(2002) A Letter from Eunice, Pete's mom.
Dear Peter:
Nine years ago we were
happily preparing for your wedding to Sue on August 14th. Today, your Dad
and I are discussing the One Year Memorial Observance of your death, you,
Sue and little Christine Lee on September 11. You and 3000 others were
slaughtered, and now we have been asked by so many to describe our
feelings. You
and Sue and Christine are always in our thoughts and hearts...we miss you
so much. Peter, I still feel the terrible pain that went through my whole
being when Dad, holding the phone heard your last words. As the plane
banked and crashed into that tower and exploded in a burst of flame, I
screamed, I knew that all the joys we had together, all the love, care and
good times we shared all the dreams and hopes we had were gone...ended by
those murderous cowards. The thought of the three of you in each other's arms in
that final moment will never leave me. I have been told that there could
not have been any pain, but you knew what was happening. How could those
murderers have looked at those innocent people on the plane, at beautiful
Christine and so cruelly kill? How could
their leaders, hidden and protected in a far off land, laugh and joke
about their lack of humanity. I want them brought to justice, but my
feelings are about you. How can I ever forget you, why would I want to
forget you? How could I forget your curiosity and energy. Or those bitter
sweet teen years when you would quietly come into my bedroom and ask if
would talk with you and you would pour out your experiences of life, not
looking for answers, only wanting to
talk. And those dreadlocks!!
After you met Sue you cut them off and brought them home to me. The
Grateful Dead, whose music you loved so much that you convinced your Dad
and I to attend some concerts to share the experience. You moved to Boston
to attend College, embrace the city then met Sue. I remember your calling
me from Boston, and asking me to come and help you pick out an engagement
ring because you were going to ask her to marry you.
I remember how you encouraged Sue to go for
her PhD. We loved her so much. And Christine Lee was love personified. The
world would have had no limits for her. She made me feel so special.
She was truly her mom and dad's daughter. To this
day, I expect to he phone to ring and hear her sweet voice telling me
about her day at day care and always closing with "I love you Namma".
Before the trip she told me she was going to
visit her great grandmother and then visit Mickey Mouse and Pluto. And
then she said, "I want to go to your house Namma". Peter, people
have been so kind. Our Church, Easton Community, the people of Groton, MA
where you live, Boston University, your friends, our friends, the
political community and even the press. The
Memorial dedicated to you, Sue and Christine in Groton is so meaningful
and the elegy written by Carl Schroeder, "Christine's Lullaby" is so
moving, so beautiful. I am sure when Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead
called us you were smiling he told us he was dedicated a concert of his
new group to you.
You all had so many
friends, good friends who keep in contact with us, for you and Sue were such
good loyal friends. Your love was steadfast. We have all the wonderful memories
no one can take from us but oh, how I miss you my beautiful
children.
Love, Mom
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