We have all been deeply saddened this year when we learned that our friend and group member, Jeff Mladenik, was killed in the attack against the United States when the plane he was on was hijacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001.

Our entire June2001DTC family has grieved this year along with Sue and her children, and mourned the loss of one of our friends.

At a time when America is beginning to recover from this horrible event, it is good for us all to pause a moment and reflect.  This tragedy not only struck at the collective soul of the country, but intimately touched thousands of individual lives.

A wife is without her husband and soul mate.  Four children are aching with the loss of their father.  And a daughter in China will not know the love of the man that motivated many to bring her home.  And yet, understanding must happen, so that we know that these deaths were not in vain -- that we, as a country and individuals -- have learned something. 

What we have learned is that is that we are all connected.  We have learned that we are not invulnerable, not an land isolated from the rest of this world, not just a Christian, Muslim or Jew.  We have learned that we work together, we grieve together, and we recover together.  That we are a community which is learning to pull together.

Often, words aren't enough -- we are a people of action.  Memorials in honor of Jeff can still be made to a charity close to the hearts of the Mladenik family -- the Altrusa International.  Altrusa is a group of professional men and women who work together on community service.  One of their projects helps to sponsor children in Chinese orphanages, allowing them to study, gain access to medical care, and live with foster families.  Over the years, Altrusa has helped thousands of children in China.

On behalf of Sue and her entire family, we would like to extend thanks to those who have continued to support her family throughout this year.

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For more information about the Altrusa International, please visit their website at:  www.altrusa.ws (Aid to Chinese Orphanages)

For more information about the life of Jeff Mladenik:
The Legacy Tribute
The Mladenik Family Web site

Can't Cry Hard Enough -- Tribute website that is really nice!

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"You would know the secret of death. 
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life? 
For life and death are one, even as the sea and river are one."

Kahlil Gibran,  The Prophet    

O how shall I warble myself for the dead one there I loved?
And how shall I deck my song for the large sweet soul that has gone?
And what shall my perfume be for the grave of him I love?

Walt Whitman,  Leaves of Grass

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DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL

Her hair up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates,
on the Daddy's Day.

But still her mommy worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school,
eager to tell them all
about a dad she never sees,
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called,
a student from the class
to introduce their daddy
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them were searching,
for a man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?"
she heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled at her friends.
And looked back at her teacher
who told her to begin
.
And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak
and out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could,
be with me on this day."
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know
all about my Daddy,
And how much he loves me so."

"He loved to tell me stories,
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses
and taught me to fly a kite."
We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone,
and though you cannot see him,
I'm not standing here alone."

"Cause my Daddy's always with me,
even though we are far apart.
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be here in my heart."
With that her little hand reached up,
and lie across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.
And from some where in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love,
of a man not in her life
doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd,
she finished with a voice so soft
but its message clear and loud.

"I love my Daddy very much,
he's my shining star,
and if he could he'd be here,
but heaven's much too far."
 

"You see he was a businessman

and died just this past year

When airplanes hit the towers

and taught Americans to fear."

"But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes,
and she saw him there that day.

And to her mother's amazement
she witnessed with surprise
a room full of Daddies and Children
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second
they saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers
of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it
for each of their eyes had been closed
but there placed on her desk
was a beautiful pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only a moment,
by the love of her shining bright star
and given the gift of believing that
Heaven is never too far.

For all the children that have lost their Daddy or Mommy in the
tragedy of 9/11/01, always remember they will be in your hearts.