ESL Blogs

This story is somewhat late in it's posting because my own thoughts and emotions needed to compose it properly. Honestly, It should have written it more than a few days ago. At least it's still September.

Our good EC friend (Helen) inspired me to finally write it.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was awakening to a fresh cup of coffee and simply watching the news before the day's work began here in California. Suddenly, it was interuppted by breaking reports that New York City was exploding. The World Trade Center was under attack by two jets that just flew into them. I called my supervisor at work on his cell phone and told him. He said, "Eric, just stay home today and be safe my friend". We both skipped work that day with our eyes focused on the televison. Neither one of us knew what was happening and put our own family's safety first.

The news stories kept coming in and finally reported on the third and fourth aircraft hitting the Pentagon and then in Pennsylvania.

Here's where it the story gets personal.

In 1990, I was visiting New York City because my sister lived there at the time. We decided to splurge and visit a resteraunt that's located at the top of one of those "Twin Towers". It was called "Windows On The World"  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_on_the_World .The meal was pricey, but the experience was unbelievable while looking out those large windows. Not to mention, the food was fantastic.

While visiting the restraunt, I met one of the most amazing men. He was the maitre d during the dining experience and fantastic while performing his job ! Actually, I let my food get cold and followed him back into the kitchen for a tour. My own enthusiam regarding food and cooking simply got the best of me.

Mr. Hamandi was a very kind and generous man. When we walked out of the main dining area, He broke out of professional character while exchanging some very funny jokes with me. Most of which I can't mention on this site. My own 21 year old mind at the time struggled to match his much wiser intellect. A friend was made for life. Even though, our conversational exchange was brief.

On the morning of September 11th. 2001, the man lost his life while trying to save other people. In my opinion, he's a hero and will never be forgotten.

The moral of the story is this. You never know who you're going to meet or how they'll impact your own existence. Whether it be here on EC, or while traveling. I still mourn that man's loss and cherish the impression he made upon me. When I read the final death reports and saw that he was included, My heart sank.

Mr. Hamandi made a lasting impression on so many people. The question I often ask is, "Will I do the same?"..Hopefully, there's another 40 years left to solve that life long riddle. The man that treated me so kindly, so many years ago, accomplished his goal.