I didn’t know until months later that you were one of the United crew on Flight 93 . . . ours was one of those beloved but inactive friendships that one always means to stay in touch with, but we hadn’t spoken in a long while.
Watching the jets crash into the World Trade Towers again and again on television that day, I cleaned out my kitchen cabinets because I couldn’t stand to sit still and watch and hear what was going on, but couldn’t stop watching and hearing either.
The announcer said that there was another flight somewhere, also thought to be part of the terrorists’ plot, destination unknown. I remember crying and praying for the people on board, praying for the crew. Not knowing you were purser on the flight.
I remember you Debbie Jacobs Walsh.
I remember your laughter and silliness and huge heart. I remember the spiritual journey the two of us shared.
Flight attendants for Eastern Airlines, we met working a flight together. I was still heartsick over my recent divorce and reading a magazine, saw an advertisement for an “Interspecies Communication” (people and whales communicating) workshop on Maui. I decided right then and there to go. You decided right then and there to go with me.
Little did we know that the trip would turn into a once in a lifetime spiritual journey when, hanging out in Maui, we encountered Elena DeJoya, an amazing teacher. We listened to her wisdom as we traveled around the still largely unsettled and beautiful island of the 70's.
A month later we went to Berkeley to Elena's ashram for a weeklong spiritual intensive. In my case it immediately impacted the plans I'd made to move to Miami, ultimately changing the rest of my life's direction. It deeply affected you as well.
But it was not all serious with us. You and I loved to laugh and dance and drink cocktails. I sometimes laid over in NYC during a trip and would go to your tiny, charming apartment in the Village.
The years wore on, we kept in touch (you launched an acting career and got a bit part in a movie, I moved to Key West) then somehow we lost touch.
It was months later after 93 crashed on Sept 11th before I knew you were on it.
There is not a doubt in my mind that your loving and positive energy had an impact on the choices that were made on 93 and the courage of the passengers to do what they did.
Deb, you were one of my heroes all your life and remain one forever in my heart.
I remember you Deb, sweetheart.
Rest – Shine – in peace.
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