Sept. 11, 2001

As we prepare to remember Sept. 11, 2001, here is something that might make you think about the day a little differently.

"You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the new on Sept. 11, 2001. Neither will I.

"I was on the 110th floor in a smoke-filled room with a man who called his to say 'Good bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK. I am ready to go.'

"I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

"I was in the stairwell on the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years,' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home, only believe in me now.'

"I was at the base of the building with the priest ministering to the injured and devastated soul. I took him home to tend to his flock in heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

"I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

"I was in Texas, Virgina, California, Michigan, Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.

"I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all knew me. Some met me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear me calling to them through the smoke and flames. Some chose for the final time, to ignore me. But I was there."