Finally Meet In Person (They Were Strangers on September 11, 2001)

On September 11, 2001, we were complete strangers but our paths crossed in a twist of fate. Michael Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle, had an inspirational impact on me that day. While I was overwhelmed at the events that day, I distinctly remember Michael in the stairwell (http://www.survivorsnet.org/programs/writing/story2.html) and was very happy to finally meet him in person. We have corresponded electronically over the years but in August, he was the guest speaker at the Annual Awards Luncheon for The Whole Person. It was a pleasure to spend some quiet time with him and with his new dog, Africa and compare our experiences. If you haven't had the opportunity to check out his book, Thunder Dog, I would encourage you to do so. He is an incredibly inspirational individual.

Final Conversation Between Michael Cantatore & Gregory Reda On September 11, 2001

I wanted to share the final conversation one of my fellow WTCSN members had with his brother on September 11, 2001. This is from his facebook post on September 11, 2013. In the timeline of events, this was transpiring while I was trying to escape the same tower that Greg was in. During this exchange, I am in the stairwell and Greg is stuck at the top of the North Tower (World Trade Center) on the 95th floor.

Copied from Michael Cantatore's Facebook Page:

Please remember the events of September 11, 2001. Michael Cantatore feeling depressed at World Trade Center Site September 11, 2001 · New York, NY What does 9/11 mean to me? Here's part of it, my version of the 9/11 timeline. My last conversation with my best friend and brother Gregory Reda, via our work Blackberry pagers. Please read with discretion.

8:51 GREG: Where are you?
8:52 ME: I'm home. Where are you? Call me asap.
8:55 GREG: Can't call. Big prob at wtc. Stuck on 95 with 6 others. Stuck in my corner. Call wtc security pls. Let them know. 8:55 ME: Hang in there. Will call.
9:01 GREG: Still ok. Fire on floor. Can't get off.
9:01 ME: Talk to me. Where are you? Are you ok?The other building has jest been hit.
9:09 ME: Where are you?
9:09 ME: Who is with you?
9:10 GREG: Lourdes cube. Approximately 12 other people. Safe but fire in core but safe.
9:10 ME: I assume all power is out??
9:12 GREG: Boris alva ken jack yuen carlos ken astrid janet Mike waye alex and ?
9:12 GREG: Yes
9:13 ME: Are you getting cell service?
9:15 GREG: No cell
9:15 ME: Has anyone tried the stairs? Is smoke getting in? They have(nt) confirmed it but this has got to be terrorists attacking the buildings with planes.
9:19 GREG: Fire in core.
9:22 ME: IS the floor smokey? Can u gather fire extinguishers?
9:25 GREG: Very smokey. Broke windows. Can't get to core. Both hallways blocked. Stuck in corner. Call Nicole. Tell her am ok for now. Love her. Pray.
9:30 ME: Did it hit your floor or under you?
9:32 GREG: ?
9:32 ME: A plane slammed into our building then a second slammed into wtc2 18 minutes later.
9:45 ME: What's going on? 9:52 ME: Where are you? Page me ASAP 9:55 GREG: Getting worse. Smoke and fire. Get someone pls. 9:55 ME: Bud, there is no way anyone is getting up there. Any time soon. Are you ok? We jus saw 2 go down.
10:03 GREG: Fie here Love yous
10:03 ME: We love you too. Keep talking to me! Tell me what you want nicole to know. Consider making a run for it if you can. *This message was marked as delivered. My next message, sent about two minutes later came back as not delivered.

The 12th Anniversary

12 years ago today, I experienced the beauty and destruction of humanity, while witnessing history. I also learned many things, some of which I'm sure I have yet to discover or discern. I learned what it is like to stand in line to die. I learned what motivates me to get out of bed every morning. I learned what true faith & spirituality are. I learned about unconditional love and lasting friendship. I learned about how thankful I am for the individuals that go to work daily to make me feel safe. I learned that the world is not always a nice place. I learned that I can be hated by a total stranger for reasons I'll never understand. I learned that you always have a choice about whether you view things in a positive manner or a negative one. I learned that if you allow hatred to consume you, it will. I learned that nobility doesn't really matter. I learned that what you are taught as a small child NEVER really leaves you. I learned that even though you might feel all alone, you never really are totally alone. I learned that in your darkest hour, you can find inspiration. I learned that in the midst of the darkness, you can find the light. I learned the light WILL be there so keep searching. I learned the true definition of altruistic and benevolent. I learned to appreciate my body, imperfections and all. I learned to appreciate the fact that I was born in the United States of America. I learned to be even more patient. I learned to trust my instincts. I learned to play the hand that I am dealt in life to the very best of my ability. I learned if I think I'm going to die, I will gladly drink from a stranger's cup. I sent a note to my grown step children this morning telling them that I am so glad I didn't succumb to weakness and my desire to sit down because I wouldn't have had the opportunity to be involved in their lives and to know them. We take for granted our mortality. As a U.S. citizen, I know I take for granted the rights and freedoms (no matter what I might think of politics) that my forefathers fought so hard for. I'm positive that if I would have been born geographically in another part of the world I would likely not be alive now. I'm pretty sure that I would have been beheaded or stoned to death because of my strong willed, independent, free-spirited soul. Each anniversary brings more insight and wisdom for me albeit not my preferred method of education.

Approaching the 12th Anniversary of September 11, 2001

As we approach another anniversary of the 9/11/01 attacks, I reflect upon the changes in the last 12 years.  There have been many both personally, professionally, globally and within our society.  My daughter turned 16 this year, I turned 40, and my husband will turn 50 - all milestone birthdays.  I'm sure the next few days will bring much more than just reflection.  Brian is having surgery tomorrow (wasn't a date we'd particularly have requested but have to go with it) so that will be able to keep me preoccupied.

Last year presented me with many physical obstacles and I was very thankful to start 2013 and put 2012 behind me.  2013 has been much better health wise!

At this time of year there are many things being done in an effort to get others to Remember September 11th, 2001 and for some of us - there is no way in the world we could possibly forget it.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember it.  While I couldn't possibly articulate the horrors from that day (and I try to not focus on them), I am able to do a better job of articulating the positive things and the beauty that have arisen out of the devastation.  

Last month, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Michael Hingson in person.  He was another survivor from the north tower (a complete stranger) that inspired me to keep going that day.  When the Kansas City Star interviewed me after I finally made it back to Kanas City that week, I recalled the blind man (http://www.survivorsnet.org/programs/writing/story2.html) and his guide dog from the stairwell.  Roselle has since passed on but I met Michael's new guide dog, Africa and got to discuss our experiences in person, something I've never been able to do with another survivor from the same tower over the last 12 years.  It was a beautiful, emotionally tangible time.

I was once interviewed by one of my young relatives and asked to summarize my experience that day into a single sentence.  What a tough request.  However, my response was, "I got to experience the beauty and destruction of humanity, while witnessing history, all in the same day."

I'm sure that I will be posting more on Facebook or blogging over the next few days...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/91101-Survivor-Artist-Shannon-McMahon-Beavers-Loy

https://www.facebook.com/shannon.loy