Her father still remembers his firstborn daughter as an infant, asleep on his chest, safely enclosed in his protective arms. He remembers her childhood games, of hoola hoops and bicycle rides – her first words, first steps.
Her friends remember her without time or goodbyes. The quick smiles and laughs they shared. The closeness despite the distance that separated them. The joy, the plans, the I-miss-you’s.
Debbie was a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother. Like many women, she had a promising career, a happy family life and good friends. Everything to live for.
I’m sure that when she boarded Flight 175 on the morning of September 11th she had no idea that life would change forever for her and her family and friends. Though she and her husband, Michael, were both traveling to Los Angeles, they took separate flights. Debbie always said that if anything ever happened to her, she wanted to be sure someone would be there to take care of her daughter, Cassandra. And maybe despite those terrible last minutes, she took comfort in knowing that her husband would be there to take care of their little girl.
I cannot pretend to know who Debbie was or what she meant to those who did. She was a private citizen going about her life when the course of it was radically shifted to an unthinkable fate.
I can only tell you that she was loved by her friends and family. That she is missed by those who knew her. That she brought comfort and joy to those in her life – and that the world has a little less sparkle and shine without her.
She leaves behind her parents, E.F. & Betty Lou Medwig, her brother Michael, sisters Deirdre and Michelle, husband Michael and daughter Cassandra. This is for them:
She flys with angels
glistening gossamer wings
whisper her spirit
Anita Rodgers Mystery Writer 
Funny, but the other 9/11 anniversaries haven’t seemed as significant as this one to me. I don’t know why, but I’ve been thinking about it for days, and now it’s here. Your tribute is one of the first things I saw this morning – very beautiful and poignant. Thanks.
Hey Karen,
I know what you mean – this year does seem to different for some reason.
I hope I did Deborah justice – bless her and her family.
WC
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Beautiful, WC. I can only imagine how hard something like that must be to write, but I couldn’t think of a more moving tribute.
I still remember September 11 so vividly. It was late here and the TV was on. I came in to see the second plane crash into the South Tower. It felt surreal, like I was watching it from far away. I cried when the towers collapsed, one of the few times I’ve cried since I was little.
May we never forget and may everyone who lost someone, and everyone who survived, find some peace.
Hey CJ,
I think we all remember September 11th vividly – as though no time has passed since then.
I was happy to write a tribute to this lovely woman – I hope she has found peace in her journey.
WC
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I’m British, always have been, always will be, but six years ago, as I watched, I felt American – as one across a small pond.
Yes, the world was a very small place that day. I was very touched by all of the prayers and help so many people from all over the world sent our way.
WC
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A loving tribute, Chica.
Thanks, Christine. I hope so.
WC
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Thank-you for sharing this beautiful memoriom!
I was happy to share it.
WC
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that was beautiful. you are truly a wonderful, caring spirit. i feel so lucky to be your friend!
Thanks, honey. I feel the same way.
I feel so much for this woman’s family – simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Breaks the heart.
WC
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I spent some time last night reading tributes from last year….and like you, they still impact very heavily on me.
Wonderfully written Annie….You’ve helped me remember another beautiful soul torn from us too soon
Kell
Hey Kell,
You know, I still think about Steve (from last year) – like he somehow became part of my family. Deborah has now been added to that list as well. Yes, I think she was a beautiful soul – just look at that lovely face – it says so much.
WC
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What beautiful words… A great tribute.
Thanks, Paul. I wish I could have done more.
WC
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I think it’s wonderful that you remember a single person each year. I just wish we could honor each and every one.
Actually Ham,
That was the idea. The project 2996 sought to have a tribute for each of the victims. Last year, I think we came pretty close. I don’t know how it went this year. Yes, I think it is wonderful too – to remember a single person. I want to remember. I don’t ever want to forget that real, live, breathing human beings were taken from us – it wasn’t about a couple of buildings being knocked down – that was the least of it. But, of course, you know that.
WC
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wc,
how sad that such a beautiful woman was torn from her family at the prime of her life. lovely tribute.
sarah
Hey Sarah,
yes it is beyond sad, isn’t it?
WC
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Deborah’s soul smiles.
In a small way, that’s justice; in something given from the heart.
God bless you, Annie
~m
Michael,
I really hope you’re right.
Annie
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wonderfully written. thanks to cj for tipping me about this post.
you know, to me, it’s not about america really. it’s about the really ugly side of the human nature, that we are capable of doing such drastic things. and although we hope for a better future, we know that destruction by human hands will always be a reality.
Hi Sanjida,
Welcome. You know, while I do believe that we are all capable of evil I don’t believe that most of us would follow through on it. I don’t think what happened was simply a manifestation of human nature – it was inhuman what was done. I think it was knowingly and intentionally manipulated into existence by exploiting others.
As to destruction always being a part of life – yes and no – there is good destruction and bad destruction. You tear down a condemned building and build a new house – that’s destruction but it isn’t evil – it’s an improvement. On the other hand, you tear down a building just because it’s there, that ain’t an improvement. Perhaps you mean that evil will always be a part of reality? I wonder, will it? I’d like to think not.
But I have to tell you, that September 11th was about America – it was meant to humiliate and make us fall – we were the big head on a pike so to speak. If they could bring us to our knees then the rest of the world would be a piece of cake. Except the kink in the plan is that they didn’t bring us to our knees. Still, for me, and I’d venture to say most Americans, it was about America.
WC
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I just saw my sister’s tribute for the 1st time. It brought me to tears. I still think of her everyday. Thank you for your kind words. They help heal my heart. I really need it around Christmas time when family is the most important. It’s been 6 years, but sometimes it feels like just yesterday. Please treasure the time you have with your family and friends. The lesson I’ve learned is to be kind to everyone. Do not hate. My sister and I were alot alike – I’ve come to learn. I didn’t know that before. She was and is an inspiration to me. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
Hello Deirdre and welcome.
I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to find a way to let you know I was doing the tribute originally. Your sister was a beautiful person, that to me, was obvious. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you and your family, especially this time of year, when of course you are missing her so much.
I hope you and your family will be able to find peace – I’m so sorry for your loss.
I will be adding Deborah’s tribute to the “Never Forget” page, and it will remain there as long as I have this blog. I never want to forget Deborah or any of those we lost.
Much love,
Annie (aka Writer Chick)
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