"In the beginning"

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this blog are not necessarily the views of the blog management, (on the other hand, they are not necessarily not the views of the blog management).

No effort has been made to stay within the bounds of the truth in this blog as it has always been the view of the management that the truth should never be allowed to stand in the way of a good story.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

911 Five years on.



My heartfelt sympathy goes to all the friends and families of not
only Pendyala Vamsikrishna, known as “Vamsi” to all his friends,
but also to
families and friends of all the other victims on that
fateful day.


Perhaps I had better
warn you all right here
and now, this will not
be a short post, what
I feel needs to be said
about this project and
this day is not short
it is too important to
be that.



Those of you who know me will not be surprised to find that I
have included a poem in this tribute;
it says so much, so simply.

I never met, or even knew of Vamsi before deciding to get involved
with Project 2996, in fact, to the best of my knowledge I did not
know any of the victims of that day, the fact that I live on the
other side of the world I felt might make it seem almost an
intrusion on America’s day of remembrance?

However the more I thought about this the more I became
convinced that this was the World’s day of remembrance, for
Vamsi and all the others who perished.

As I researched for details about Vamsi I learned of the tragic
suicide of his wife Prasanna a month after Sept 11, she was so
grief stricken that she felt her life was over too,
yet another victim to terrorism.

I am including a link to “a drinking buddy” of Vamsi’s as a tangible
connection to the man rather than just the name I was given by
Project 2996.

http://1218.blogspot.com/2004/09/two-degrees-of-911.html

I ask that you visit this site to learn just a little more about Vamsi,
I believe Leopold will also be doing a tribute on the day.

The information I got from my research was at first just that,
information, it was only when I dug a little deeper that the warmth
and spirit of the man started to emerge, I now have a deep feeling
of regret that I didn’t know Vamsi while he was alive.

I know that such a lot of people will be grieving the loss of loved
ones for such a senseless waste of lives today and I would just
like you all to know, you are not alone in your grief, the World
mourns with you.


This very moving simple poem says more about the spirit of recovery from
Sept 11 than most of the eloquent pieces I have read.

A Dad’s Poem.

Her hair was in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy’s day at school,
and she couldn’t wait to go.

But her Mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn’t there today.

But still her Mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that is why once more,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

The little girl went of to school
eager to tell them all.
About a Dad she never sees
a Dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the back wall,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirmed impatiently,
anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their Daddy
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
for a man who wasn’t there

“Where’s her Daddy at?”
she heard a boy call out
“She probably doesn’t have one”
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere up the back,
she heard a Daddy say,
“Looks like another dead beat Dad,
too busy to waste his day.”

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.

With hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And from the mouth of this child,
came words incredibly unique.

“My Daddy couldn’t be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.”

“And although you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know,
all about my Daddy,
and how he loves me so.”

“He loved to tell me stories,
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.”

“We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice-cream in a cone.
and though you cannot see him,
I’m not standing here alone.”

“Cause my Daddy’s always with me,
even though we are apart.
I know because he told me,
he is forever in my heart.”

With that her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.

From up there in the crowd of Dads,
her Mother stood in tears.
As she proudly watched her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love,
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

When she dropped her hands back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but a message clear and loud.

“I love my Daddy very much,
he is my shining star.
And if he could he’d be here,
but Heaven’s just too far.”

“You see he was a policeman,
he died just last year.
When those airplanes hit the towers,
and taught Americans to fear.”

“But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it’s like he never went away.”
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.

And to her Moms amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of Dad’s and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps just for a second,
they saw him by her side.

“I know you’re with me Daddy.”
To the silence she called out.
What happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

None in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

A child was blessed in that moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that Heaven is never too far.


Now if that didn’t bring a tear to you eyes just try typing it out.

Should anyone who reads this poem happen to know who wrote it I
would be most grateful to them if they would let me know.



This link will take you to the 2996 organizers for full details of tributes.

http://www.dcroe.com/2996/?page_id=2




35 comments:

Raggedy said...

Well done.
Amen

*^_^
(=':'=) hugs
(")_ (")Š from da Cool Raggedy one

DellaB said...

I saw a documentary about all the babies/ now children of course. It's going to be an interesting journey if the media intend to keep the focus on them throughout their lives, isnt it...

thanks for the tribute Peter...

Jamie Dawn said...

I am putting together my tribute post to honor the memory of a victim of 9-11 also. I am so glad to participate in this wonderful idea. It's a way we can honor those who were lost and to vow not to forget what happened that terrible day.
That poem is a real tear jerker for sure.

God bless those who lost loved ones that day.
Thankfully, I did not lose a loved one, but I mourn the loss of all those very precious lives.

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Beautiful tribute, Peter. I wish I had've looked into this 2996 project earlier ...
Have a great Sunday.
Take care, Meow

Miss Cellania said...

Thank you, Peter. The song you posted today always gets me right here. My tribute is up at Miss Cellania.

Hale McKay said...

Very well done, Peter. I like your comment that it isn't only a day of remembrance for Americans but for all peoples of the world.

LZ Blogger said...

Nice thoughts Peter. I hope that all people that live in FREEDOM, will never forget what happened on 9-11-01 and what that BLACK DAY represents to those of us who LOVE OUR FREEDOM! ~ jb///

Jim said...

A nice post, Peter. Thanks.

There's another part to this story. About those police, firefighters, medics, and other first responders. They are suffering terribly now with health complications brought about by what was said to be 'safe' dust and debree. [Reminds me of 'sure, there are WMDs.]
A lot of them and their families now suffer every bit as much as those agent orange or Chernobyl affected ones and their families.
So far our governments are unresponsive.
..

wazza said...

A beautiful post, Peter. The poem certainly brings a sob, a tear and
a lump to your throat. I'm also remembering my sister who also witnessed the horrific impact the second plane made and what she and thousands, nay millions of people around the world saw and felt.
My heart goes out to all who died and the family and friends who still suffer to this day, and also to all the brave people who risked their lives to try and save those before the Twin Towers fell.
Bless them all!!

kenju said...

Yes, a beautiful tribute, Peter. We must never forget about the people who died in 9/11, and I applaud you for participating in this process. What a tragedy that his wife died by her own hand.


Re your comment: Marilyn was a favorite of mine and she was indeed a beautiful woman with a wonderful body. More girls today should emulate her!

Anonymous said...

Hi Peter

Thank you so much for all your help for me to keep in touch with Merle =)
I'm very grateful.

Both you and Jerry are great :)
God bless you and yours.

Jeanette said...

HI Peter
Good post. A lovely tribute to 9/11.
The poem and the music bought a few tears . I know were I was and will never forget.
Take care, Jan

JunieRose2005 said...

Thank you, Peter for this beautiful tribute !


June

Kami said...

OMG. How awful about his wife. So sad. Thank you for this wonderful tribute.

Anonymous said...

Oh Peter...what a lovely tribute. I am in tears. You did a wonderful job of honoring this individual. How sad about his wife. Thank you for including the link to his friend - that was so thoughtful. You have truly captured to concept of these tributes. Thank you for participating. My heart goes out to all of the families and friends of those who lost their life that awful day. God bless you.

Merle said...

Hi Peter ~ Great post and so sad about Joseph's wife. I planned to post the words of Alan Jackson's
song, but you had put the song on.
It is a wonderful song of tribute.
Take care, Merle.

Vickie said...

Hi Peter--What a wonderful tribute to a young man who went so early in his life. I have my tribute up as well. This was a great project to be involved in. This world will never be the same again.

Big Dave T said...

You reminded me that we need to fly the flag tomorrow here, part of the remembrance.

That's such a heartfelt tribute. Thanks for volunteering.

Granny said...

It's beautiful. I hadn't known about the project until I started reading the tributes.

It's not an intrusion at all and this Yank thanks you.

Anonymous said...

Well done Peter. Very touching. And that poem is amazing. I thought you wrote it. Thanks for sharing and for supporting this important project.

Cathy said...

This was so beautiful! You have made me cry so mcuh with this wonderful poem.

Thank you so much for participating and writing this.

Christina said...

beautiful tribute. i have seen that poem before, but unfortunately have no idea who wrote it.

Anonymous said...

an awesome tribute. I believe the poem was delivered from an unknown source and to this day has an author that remains anonymous.

Carolyn said...

I tried commenting yesterday but Blogger glitched me.

That was an awesome poem. Don't know who wrote it, but at least the little girl carries a miracle in her heart rather than deep sadness :)

Thanks for putting this up Peter. I consider you a fellow American :)

Wendy aka Cheeky said...

What a wonderful post - I have made it my mission to read every single one of these.....they were all people - not just names on a list.

Mine is up too - remembering Edward Raymond Vanacore

Anonymous said...

Wish I had known about this project earlier, I would love to have participated. Thank you for a beautiful tribute. You helped to ease the pain of 9/11 for so many.

Crazedmomof4 said...

Beautifully done!

Karen said...

Wow, that was an awesome tribute, Peter. May he rest in peace and his family be comforted.

Biker Betty said...

Wonderful tribute. The 2,996 is a wonderful tribute to all that lost their lives in this tragic event. I did a tribute to a Battalion Chief firefighter.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for this wonderful tribute. Not only does this song bring tears to my eyes, but reading the poem, I'm typing with tears now.Very touching heartfelt tribute.
I remembered Naomi Leah Solomon.

Anonymous said...

You have written a wonderful tribute and the poem did make me cry but it touched my heart deeply too.

Christina said...

Peter, I have changed the comment setting on my blog, as per Zinnia's request. Please feel free to comment anytime!

Cliff said...

beautiful Peter. Thanks Pard'.

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful tribute. We lost so many beautiful souls that day. Thank you for sharing his warmth with us.

I invite you to read my tribute to Major Dwayne Williams - the Pentagon

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing Pendyala's story with us.. Loved the song :)

My thoughts and prayers were with all the families on this 5th Anniversary of 9/11.

God bless you,

Hugs,
BrassyLady (2,996 blogger)

You may visit my tribute at:

http://www.geocities.com/brassylady57/InMemoryOf/MarkandStephenColaio.html