The following are thank you messages that we have received for comfort
afghans that were sent to families of the September 11, 2001
victims.
October 9, 2001
"Just to Thank you All". The inside message says:
This message, though
brief,
Has an especially warm touch,
For it comes from the
heart--
"Thank you all very much!""
The last line is
underlined
A handwritten message says:
Dear Cheryl-Beth, Madeline Kopman, Helen Boyle, Louise Marsalko and Marilyn
S.
We were just overwhelmed with the fact that people are so Great!
The
afghan is Beautiful,
and we thank you so very much.
Love to all,
Family of Amy King
October 16, 2001
Dear Maria,
Many thanks to you and Heartmade Blessings for thinking of our families and
sending us the beautiful afghan we really appreciate it.
Maureen Brunton
(Wife of Captain Vincent Brunton-Ladder Company 105)
November 2, 2001
Hello Cheryl,
Today is Friday, November 2, 2001…and I got the comfort afghan today. My
parents were done today and they could not believe as I did…the time, the effort
and the love that was showing from this wonderful beautiful afghan. Again as I
do when I hear anything on the World Trade Center I cry but this cry was
different. Thank you and all your friends and family. This has comforted me and
knowing you and others care means more to me right now than anyone can
imagine.
Cheryl…right now I am not up to it but after the new year…if you need any
squares for your afghans please get in contact with me. Just let me know and the
size. I can’t believe how much this affects me and the showing of your comfort
for others. My parents were amazed, glad and honored that you sent the comfort
afghan to me. I would love to thank all the girls who took the time and effort
but many didn’t put their email address on it. I thank you and I know my cousin
Joey thanks you also. God Bless you and your family and all who put their time
and effort into this for us. God Bless you and with your permission and your
friends and of course your families too, I would love to add them to my prayer
list for doing this for me. God Bless you and yours.
Love always a dear friend,
Denise Cebulski
November 5, 2001
I delivered the WTC comfort afghan to James Bonner last night. We had just
come back from taking my daughter and James’ daughter to see Beauty and the
Beast on Broadway, and so I took the afghan along when we took his daughter
home. James was on duty, but his wife had tears in her eyes when she took the
afghan from me. She wanted me to tell everyone that we are the dearest people
she has ever known and that the afghan will mean so much to James. One of his
best friends, whom he graduated from the Academy with, was one of the victims on
September 11th. His wife said she is going to figure out a way to
hang the afghan on their wall so that every day they will be able to look at it
and remember that there are so many caring people in the world. There are tears
coming to my eyes as I type this. It was such a great feeling to be able to
deliver this to my friend and know that all of us can make such a difference,
even if in just a few lives!
Mable
November 12, 2001
I delivered another WTC ‘ghan this weekend. This one to my friend Adam
Kothencz. He was SO surprised! He knew that I was assembling ‘ghans for HMB and
the WTC victims and families, but had no idea his was one of the names on the
list. He is one of those people who is always buying things for others or doing
things for others, and never expects anyone to do or make anything for him. He
ended up with one of his classic "deer caught in the headlights and hit with a
frying pan" expressions on his face. It was wonderful! He asked me to convey his
thanks to all of the assemblers and contributors of squares.
Mable
November 17, 2001
Hello!! My name is Lorne Lyles, husband of United Flight attendant CeeCee
Lyles who died aboard Flight #93. I would like to personally take the time to
thank each and everyone of you ladies who took the time out of your day to make
the comfort afghan. It truly means a lot to my family and I. We want to thank
you from the bottom of our hearts. Please continue to keep us in your prayers,
because they are heart felt.
With Sincere Love,
Lorne V. Lyles
November 22, 2001
Emerson and I thank you for the lovely afghan. We will treasure it as a
reminder of the kindness of fellow citizens.
Fondly,
Lyz Glick
November 22, 2001
To Edith, family, and Heartmade Blessings,
Your kindness couldn’t be appreciated more-thank you so much. It was so
wonderful to meet your family in person and receive such a beautiful treasure.
Please thank everyone involved.
John & Donna Damiskinos
December 13, 2001
The family of Ann Campana Judge acknowledges with grateful appreciation your
very kind and thoughtful expression of sympathy.
December 16, 2001
I want to say thank you for the beautiful quilts. May the Lord shine on you
and all the people who took the time to care for perfect strangers. You are the
people who are sent down from heaven, you are special. I think the word I’m
looking for is guardian angels. God Bless You and Happy Holiday.
The DeBlase Family
December 29, 2001
Nancy Clare Bueche
August 10, 1958 – September 11, 2001
Our final farewell is an act of respect as we entrust Nancy to the tender
merciful embrace of God.
We wish to thank you for your support during this time with your prayers,
your presence, your kindness, your caring concern, your generosity, and your
love.
Jim and Bridget Bueche & Family
And
Helen McNulty
& Family
January 9, 2002
Dear Bernice,
Thanks so much for the lovely afghan comforter you sent me. On September
11th my brother Joseph was an employee of Cantor Fitzgerald. As a
result of the tragedy that ensued, that company had all of its workers killed
that day. As of this date I have not gotten any remains of my brother and
therefore have nothing to bury or seek closure from. I had a memorial service
for him on December 1st at our local parish church. As difficult as
it was, I tried my best to eulogize him. It seems so strange not to have a body
to bury. I can only hope that something turns up to end this nightmare but
somehow I think not, he worked on the 101st floor of Tower Number One
and the prospects look gloomy.
This coming Spring, I plan to have his name inscribed on the headstone of the
family grave in the Bronx, that is the least I can do. At least the world will
know that he existed. He was only 54 years old. I am his older brother and I
guess it’s up to me to carry on since both our parents are gone and there are no
other siblings. He was the last of our family and will be missed greatly.
Please thank the ladies who did the squares and thank you for your lovely
letter I will treasure this the rest of my life. You can imagine my surprise
when the mailman delivered your gift. It lifted my spirits and I know Joe would
have loved it too.
God Bless You.
Best wishes,
Dominick LaFalce
January 11, 2002
Thank you all for the beautiful blanket in honor of my mother Nancy Bueche. I
will treasure it always.
Love,
Bridget
January 16, 2002
I am passing on this thank you I received tonight from Nicholas Barbaro. I
sent Nick a donated afghan on 1-2-02 and he wrote me to see who to write to
thank for it. I told him I would pass his message on to the assemblers. He was a
relative of Paul Barbaro/Cantor Fitzgerald.
It is wonderful to hear that
an afghan was received, isn't it!
My family is in receipt of the
beautiful afghan that you sent us. We were preparing a thank you when we
realized we didn't have an address to send it to. Kindly send me an appropriate
address.
Thank you for all of your efforts during this difficult
time.
Nick
January 18, 2002
Dear Edith,
How does one thank a complete stranger who made a beautiful afghan for a
family she doesn’t even know? We are truly touched by the beautiful blanket and
the love that went into it. May God bless all your wonderful women for all the
love and comfort we feel when we wrap ourselves up in the afghan.
It has been a terrible tragedy for all of us – the beauty of the tragedy is
the love that people give to those in need. Americans are truly good people who
will always rise to the occasion.
We are so grateful to you’re and your wonderful organization.
God Bless!
The Minardi Family
January 19, 2002
Thank you so much for the wonderful afghans. Your kindness has touched my
heart and brought tears to my eyes. You are all wonderful and what you’re doing
brings comfort during such a painful time. We will use your afghans to keep us
warm during this especially cold winter in our lives. Thank you again.
From our hearts,
Courtney, Sarah and Paul Acquaviva
January 28, 2002
Dear Joan and Heartmade Blessings,
Let me introduce myself. My name is Mrs. Nassaney and I am Shawn’s mother. I
would like to thank you for the beautiful comfortghan, it was so thoughtful of
you. Everyone has been so kind and loving during this horrific event.
Enclosed is a picture of Shawn and his girlfriend. They were going on
vacation to Hawaii when they were killed. They were both twenty-five years old
and in love. Thanks again for being a part of our lives during these most
difficult times.
As always,
Mrs. Nassaney
January 28, 2002
Dear Heartmade Blessings,
Thank you for the beautiful blanket. Your support and encouragement mean more
to me than you can know. I cannot imagine how this could have happened – so many
wonderful friends, so many fantastic faces. Sometimes I try to get my arms
around September 11th, but it’s just too big, too surreal. Cantor
Fitzgerald and eSpeed will succeed because my lost partners and friends were
estraordinary.
I miss my brother and my friends. I will always remember them, but in spite
of what happened, we have to carry on. We have to believe that our lives have
meaning and purpose, whether they are inexplicably spared, or tragically cut
short.
The memories of those remaining need to be celebrated. We must not be defined
by this act of violence, but rather through our commitment to our loved ones and
to each other. Only together can we build a future that will honor their
memory.
With hope,
Howard Lutnick
Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald
February 1, 2002
Hi Kay,
This is Stacy. You sent out some comfortghans to the Beyer family for me and
in appreciation, I would like to send you some stamps. Thank you so much!! I do
appreciate everything you do."
This thank you goes out to the following wonderful square makers: Coletta D.,
Vicky L., Carol P., Cindy D., Rita U.
February 2, 2002
I just received a very lovely comfort afghan today and I was breath taken
that such wonderful people would take the time to care for me in my time of
need. I want to thank everyone who put time into the afghan and I will cherish
it always and when I need a hug or just warmth I will cuddle up in it and feel
all the love that went into it. Again thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Juliene
February 6, 2002
Thank you all for the beautiful comfortghan. It’s nice to know our loved one
is remembered in such a beautiful way.
Please extend our thanks to everyone.
Fran & Norman Vallette
February 6, 2002
Dear Mrs. Ellis & Members of Heartmade Blessings,
My husband, Patrick Hoey, was killed in the World Trade Center on September
11. On behalf of my family, I want to express our sincere appreciation for the
beautiful afghan we received last week. As the afghan keeps us physically warm
when we wrap up in it, it also will warm our hearts as we see it on display in
our home. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Ellen Hoey
February 7, 2002
Thank you Wanda, Kay, and all who shared for your loving support in such a
difficult time. The prayers of the nation have eased the burden of our
hearts.
With love,
Michele Bedigian
The afghan is beautiful.
The message continued with the following:
Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, if so, we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much whatever the
part.
By the family of Carl Bedigian
February 7, 2002
There are all kinds of thank yous—All very sincere—For help or for gifts, or
for just being near. There are all kinds of thank yous for all kinds of
things…But none could mean more than the Thank you this brings. Thank You Very
Much.
Dear Kay,
I just want to say thank you again for the comfortghans you sent to the Beyer
family. Please take these stamps. I know you don’t accept money. It is a
wonderful thing what you ladies do and I appreciate all you do. THANKS
AGAIN.
Stacy Cinello
February 14, 2002
Dear Lisa, Anne, Audrey, Elaine, Kate, Linda, Kathleen, and The Knotty Ladies
Crochet Group,
Thank you all for the beautiful afghan. I will cherish it forever as a
tribute to the good people of our country. God bless each and everyone one of
you for a labor of love.
Sincerely,
Eileen K. West
February 19, 2002
Thank you Diana & Heartmade Blessings for the beautiful afghan you sent.
And thank you to everyone who contributed each square so lovingly crocheted.
Vicki talks about your group and all that you do and I really appreciate it. I
will treasure this afghan always!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Epifania de Castro
February 19, 2002
Dear Diana,
I just wanted to write to you and let you know that the beautiful comfortghan
was received just now. It was simply beautiful and I am speechless. Thank you so
much for thinking of me. Thank you again for your fine, beautiful work.
Lisa Poplawski
February 20, 2002
My name is Glenna Rosenberg and my husband Lloyd was killed on September
11th at the World Trade Center…
My 3 girls recently received comfort afghans…I cannot begin to tell you how
special this is to me. My girls are 5, 3, and 1 year old and they cannot
appreciate what this actually is but they all love them, and they are sleeping
with them. Thank you again for thinking of us. I will never forget the kindness
of strangers.
Sincerely,
Glenna Rosenberg
February 20, 2002
"Thank you so much for the beautiful afghan. Thank you for keeping my husband
Angelo Amaranto spirits alive. I will treasure the afghan for the rest of my
live. It will keep me warm, and dry my tears. I will keep it close to my heart
and soul.
God Bless you all,
Maria Amaranto
February 23, 2002
Dear Kathryn,
First I apologize for not sending this thank you letter sooner. I've been
kept busy since 9/11 which is good therapy for me and yet very sad at the same
time and ( I) cry a lot. You mailed the comfort afghans to my son-in-law (one
for him and one for his two children). There was also another one in a separate
box addressed to my husband Steve. I know you probably didn't know he had a
wife, but of course, he let me have it. Our beautiful daughter Peggy turned 42
yrs. old on 9/18 is one of the victims missing. She was our oldest child and we
have two sons who are both NYC Firefighter Lieutenants. Of course they were both
at the WTC even on their days off, helping victims and especially hoping to find
their sister. They were both exhausted for a few months but never complained. I
must say a lot of people even out of NYC who we don't even know were very
compassionate and thoughtful. I want to especially thank you and your committee
that put these afghans together. It was a most thoughtful and comforting idea. I
happen to use a afghan at night while watching TV so I'm most grateful to get
this special one as a reminder of where it come from and to get a comfortable
feeling while I use it. Again please thank your committee on our behalf for all
the work and time and to let them know that all their kind acts helped us to get
through this very terrible time in our lives.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve
Zezyck
February 24, 2002
Thank you very much for the beautiful comfort afghans. We’ve gotten so much
support over these last 5 months -- we really do appreciate it and it’s nice to
know what wonderful, caring people there are across our great nation.
Sue, Kara, and Kelly McDermott
March 2, 2002
Thank you all so much for the beautiful and love-filled blanket you sent to
me in honor of my wonderful brother, Tommy. I showed the blanket to my sister
and parents and they too loved it. I can't tell you enough how much it means to
hear that terrific people such as yourself feel our pain! Thank
you again
and I will cherish it always!
Thank you and God bless you,
Colleen Ashton
March 3, 2002
To : Madeline Kopman and the Residents of the Orange Blossom Villa
From : Susan, Meggie and Jessica Jones
Thank you so much for the
beautiful afghan. We can't imagine how long it took you and your group to make.
God bless you for thinking of us. We'll never forget this. Please continue to
pray for us. Thanks again for the lovely afghan.
March 7, 2002
Dear Ladies,
What kind and caring persons you "Heartmade Blessings"
ladies are! Our words cannot adequately express how much receiving the
"Comfortghan" – with its unique red, white and blue designs -- means to us. How
deeply touched we are that you wonderful ladies, who make up the "Heartmade
Blessings" team are willing to reach out to hurting people you do not
know.
Our son Lieutenant Commander Eric Allen Cranford died when the
terrorist attack on the Pentagon struck the Naval Command Center where he was at
work. We are sending a brief biography so you can know the person you so
touchingly honor.
If you, by chance, have the addresses of Janice
Buttress and Debbie Swenson, who made squares for our comfortghan, would you
send those addresses to us so we can write thank you notes to them?
Thank
you and God bless you!
Fred and Betsy Cranford
March 7, 2002
On behalf of my sons and I, thank you for the beautiful comfort afghan that
you and others thought to make with your love in memory of my husband. The
support of you, the others who stitched the squares, and the American people in
general has certainly helped us to stand stronger and continue our lives. Again,
thank you for your support and caring,
Love,
Michele Bergsohn, Sam
and Harris.
March 11, 2002
Dear Kathryn,
On behalf of my daughter Tara and her children, Kenin,
Kaitlyn, Breon, Brendan and Terence Stackpole, please accept our sincere thanks
for all the lovely afghans that your group has take the time to make. One is
more beautiful than the other and they will truly be a source of comfort and
warmth to her family. Captain Timothy Stackpole was a wonderful, father, son and
son-in-law (son-in-law is underlined) and we miss him so much!
Thanks
again for remembering my daughter and her family and God Bless all of
you.
Please extend our thanks to the others in your group.
With warmest regards,
Mary Carlton.
March 13, 2002
We received the beautiful comfortghan you sent us in memory of our son. We
would like to thank you all for your kindness. We really appreciate it.
Wishing you health and happiness.
Sincerely,
Phyllis and Joe Berger
March 13, 2002
I just received the lovely comfortghan. Would you post my thank you to every
one that made a square. It was a very thoughtful thing to do. I will enjoy it
and I want to thank every one that worked on it I sent a thank you card to Joan
Barrett she is the one that mailed it to me.
Thanks again,
Cecilia Dunlop
March 13, 2002
Thank you very kindly for your thoughtful gift and note. I will use the
afghan to keep my son warm and to remind me that losses make us so much more
aware of what we have. Joao Aguiar was my nephew who lived with me for the past
16 years and he is missed more than I can describe.
Thank you for your
prayers and your thoughtfulness.
God Bless you.
Ray Smith
March 14, 2002
The ones we love are never gone for they live within our hearts. No words can
adequately express the depth of our gratitude for the love and support you have
provided during this difficult time. Your thoughtfulness did so much to ease our
sorrow.
Thank you for the beautiful patriotic afghan. Your kindness does help to lift
our heavy hearts. Please extend our thanks to all involved. My husband would be
so pleased to know how you’ve helped.
Sincerely,
Joanne Karl Jr. & Brad Smith
March 14, 2002
The family of Vincent Michael Litto would like to thank you for your love and
support during this very difficult time. Let his memory comfort us and his
legacy guide us to a peaceful world today and always.
The afghan was so beautiful. We will cherish it always.
Thank you again,
Linda Litto
Also inside was a picture of Vincent Michael Litto (March 13, 1949 –
September 11, 2001)
On the back of the picture was this verse:
And if I go, while you’re still here…Know that I live on, vibrating to a
different measure-behind a veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, so
you must have faith . I wait for the time when we can soar together again-both
aware of each other. Until then, live your life to it’s fullest and when you
need me, just whisper my name in your heart…I will be there.
March 14, 2002
My Dear Friends,
March 19, 2002
Hello Denise,
We just wanted to let you know that we received your
beautiful gift in the mail today & have forwarded it to Lauren Manning. We
know that she will be so touched by your hand-made afghan & will truly
appreciate such a thoughtful gift.
Thank you for sending it along, &
all our best wishes to you & your knitting group!
March 20, 2002
When I delivered it, first she just cried and said but they don't even know
me. Then she was speechless and for this particular New Yorker that is really
saying something. She said that is the most beautiful thing that she has even
seen and that it is the most wonderful thing that anyone has ever done for her.
And then she cried some more and of course I cried with her. She really loves
the ghan. She said that she could see the love in every stitch. I told here that
was all the thanks we wanted. I posted while yahoo was down, it looks like a lot
of you didn't get it. Ladies every one should have the privilege of hand
delivering a comfortghan. The reaction makes everything else worth it. I guess I
never realized how our craft and something that is fun to do can affect someone.
She was given a release to drive two weeks ago Two days later she went to
WalMart to get a heating pad, as she was pulling out of the parking lot, some
woman was backing out of a parking space without looking behind her and ran
right into Marge. She wasn't hurt but really really shaken. And her beautiful,
pristine lovingly garage kept 1977 Gold and cream colored Mustang has a bashed
fender. It was a week before she could drive again she was so shaken. Geez she
didn't need that.
Kim Jiries
March 26, 2002
Hi! Our names our Danny and Beth Storch we received our Comfort Afghan on
Sat. March 23, we wanted to tell everyone who took part in making our afghan
"Thank You" You all have very big hearts to do so much for a complete stranger.
We have enjoyed it so much it really put a smile on our faces after everything
we've been through it was a real picker-upper. So once again Thank You from the
bottom of our hearts.
God bless you all,
Danny and Beth Storch
April 2, 2002
My name is Loreen Sellitto and I live in Morristown, New Jersey. On 9-11 I
lost my beautiful boy, Matthew, age 23, to the bombing. He had just graduated
the University of Vermont in December and started with Cantor Fitzgerald in
February. My family received the comfort afghan just last week and it is
displayed proudly in our family room where we all use it to cuddle, even our
pets! Our sincerest thanks to you and Tillie Spitler for taking the time to do
something beautiful for the 9-11 families. You can't imagine the heartache we
all feel, even though 6 months has past, it is as if the attack on America
happened just yesterday. The love and support of people from all over the
country like you and Tillie help to sustain so many of us as we attempt to
redefine our lives.
May God bless you and know how much your kindness
means to me, my husband, Matt, and my younger son, Jonathan.
Sincerely,
Loreen Sellitto
April 9, 2002
Thank you so much for sending the beautiful handmade afghan. I have been
overwhelmed by the kindness I have received.
Thank you so
much--
Brenda Fallon & Family
April 9, 2002
Hi Edith....
My name is Stacey Stone. I live in Bellmore, New York. I
don't know if you will remember me...I lost my husband, Lonny on September 11th
at the World Trade Center. Our paths crossed through a wonderful soul, Sharon
(catbird1). She presented my family and I with a beautiful afghan put together
by you and some other giving people.
Anyway, I must apologize for not
being in touch with you sooner, but needless to say, life around here is quite
hectic. The afghan is magnificent!!! I was so touched by the whole concept of
it, that it is very difficult to put into words. To receive such a labor of love
and hope from people that we have never met does so much to help your spirit
heal. I hope you will share this poem with and our gratitude with everyone who
was involved in this project.
With love and gratitude...
Stacey,
Alex(age12),and Joshua(age 9) Stone
(see attached poem)
It is very
hard to find the start,
To say our Thank You from the heart.
The words
I come up with just won't do,
To express our gratitude from us to
you.
There are NO words to express how we feel,
With your continued
support one day we will heal.
Be so proud of yourselves for the way you
stood tall,
Your kindness and love helped us get through it all.
With
your hearts and your hands you did all that you can,
You helped us to see the
true spirit of man.
Losing Lonny is too much too bear,
It helps so
much to have you all near.
Remember the tragedy that took him
away,
Enjoy your life and LIVE everyday.
So remember my Lonny, for he
was such a great guy,
Keep sight of the good things one day you'll
know
Why.
-Stacey Stone-
With love from the Family of Lonny
Stone
Stacey, Alex & Joshua
April 11, 2002
Thank you so much for the afghan. Please thank everybody on our behalf for
the time and effort put into this project. It is greatly
appreciated.
Again thank you.
Carol
Carol was the contact for
the Sullins family at Cabrini Hospital in NY. She had agreed to accept and
deliver the comfortghans to Mrs. Sullins and children. (I'm sure Carol meant
afghans (plural) as we sent 3.)
April 23, 2002
During our time of sorrow we realize how much our family and friends mean to
us. Your kind expression of sympathy will always be remembered by the family of
David Marc Sullins."
Evelyn Sullins.
(The comfortghans were received just days after Marc's
body was recovered.)
April 24, 2002
Please accept my heartfelt thanks to you and your organization for the
beautiful afghan I received. My fiancee was one of the 3 New York State Supreme
court officers who lost their lives while helping the injured. We were to be
married in October, but I guess God had other plans for him. Now all I have left
are bittersweet memories of the love we shared. Your gift has brought me comfort
and your act of kindness to a complete stranger will never be forgotten by me.
May God Bless All Of You!!
Sincerely,
Noreen McDonough - Mineola,
NY
May 4, 2002
Dear Kay,
Thank you so much for the beautiful comfortghan. The kindness and
thoughtfulness of everyone involved has truly touched me. Please extend my
gratitude to everyone in your wonderful group.
Thanks again
Sheila Harris
May 8, 2002
The quilt that I received was wonderful. It has been amazing to have so many
people thinking about myself and the thousands of other families who lost
someone on 9/11.
Tara Bane
May 14, 2002
Dear Bonney,
Thank you so very much for the beautiful afghan-the kindness of people
like you has made this tragedy a bit easier to bear. In a world with so much
hate which has so terribly affected my children, it is only through the love of
people like you that I have been able to show my children the goodness of the
world & that love is greater than evil!
Thank you so very much!
Mary Ellen Salamone
Alex, Arden &
Anna
May 14, 2002
Dear Barbara,
Thank you so much for the beautiful hand-made afghan. It is gorgeous, and
will bring us much comfort (my 2 yr. old loves snuggling on the couch with it)!
The reality of all this is still hard to believe, but the outpouring of love and
support from people and organizations like yours continually reminds us that we
are not a alone, and helps make each day brighter and full of hope. Thank you
again.
Love,
Ingrid
May 21, 2002
I am in receipt of a beautiful lavender colored, hand crocheted afghan made
by all of you. I did receive it some time ago and am remiss in thanking you for
it.
My name is Joanne and I live in Little Silver, New Jersey with my two
sons. Brad is 16 and Karl Jr. is 19. Their father (my husband) was killed
9/11/01 while at work for Cantor Fitzgerald in One World Trade Center. The
tragedy has overwhelmed us and caused the path of our lives to forever change
BUT, we are grasping on to what we have in each other and managing via our own
strengths (many of which come from the strengths my husband instilled in us) and
the support of friends, neighbors and strangers such as yourselves. Our hearts
have been touched by the love and compassion that strangers from
around the
country have shown to us. Thank you for showing your support in such a beautiful
fashion. The afghan is displayed with pride in my living room and has received
many comments remarking on it's beauty and then surprise when told where it came
from.
Keep up the good work. May you touch other lives as you have
touched ours.
Most sincerely,
Joanne Smith and sons
May 23, 2002
Dear Kay,
I wanted to thank you for the comfort afghan that you sent me. I received it
on Thursday afternoon. It was raining here, and the mailman was kind enough to
knock on our door and deliver the box personally. He said he didn't want to
leave the package outside to get wet.
I want to thank you and all the
wonderful people who stitched each square. It turned out beautifully! And it has
helped knowing that there are very kind people out there who will take the time
out of their busy lives to comfort someone that they have never even heard of! I
felt special and loved. Thank you! You and the ladies who crocheted the squares
are certainly angels in disguise.
God bless you all!
Cathy
Wesemann
May 24, 2002
Dear Donna,
I just wanted to thank you and everyone involved in making us the "comfort"
quilt. It is beautiful and it will surround me with comfort just knowing how
much people care, especially strangers. Thank you
again.
Sincerely,
Diane Cronk
May 28, 2002
Jill,
I presented the comfortghan to Bob and Jeanie on Saturday
afternoon along with the money that was raised through our fundraising efforts.
Bob will probably pass away in the next week or two. I wanted to let you know
that the entire Finnegan Family felt the comfortghanh and the money collected
was truly a small miracle. They were so touched by all the caring families from
across the country and words could not express the feeling I had on hearing this
first hand from them. Bob's mother and wife were down on their hands and knees
looking at all the different patterns and reading all the different cards
attached to each pattern. What you and your network of friends did for this
family was very special and it is the kind of moral support they need to get
through this most difficult time. I thank you and your network of friends from
the bottom of my heart for being a part of this family's life. Your network is
very special and you cannot image how your group touches a family's life until
you're actually sitting in the room watching them open up the box and look at
their faces as they read the letter. Thanks Again! I have enclosed a picture of
the family from Christmas 2000. This is who you touched!
John
O'Connor
May 28, 2002
We received your beautiful afghan today for Gitto family, everyone in our
office raved about it. We will be presenting it to the Family on Saturday, I am
sure that they will treasure it. I can not thank you and your volunteers enough
for taking the time to make the afgan and for thinking of those in the Scouting
family all the way across the country. God bless you and yours and thanks again
for your kindness.
Matt Thornton
July 6, 2002
My son's are in receipt of the two BEAUTIFUL, patriotic afghans that you
collectively created. We can not thank you enough for your thoughtfulness and
for holding us in your hearts during this difficult time. While the loss of our
loved one will never be understandable, we have renewed faith in the love and
concern that relative strangers can show for one another. I hope that we can
return that kindness to others during our lifetime.
Bless you all.
Most Sincerely,
Joanne, Bradford and Karl Smith
July 8, 2002
Dear Madeline,
It amazes me that despite all the war and evil there are still good people
like yourself who wish to ease another's pain. The crocheted blanket is in my
living room. this winter I will cover myself with it and think of all the hard
work & love strangers put into it just so I won't feel so alone.
Many
Thanks,
Elaine Leinung
Mother of Paul J Battaglia
Web sit for Paul.
www.battaglia.org
July 18, 2002
I received the afghans yesterday for my son and me. I want to thank you for
thinking of us and for your kind words. The afghans are absolutely beautiful and
we will remember your kindness every
time we use them. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Linda Maffeo
July 19, 2002
Dear Donna,
I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the beautiful, and I do
mean beautiful, Comfort Afghan. I never realized it would be such a wonderful
afghan. Everyone who has seen it has remarked on how lovely it was.
It is
comforting to know that so many people care and that they would go to all that
work for someone they never knew.
It will always have a special place in
our home and in my heart. I plan to e-mail everyone who contributed a panel and
included their address or e-mail address.
Again, thanks. I'm afraid I
just can't express in words the gratitude I'm feeling. You know, Rob was a lover
of things beautiful, and I know he would have loved the afghan as much as I
do.
God bless you and everyone who made these afghans
possible.
Sincerely,
Elvin Schlegel
July 19, 2002
My name is Madeline Placek Zinzi and I lost my wonderful son, Mike, on
September 11.
About two weeks ago I found a box on my front steps when I
came home from work and could not imagine who Kim Ogle was and why she would be
sending me a package. I can't tell you how pleased I was to find the lovely
afghan with tags on the squares bearing the names of their creators. Perhaps I
could take this opportunity to thank Kim Ogle, Grace Ogle, Norma McMichael, John
Poznanski, Cari Raboin and Cathy Hines. Thank you all for your thoughtfulness
and generosity. And thank you also to the angel who whispered in your
ears.
Recently, I purchased quite a bit of red, white and navy blue yarn
with the thought of attempting to crochet something resembling an American flag,
but I've never quite got around to it. Under the circumstances, I thought I'd
like to contribute to your Operation Purple Heart. Would you be kind enough to
send me the specifications and instructions for where to send the afghan
squares.
Once again, thank you for your kindness. I'm sure you are all
angels.
God bless us everyone.
Madeline Placek Zinzi
July 20, 2002
Dear Pat,
Today we received the beautiful Afghan from Heartmade Blessings. My wife and
I wept as we opened and read the enclosed note. Thank you and the others so much
for helping us in the process of recovery from Brian's death. This was a
wonderful expression of love. Thank you for joining the squares
together.
May the Lord bless you through this precious
ministry.
In His Service,
Arthur and Barbara Craig
Bernice,
What an awesome surprise in the mail for us today. We were so touched by your
special comfortghan-what a thoughtful and caring gift. We want to thank you all
so much for your thoughts and prayers. Please continue with the prayers as we
certainly do need them. Our Lord, church and family are there for us and of
course we all know our Tommy is now so very safe with the Lord. Thank you all
also for the flag pins (something I send with each one) we do appreciate all you
all have done.
Sincerely,
Bud and Pat Allison
Along with the note came a printed sheet with Tommy's picture this is what
was printed on it:
To our family of friends in Christ Jesus:
There is no why- There is only trust and obey! We thank all of you for
serving so many in our time of need. It is such a joy to see your witness for
the Lord. God has blessed our family mightily for forty years. He continues to
do so now! For those who have joined our Lord in Heaven, what a glorious Easter
they are having and forevermore! If you listen very quietly you will hear the
roll call up yonder and they will be there! Thank you God for everything.
Buddy and Patricia Allison and Family
Then there is a great picture of Tommy and these words. JOY, Jesus,
Other, You. Under that "some of us will get to Heaven first". And lastly
this,"Then He said unto them, go your way.. For this day is holy unto our Lord:
be ye neither sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10
July 26, 2002
Thank you very kindly for the beautiful Comfort Afghan. Cindy has been unable
to respond to you at this time. She has been hospitalized due to severe
depression. I'm sure she will thank you personally in the future.
Thank you again,
Ethel Chamberlain
August 1, 2002
I have received both afghans.... they are beautiful, Wanda! I delivered the
one for Joseph, (the Delta Pilot) to Delta Airlines in New York, since I had
lost touch with him. They assured me that they would get it to him, as they were
unable to give out any personal information on his new location. The one for
Linda Pohlmann and her sons will be delivered this week. Thank you so much for
this beautiful gesture.
Blessings to you,
Inez
August 9, 2002
Dear Madeline and volunteers:
Thank you very much for the beautiful
afghan which I received today in the mail. My husband died in the terrorist
attacks of 9/11/01, leaving me widowed after eight wonderful years of marriage,
and a single mom with a then 3-year-old son.
It touches me deeply to
know that kind people are still thinking about my son and me, almost 11 months
after the terrorist attacks, and making time to create such a beautiful work of
art to show your concern. This and other displays of generosity have proven to
me, many times over, that there is far more good in the world than evil. It is
important that my son know that, so that he grows up to be a good man, generous
in spirit, and optimistic about people, despite the violent murder of his doting
father, and I thank you for helping me teach him this lesson.
Thanks to
the generosity of many people, we have healed a great deal during these past
eleven months. Though we will always miss Chris, we will nonetheless lead a
happy life together, and my son will serve
as a living tribute to his
adoring father who showered him with love and affection for those crucial
formative years from birth to age 3. He is a very special little boy who takes
after his wonderful father
in so many ways. My husband would be overwhelmed
with gratitude to know how kind everyone has been to his son and to
me.
Many thanks again.
Love,
Sheila Kiernan
(Mrs.
Christopher R. Zarba, Jr.)
August 12, 2002
Thank you so very much for the lovely afghan. It touched my heart and when I
realized that many individuals across two nations had taken the time to stitch
each square, it brought me much comfort in this difficult time. The afghan
exemplifies the many cards and letters that I have received from all over Canada
and the United States and it will continually remind me of the support that I
have received from both nations.
When I wrap myself in this afghan I am
sure I will feel the warmth, comfort and encouragement that has been placed into
every stitch.
Once again I would like to thank you all from the bottom of
my heart for your friendship and support.
Sincerely,
Marley Leger
August 16, 2002
I can't thank you enough for the beautiful Comfort Afghans. I am thoroughly
touched by this. It brings tears to my eyes knowing that there are thoughtful
& kind people who would take the time to do this for us. Dean and I thank
you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers
during this most difficult time in our lives.
Love,
Dyan and Dean Zinzi
August 20, 2002
The family of A.Todd Rancke acknowledges with grateful appreciation you kind
expression of sympathy
Inside is the following hand written note: July, 2002,
Mrs. Hesse, Thank you so much for the afghan. It was so thoughtful to think of
my family. It has been so hard. Thanks again for caring and sharing.
Debbie Rancke and family
August 21, 2002
Thank You! Your gift of love and thoughtfulness has comforted me and
enlightened me once again to the true beauty in this world. I'm truly thankful
to be an American and to consider each of you my friends and family. Thanks for
everything.
Lisa Vance
August 23, 2002
We (it was addressed to me & Heartmade Blessings) received the following
WTC thank you note:
Thank you for honoring Pete's memory with your love,
kindness & support during this difficult time. Our family is truly grateful.
Your quilt has been a great source of comfort for my boys throughout this
difficult year. We send you a warm hug & thank you for your good
work.
Michelle,Jack & Griffin Gelinas
September 2, 2002
Dear Madeline,
I want to thank you
so much for the beautiful afghan that appeared at our door for our beloved son
Aaron. He was 27, and was one of the 645 employees at Cantor Fitzgerald. This
is a very hard month for me, and I've had many such since 9/11, hard to describe
my feelings, basically - loss. Aaron was a special, wonderful boy.
Don't
know how your group got our name, but we appreciate your loving kindness so
much. It modifies the anger I also feel to know that fellow Americans outside
of our area feel for us.
God bless,
Alice Jacobs
September 8, 2002
Dear Ms. Smith,
Thank you so much
for the gift of the comfortghan. The outpouring of support and compassion we
have received is appreciated by all of us in the fire service. I feel very
honored that I was singled out to receive this wonderful gift. Please extend my
heartfelt gratitude to Darlene Newcomb for creating this afghan. You will all
be in my thoughts each time I use it.
It is our hope that Heartmade
Blessings will continue making and distributing these wonderful gifts. It is
people like you that really make a difference.
Most sincerely,
Rich
Lasky
Fire Chief
Chief Lasky lost 11 friends at the World Trade Center
on 9/22/2001. He went there in person to try to help find them.
September 12, 2002
Thank you , each and everyone of you for
continual thoughts and prayers for myself, Brian, his family, and of course to
all of those that knew and loved an incredible man.
For those in the
latter category, you were all in my prayers at Ground Zero yesterday. I went,
because I felt the need to be there meeting many people's families that have
also suffered this great loss. It was healing to me....truly a process in
live. I can't believe that it has been a year. A year of tragedy and pain, but
also a year of incredible growth and love. One rarely comes in the absence of
the other. Life is a journey in which for those of us that knew Brian were
truly blessed with the privilege of knowing and loving an incredible
spirit.
This has been the basis of my healing, and its what gives me the
strength to smile and pursue life with open arms. I was blessed to have loved
him. He truly made me a better person. For all your support, email, cards,
flowers at the mailbox, pictures, stories, golf tourney participation,
donations, or just a prayer and a remembrance, THANK YOU from the bottom of my
heart. And thank you for honoring Brian's spirit, whether you knew him or not,
by realizing that we all have a purpose in live, we are all still alive, and we
all must love and respect our loved ones because our time here is so uncertain.
Brian knew this so well. Till we see him again.
Love to you
all,
Julie Sweeney
October 15, 2002
Front:
Welles Remy Crowther
May 17,
1977 - September 11, 2001
Love is All that Prevails
Inside:
We
extend our sincerest thank you for your very kind expression of comfort,
sympathy and love.
Dear Tamara,
On behalf of our entire family, I
thank you, Ping Shelton's Mom, Madeline Kopman and Maureen Opfer for the very
beautiful red, white and blue comfort afghan you made for us. It is a beautiful
work and gift of love and will keep us wrapped in the warmth of your deep
caring. You are very special.
May God Bless You All,
Alison &
Jeff Crowther
Welles Crowther perished in the World Trade Center after
saving at least 2 women. He was recognized by the red and black bandana that he
always carried.
October 17, 2002
Dear Mrs. Hesse,
The same angel
that whispered in your ear about our tough times must be the same angel that
delivered the Comfortghan to our home. It is truly a beautiful and wonderful
gift and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Over the
past year, we have met some of the finest people this country has to offer.
People like you; make us proud to be an American. From all across this great
country, we have received countless cards and letters from families we never
would have known. At times, God works in very strange ways. He gave us a
tremendous load to bare, but he also gave us people like you, to help us carry
it.
As we snuggle in our Comfort Afghan over the winter we will always
think of you and the group of friends we have at HMB and their love and their
prayers.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
John T. Vigiano