Desiree.  Being present during 9-11 (I was in Denver, but my family -3 members- were in the city that day) gives you the right to feel entitled to respect- it was HORRIFIC, and that came from those running.  Profound.  It sounds as though your work ethic legacy was able to "get you through"- the rest will follow.  That you also have a generous heart makes you someone that (you're right) would be a great parent- look at your own, and forget the clock.  Thank you for a wonderful post!

Desiree.... wow... this was an excellent job. And just the part about 911 in itself is a story to always cherish. My brother-in-law was over there and had just been relocated from tower 3 about 6 months prior... to midtown. Overall, thanks for sharing this.  Such a great life and so much more to do and possibly achieve and to enjoy.

Laurie - Thanks for the kind words...   I am glad you enjoyed my "story"

And that you will, are and will be. You have created (so far) a persona that people will remember you for...all the good qualities of your "self". Thanks for getting this in and good luck!

Desiree, a very memorable post.  Someone upstairs was directing traffic for you that day to keep you from that meeting.  There must be a plan for you...

Jeff - Thanks... and thank you for being so supportive.... you were one of my first contacts and I will forever remember your encouraging words....    Hey and don't forget to mail my royalties check okay :)

Sally-----  Woo Hoo - Mahalo my little chickadee.... and thank you for the contest and challenging my brain to put this down in writing.... its people like you that inspire me to "create".   Your a great soul ... thanks again

You are my team leader, friend and mentor.   YOU inspire me to do my best everyday and show the same compassion and caring you do to your clients.  YOU are an amazing woman and this group should be honored to have aboard

Desiree, I was already impressed to death with you. I didn't think that could go up, but it did.  I miss my Grandmas, I mourn my pets, I hit my knees and cried on 9-11 even though I didn't know a soul in the city.  Well, in our weird time-space continuum I guess there were people there that I cared about.  I just didn't know it at the time.  I hope you will be a Mom.  It is the best thing I have ever been.  Nothing else I am compares in any way.  You can be a Mom and still be all the other things you are, but it will turn your life upside down and you'll be glad of it.  

This is fantastic Desiree.  Rarely does a personal story/reflection get bookmarked by yours truly, but this is one of them.  Margaret is dead-on, this is a very memorable post.  And I love the mention of your Father, First American World Dart Champion....would love to hear that story.  And I'm glad Al kept you out late that night....

Desiree - thank you for baring your soul in this very inspiring post.  9-11 affected so many in so many ways, and you were right there.  You were where you were supposed to be, and where you are meant to be right now as well.  And I'm glad you're here on Active Rain so we can read your story.  If you are to be a mom, you will be a mom, and a fabulous one at that, judging from your posts and all the caring that comes across in them.

This post is a wonderful 'legacy' - thanks for sharing so much of you in this story.
Ann

Margaret - I like that "someone was directing traffic for me".... that's a nice thought thanks so much

Joy - You know you are my right arm and without you I couldn't do it... thanks Love ya!!!

Sarah - You know I think highly of You and I appreciate all your "heart" in your writing and being real... thanks for the compliments ... back at ya :)

Jason - Some days I have to say.... thank god for my love of football....  The Dart Story... oh that's a good long one...  maybe one day if this side of the AR world every gathers I'll share it with you over "beverages"... but thanks again for the kind thoughts

Des... the check was in the mail about 3 months ago....  lol

Desiree, I was at the Twin Towers a year before that awful nightmare, eating at The Windows of The world.  After the horror, I have been back and stand solemly reading the lives of those lost. I was off by a year, you were off by a day. We are not done here serving. Our time is not yet. Great blog read, thanks for sharing

Desiree,

Your destiny was to stay around a lot longer and keep touching lives.

I knew a young father who died that day at Cantor Fitzgerald. I knew firfighters who did recovery. I lived in Manhattan for 20 years. My roommate had her wedding at the Towers. We celebrated New Years Eve's there. 

 I have seen the crater at ground zero and it is still unfathomable t o grasp it all.

Ginge

Ann - Thanks --  I am trying so hard in a world of phonies to be as real as possible in this format and I am hoping that the real "me" shines through... thanks for the compliments Have a great day

Jeff - Thanks ... haven't gotten it yet... are ya sure you put a stamp on it???  Momma needs a new pair of shoes

Diane - I think even too this day I don't realize the magnitude of what I was a part of .... some of it I remember in great details... sounds... smells and the silence... then alot of it was a blur.... but a blur that changed my life

Ginger - it really is something to see.   I do recommend that anyone who visits the city.. visit the site.. as you said.. the size of it all is just beyond comprehension until you see it in person... only then does it give you a bit of insight....  thanks for the comments ladies

Well, darling, obviously a small part your destiny was to guide me in choosing a real estate career when I was disillusioned with all my other options!  So essentially we're linked by friendship AND destiny.  Gave me another reason to love Al too....wow, I had no clue.

So many lives altered by 9/11...my cousins employed by Shearson were on vacation due to return the day before and return to work; their flight was delayed.  My cousin's wife worked in Tower 1.  I remember doing dishes the afternoon after and just collapsing in tears thanking God for sparing them.  How amazing that those certain delays or re-scheduling will make that much of a difference. 

Speaking of which, a now good friend of mine, Daniel Belardinelli, was supposed to be on Flight 93 with his uncle.  He changed his mind as being an artist, he had work to catch up with.  After years of no communication, we met on the street in Denville where we've re-structured our friendship, and now I have 2 new friends as his wife is wonderful and we get along beautifully.

I would love to see you become a mom.  It will test your limits more than real estate, but hey, you're just the lady for the job.  This may be your best post ever girlfriend!

Former Grasshopper............it is strange how are paths crossed..... crossed again and for someone whom I haven't seen in ages.... but talk to several times a week....   You are an important person in my life and together we've grown so much....  I thank you my friend .... for that... being my friend  Mwah****

The honor is all mine!  Yes, it does dawn on me frequently how often we talk considering we haven't seen each other in probably a couple of years!  Ugh...could it be that long?  I think a road trip is in order soon...  :)

So glad you stayed out late that night...you are such an inspiration! Great post....

Ant - A Road trip ... girls night is a must.... 

Heather - thank you .... If I inspire you... that inspires me to write more... have a great night

Desiree, you really did open up on this one and it is a beautiful post, inspiring for us to read.  Life brings you to a point that you know what you deserve and what you don't and you aren't afraid to stand up and fight for your right for whatever, life's trials does this to us  One of the comments above included her hitting her knees and crying when 911 occurred, I did the exact same thing and as I am an untraveled rain member, I didn't even know what the "twin towers" were (that is how naive I have been in my life).  I learned a lot that day and that day forever changed our world.  As far as legacies, just always be true to yourself, the legacy will follow.

Sondra - Life changing for the world is exactly what it was... in some way shape or form 911 touched us all.   I probably saw more than I wanted to ... but I know that that has made me more of the woman I am today... Thanks for the compliments

We remember 9/11, We watched in horror as the buildings came down. The memory will stay with us for a very long time. 

My husband and several hundred of his workmates wore the above as a sticker on their hard hats for a long time. It was entitled We Share Your Tears.

Kathy - that was beautiful.. thank you for sharing

Wow!  This blog is so powerful.  It brought me back to that day as if it was just happening.  For those of you around the country that watched this all unfold as if it were a tragic movie, trust me, it was more real that any of us would like to believe.  This blog should be read by all, and we should all evaluate the things that are important to us when trivial things start to ruin our days.

Desiree, I was very close to the situation also.  At the time, I was living in Jersey City, NJ (Sopranoland as you like to call it) in a condo on the water.  My view from my balcony was the World Trade Center, more specifically, the Twin Towers.  In fact, I could even sit on my couch and see the towers hovering above the whole city.  Here is the rest of the day:

Around 8:40 or so, I get in the shower to get ready for work.  I worked in the music industry at the time, so the hours were later.  While in the shower, the phone kept ringing.  I knew that it was probably my wife who was already at work in lower Manhattan.  Usually she would just leave me a message to call her, but this time she kept calling and calling.  When I answered the phone, I said "Why do you keep calling, why didn't you just leave me a message and wait for me to call back?"  She replied, "Look out the window." We spoke for a little while and we both thought, as others did, that a small plane probably hit the tower.  It didn't look good, but at the time, we had no idea of what was to follow. 

We hung up the phone, and I continued to get ready for work, not realizing that the Path Train that I was planning on taking had already be stopped.  I watched the news from a vantage point that I could see the TV and the Towers.  On TV, I saw the 2nd Tower get hit live.  I immediately called my wife (whose office was about 10 blocks away) and told her to get home now.  She asked why.  I told her that terrorists were attacking NYC.  Not realizing the gravity of the situation, or maybe in shock, she responded, "but it's not my building."  At that time, she and other co-workers were watching the events out of their office windows.  I said to her "Just leave. Quit your f***ing job if you have to, but get home now!  Fortunately, she was the first one out of her office.

My wife got to the ferry which took her directly back to our condo complex.  Normally, it was a 10-minute ride, and ran basically every 10 minutes during rush hour.  She should have been home no later than 9:30am.  However, the ferry was packed, and the boats were told to move much slower than usual to avoid creating underwater currents that could contribute to the possible structural problems that the Towers were facing.  By my wife's recollection, there were papers and debris flying all over the docks, which were about a half mile away.  I kept trying to call her, but all lines were busy for hours.  I had the helpless feeling of just waiting for her arrival. 

Sitting in shock on the couch, watching the towers burn at a little after 10am, I felt a rumble (like a small earthquake) and then Tower 1 collapsed.  With only the Hudson River separating my condo from the Towers, there was nothing to block the tremors that were felt when the tower collapsed.  When Tower 1 went down, and my wife was still not home, and unable to be reached by cell phone, I feared the worst and lost it.  Already in a terrible state-of-mind after suddenly losing my father less than 2 months earlier, I thought that my world had ended.  Fortunately, my wife walked in a few minutes after Tower 1 went down and explained what had happened, and why it took so long to get home.

We both, along with all of our neighbors, sat and watched in shock and horror as Tower 2 went down right before our eyes.  Words can't describe the feelings we had.  After all, one of the appeals of this condo was the view of the Towers, and now it was gone, replaced by a cloud of smoke that would hover literally for months, with a burning smell that cannot be desribed.  We couldn't open our windows because the smell would be in our home.  To make matters worse, our condo complex was the place that the ferry left from.  Most of the people worked in lower Manhattan, and the cars were parked outside the gate all day long.  When September 12th came, there were still a number of cars sitting parked outside of the gate.  The only cars to park there were commuters, as nothing else was close by.  These cars were a constant reminder of those that didn't make it out of the Towers. 

After returning to work a few days later, the Empire State Building was evacuated due to a terror threat.  I left my office, along with many others, and my wife did the same.  It took hours to get home as there was a mad rush out of NYC.  When we got home, I told my wife that we have to get out of here for a while.  It was too much to take.  The pain of my father's passing was only made worse by the constant burning smell, the cars that still lingered outside of our gated community and the terror threats still coming.  We retreated to upstate NY to visit her parents for a few days.  A place that is usually boring for me (not much to do in this small upstate town) became a temporary haven.  I was finally able to get away from the chaos and into a peaceful place.

Desiree, you mentioned the silence that NYC became afterwards.  It was truly eerie.  There was a cloud of shock and despair hanging over the whole city.  Suddenly, New Yorkers always in a rush and usually fairly impatient with each other, became polite and quiet.  Horns weren't honking at each street corner.  Hopefully, most of you can't relate to this, but it had a feeling similar to that of a high school after a student dies.  It's a silence, a mood, that is so thick that you feel like you can touch it, cut it with a knife. It was so surreal, and it lasted for about 3-4 weeks, and seemed to end overnight.  The process of getting back to "normal" was not at all gradual.  It seemed that there was a grieving process and then it was time for New Yorkers to be New Yorkers (for better or worse).

I kept commuting to NYC, but hated being there.  I had always been interested in real estate, so I started reading self-help books and real estate books to make the commute more tolerable.  I was in the sales profession for years before becoming a real estate agent, but always resisted it because I didn't want to work weekends.  When I finally made the decision, it was the best one that I could have ever made.  I wish that I had done it sooner, but I guess it just wasn't the right time.  Ultimately, that day may have actually sped up my entry into real estate. 

With my father as my inspiration, I strive to be the best agent that I can possibly be.  He taught me the most valuable sales lesson that I've ever learned...."Put the customers needs before your own and you will have a client for life."  It's one of the reasons that I never subscribed to the "look at me" ads that many agents use.  I am always more interested in showing a customer what's in it for them, rather than speaking to them of my accomplishments.  At the end of the day, all the client really cares about when choosing you is that the experience will benefit them.  They do not gain anything by working with an agent that has awards and recognition, but treats them as little fish in their big pond.  Everyone that I work with is treated like a big fish, no matter how large or small their home is, or their purchase may be.

While I am a creative force, and I'm always looking for new ways to revolutionize the industry, I will still be proudest of having a legacy that I adhered to the principles that my father taught to me when dealing with people.

Thank you, Desiree for allowing room for a personality to shine through beyond just the real estate profession.  Perhaps I've shared too much, but your post truly inspired me to do so.

Adam - I am humbled.    Thank you for sharing so much of what your experience was.   It was a time that the world will remember and people like you and I, will forever change our lives and how we function.   I couldn't agree more with your comments on treating everyone the same.   Every once in awhile I'll get a call and someone will say "I don't know if you deal in a home my size" referring to a smaller home... I tell them "of course I do... I don't discriminate on who I represent".  

Your response, once again makes me sit here and reflect on just how much I've changed and how much the world around us changed.   I think I was there for a reason....  as you were.... and maybe with time I'll figure out exactly what that is... and then again maybe I'll never know.  But I will continue to put my best foot forward each day and hope I make a difference in someone else's life in what I do   

Just by your writing I am betting you make your Father proud....    Have a great day!!!

Thank you Desiree.  This was more than I ever expected upon joining Active Rain.  What I once thought of as a business site is probably an even better chance to make friends that have similar values and experiences.  I feel that I have gotten so much out of this experience already, and I've only been a member for 5 days.  I can't wait to see what the future brings.

By the way, I'm going to be going to NJ on August 20th to attend an Optimists International local meeting in Brick, NJ.  This is an organization that focuses on charities for children.  I've always wanted to start a children's charity in the name of my father to honor him.  He loved kids and only got to be a grandfather for 1 month before his passing.

There is currently no chapter on Long Island, and I'm looking to start the first one.  The regional president attends meetings at the Brick chapter.  Since it's a pretty far drive, I was planning on staying over.  If you have any time available, I'd like to meet you for a cup of coffee or something.  It can be during the day of the 20th or the morning of the 21st if that works better for you.  Please let me know.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Adam Waldman

WOW - Adam's comments certainly carry a powerful message, and that writing takes one back to those days.  I wasn't where you and Adam were, but had many friends and clients with connections to what happened and to that area.  How humbling the words here are - thank you both, Desiree and Adam, for sharing all you did in this post and in the comments.

Ann

Ann - Thanks for the kind words....  I too was humbled by Adam's comments

Hi Desiree,  This is a great post.  I see why it is your favorite.  Quite amazing and I am at a loss for words after reading both the post and the comments. 

Stephanie - I am happy to remind people what I experienced and just rereading the post and comments puts things in prospective for me... thanks for stopping by

I see your face every time I get the Solutions at Home Magazine.  I am sorry you had to live through the 9/11 tragedy.  My husband, Tim, saw the buildings blow up becaus he missed the ferry to the Merrill Lynch offices in NY.

Once upon a time . . . I knew you well.  I wish you all the best and I am glad to see that Jay has remained a friend. 

Well if you are who I think you are......  drop me a note I would love to catch up with you.    Can't be too many Elisha's out there... hope all is well... thanks for the kind words

Desiree,  A truly inspiring story.  Thank you for sharing this with us.  I too took a different path after Sept. 11, I can relate to your focus on your life purpose.  We could talk about this for hours.

Desiree and Adam - Very compelling stories - amazing that AR brings you together - out of the 48,000+ members, there are probably more with experiences in NYC that day...what's interesting is the choices people made as the result of the events.... thank you both for sharing this part of your lives with us.

Pat - It changed us all and hopeful a good majority for the better....  Ill be in touch about the referral

Desiree-it has been a couple of months since this blog was posted, but I'm so glad I came across it through your link on another blog.  Fortune may come in a monetary way, but the fortune you are giving to so many by your existence is a value that is irreplaceable. What a blessing it is to have you here. 

Julie - After a long long no so great week.... It was a pleasure to get you comment.    Thank you for the very kind words.  Much appreciated!

It's almost Christmas and I am just now finding this blog as I read up on all of your blogs, Desiree.  What a beautiful post by ou and Adam.

I share a birthday with your father and I too was supposed to be in NYC that day on a birthday/business trip with my husband.  He had a meeting in WTC II the morning of 9/11 that had been resheduled a few days before to later in the month.  Hubby was irritated because it was a HUGE business deal he was working on, contracts to get the ball rolling were to be signed and he has  had no patience for delays.  There was no company left after 9/11.  It's eery to think about how incredibly ticked off we were that our plans had to be changed.  Obviously, we are blessed and these days, we are a little more laid back about scheduling issues.  It's sad that it takes so much tragedy to get us to settle ourselves down at times. 

I still have never made it to NYC as much as I have always wanted to visit.  If When I make it that way, I hope to meet you while I am there.

Amanda - Thanks for reviving this old post.   It was odd to see it pop up ... but it is one of the post I am most proud of.  

Life changes in a second and we all need that reminder no matter what time of year.   I am glad your plans were changed.   Life is sweet.  Thanks for sharing your story

Desiree- Wow, talk about a gut punch! 1-2-3! Your words are so compelling and paint so much detail. What an incredible glimpse into who you are! How brave that is, here in this forum, anywhere for that matter. The strength and integrity are inspiring, but what got me was the unsure but hopeful voice I hear at the last part. You will pass on a magnificent legacy when it is time...

When you metioned your grandmother tears came to my eyes, I lost my Granny Rosie(named my mini weiner after her) 3.5 yrs ago. I was holding her hand and had my eyes on hers, I was blessed to be the one there. We were always special to each other, she was the light of my life and I miss her every single second, always. Some have seen pics of her and tell me I look like her, I love that. But, what I most want is to have someone say I have a spirit like hers. She was forgiving and steady and full of brilliant white love. Also feisty sometimes, sarcastic at others, but always, always there. She is still here, in my head, my heart and I guess, in the mirror.

Love ya girl! Really glad I have stumbled across you...

Vanessa- I am so glad this post keeps getting "revived".  I just reread it myself and had to take that deep sigh afterwards.  the post and the comments speak volumes of the character of alot of the individuals here on AR that I am happy to have gotten to know better.

Life is short and very very sweet so make the most of it.    I know my legacy will be a good one when its time to pass it on.   

I will make my Grandma proud,  I look in the mirror and see her also.   Thank YOU for stumbling across me... good to know ya.    Hey don't forget my cake I am fading away to nothing over here <grin>

Dez- I too am glad this got 'revived"...in lite of recent events, reading this gave me a powerful understanding :)  I felt like I was reading a good book, by a favorite author, and because the Post is old, I wasn't sure, and didn't care if I'd read it before........Thank you.....and you will indeed leave a good legacy, you already are :)

Kathy - thanks so much for you're kind words.   This post is precious to me and love when it keeps getting revived.    Have a great day!!

Dez:

I knew this post was going to be special when I clicked on it....but I had no idea it was going to be this POWERFUL. 

I will be honest with you....I really don't know what to say.  All I can say is that I'm glad you are here and part of my "virtual" life and my real one on the phone. Hopefully, cards soon!  You are a very special person and I am so glad to know you. 

I know it is hard for us to understand with our "finite" minds but you still being here isn't an accident.  God has a purpose for your life.  You were meant to do something special.  I hope you truly see that and how very special you are to us.  Nothing happens by chance.

Jessica - Nothing happens by chance is right.   Everyday we encounter people and situations that change and mold us.   EVERYDAY!!!    Everyday the things WE do and say change the people we interact with.  EVERYDAY!!

I think after being a part of *that* day it enabled me to look a little more closely and the rest of the days and acknowledge things as they happen.   You know like my comments about drinking decaf and taking out the emotion before you respond.    I wouldn't have said those things prior to 01'   This I am sure of.

This day brought more to my life than I could ever articulate....   Thanks for stopping by friend