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I remember MARISA DI NARDO SCHORPP

Please scroll down for newer posts. I'm leaving this one at the top for a few days..

As I sat and watched the events of 911 unfold, I held my not quite 12 month old Zoe's hand and cried for the world that I had bought her into. I wept for the innocence destroyed. I was devastated for humanity as a whole. But until I started on the road to writing this tribute, it wasn't a personal experience. Perhaps that was why I signed up. To make it personal. Because to the loved ones of all 2996 victims, it can be nothing but can it?

Marisa Di Nardo Schorpp

31 Dec 1962 - 11 Sep 2001

Dear Marisa,

I have the extreme honor of remembering you this September 11, 2006, 5 years after you were so tragically torn from this world along with so many other innocent victims. But you were much more than just a victim weren't you? Nobody who died in that horrible moment in time, was just a victim.

Throughout my searching, trying to find out about you and your life, I've learned many things. I've learned you had worked as a trader for Cantor Fitzgerald for around a year as one of only a few women who had to fight harder and be better, in what was traditionally a man's world. I learned that you were successful, determined, aggressive and passionate about your work. Even though you had been celebrating your mother's birthday till the wee hours of the morning the night before, you still went to work because you had a meeting, and had to be there. I learned that you were born on New Year's Eve, 1962, and were taken from us too early from the 105th floor of Tower 1 at the World Trade Center. Your birthday was the day after my daughters. You grew up in West Harrison, NY and attended Harrison High School.

These fragments of information are just part of who you were, and can be found on any of half a dozen websites through a simple web search. There were a few comments, and interesting facts that hit home to me as I tried to give you the tribute you deserve. They also raised more questions than answers as I endeavored to find out more than just statistics. You donated to charities, specifically those that helped poor children and abandoned animals. Did you know some friends of yours set up a children's charity in your name? I wish I could have found out more about them, I would love to donate. You had two cats, Gizmo, and Misha Why did you choose these names? Was their any special significance? THESE are the things I tried in vain to find out about you Marisa! What was on your desk at work? Was it a photo of your husband, Jeff? Perhaps some photos of your family. Marisa you so clearly loved both of your parents, Ester and Pio. Your younger brother Harley was obviously very proud of his big sister as evidenced by his many quotes in various news articles. Nella Baresse, who knew you since you were 8, said you were devoutly religious and your faith was strong. Perhaps there was a favorite verse or picture on a wall where you could see it throughout the day. Perhaps there were a few of the angels that I heard you collected. I hope these things were close by as you spoke to your loving husband to let him know your were ok and were leaving the building. It was the last anyone heard from you Marisa.

I never knew, you Marisa, nor was I likely to. But I think that even though we were from two different worlds, having a coffee with your would have been an interesting experience. I think you would have been an inspiration. I'm so sorry that we will never have that chance. I'm sorry for the memories that you and your loved ones will not be able to create. I'm sorry for their loss. I'm sorry for the good that you will not be able to do in this world. I think your heart was pure and strong and the world is a lesser place now that your not here.

You were so many things to so many people Marisa.

A daughter.

A wife.

A sister.

A friend.

An esteemed colleague.

So much to so many people, and there aren't the words to convey what you must have meant to them all or the loss they feel.

I wish that I could do you, and your life, more justice in this, my tribute to you. For now, all I can do is remember, and hope that others do to. I'm going to leave the final words of this to your mother. She spoke of you at a memorial service and can be seen in this video. It bought tears to my eyes.

I remember you, Marisa.

Yours Sincerely,

Kelly.

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