9.11

September 11, 2001  - 

As we embark upon the 14th anniversary of one of the most emotional days in history it still feels incredibly fresh as I look back.  My memories are vivid from that day the Twin Towers fell to the ground in New York City and I will never ever forget the heartbreak in the days, weeks, months and even years that followed.  My dad was actually in NYC on business on 9/11/01 and it took him almost 12 hours to get through to let us know he was okay and 3 days of driving to finally make it back home.  The helpless feeling was overwhelming.  No matter what your connection is to that day we were sucker punched by the individuals out to hurt our country, I think we can all agree upon the emotions felt. Bitterness, resentment, shock, disbelief..so much sadness.  

The anniversary of this day brings those feelings flooding to the surface, once again.

September 11, 2001, was the deadliest day in history for New York City firefighters: 343 were killed.  

Last year Jordan was privileged enough to climb for the lost heroes of that day and again paid tribute in the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb for a second year.

It is not a race, but rather a tribute honoring the sacrifices of fallen heroes -  fulfilling a promise to "NEVER FORGET" their brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty that day.  Slots for the event are open to 343 firefighters, 70 law enforcement officers and 9 EMTs (the number of firefighters/law enforcement/EMTs that were killed at Ground Zero with the collapse of the Twin Towers) and those 400+ service men and women climb 110 floors (the height of the former World Trade Center Twin Towers).

   Last weekend we loaded the truck up, once again, bright and early with our three baby girls in tow.  When we arrived, the familiar scene of participants reminded me of the emotions that I felt last year at the climb.  They were all here for the same reasons.  To make the 110 story climb for their fallen brothers and sisters.  I am always, always, always in awe of what my husband does for a living.  I often forget what his job actually entails on a daily basis and when I can get Jordan on the phone while he's on shift its usually filled with life-saving stories of his day.  
Sometimes he runs into burning buildings.
Sometimes he saves a man from a heart attack. 
..and sometimes he helps an elderly woman fill her prescriptions at Walmart.
All in a day's work. 
This guy is my hero.  He is today.  He was yesterday. And will be again tomorrow.
I know his girls feel the same.  Seeing their daddy in his uniform brings joy across their face and flickers pride into their baby eyes that I can't actually describe it into words..they see/hear a fire truck or ambulance and yell 'daddy's truck!!'.  
This guy is their hero.  He is today.  He was yesterday. And will be again tomorrow.

Jordan climbed alongside his fellow brothers in the field.

He also climbed stair by stair with his best friend.   His Dad.

Last year Papa was recovering from a fall resulting in a broken back, fractured ribs, and a torn rotator cuff... but still completed the 110 flights.
This year he was in much better shape and ready mentally and physically for the climb!

Each climber has a hero assigned to them to make the climb for.  Jordan climbed for Steven Olson of Ladder 3.
Reading about Mr. Olson's life before 9/11 he carries so many similarities to Jordan.
He was an amazing family man and a 'girl dad', too.  

The pre-climb ceremony is always emotional for everyone.
Tears are falling as a moment of silence is held exactly at 8:46am (the very moments the first tower was struck)
It was time for our boys to make their way to start their ascent to the top of the Renaissance Tower.  We said our goodbyes and wished them good luck because the next few hours were going to take some endurance and strength to complete.

Papa and BB admiring their grand-baby number 5.

Daddy and his first girls.

Baker is never shy with her smiles- sweet girl was giving all of them away to her BB!

Dadda hugs + sugars!  

The Renaissance Tower in downtown Dallas.  This building is 55 stories.  The Twin Towers were double at 110 - if that gives you any perspective on the trials of the climb carrying 60 + pounds of protective gear and tools that day in 2001.  

The climbers climb the 55 stories, take the elevator down to the bottom, and do it all over again.

 

 As the men and women walk into the tower to climb, they ran their hands along a piece of rubble taken from Ground Zero on September 11, 2001.

After watching Jordan and Roy walk into the building form afar (there were so many people), we raced to see if we could meet them as they stepped into the stairwell. 

Just before they walked in!

..and back down to the monitors set up on the street where we could watch the climb in real time. 

It is amazing how much has changed in just one year.  Their understanding of what Dadda and Papa were doing was real.  Parker and Jolie watched and waited so intently for me to show them when I could see their daddy's coat on the television monitor.

Inside the stairwell.  

Jordan and Roy would set mini goals for themselves and climb so many flights and then take a short breather- breaking up the climb into smaller portions in hopes to make it a bit easier.  As they climbed, the events of the day in 2011 were played out via new castings shared on 9/11 fourteen years ago.  The moment that each tower fell (9:59am + 10:28am) firefighters in the stairs activated their PASS devices (distress alarms on their air packs) to commemorate.  

We could hear these alarms on the streets below.  

At the top!! They were finished and so proud. 

We were all so proud!

It was a long morning for us playing the waiting game. Waiting for texts to tell me what floor they had made it to and progress of their climb.  It gives me chills to think about the final phone calls and texts to family member of those servicemen and women that lost their lives that day.

I am blessed to have my firefighter return after his climb.

As he walked out of the building drenched in sweat and completely exhausted I couldn't help but have a lump swell in my throat as I thought over the true symbolization of the day's events.

Looking back at last year's post about the climb.. I couldn't have put my thoughts about my firefighter into better words:

I often forget the gravity of my husbands job.  What is expected of him.  What he is held accountable for.  Responsibilities, ideas, and respect for his line of work.  He's run into burning buildings more times than he can count.  Been on the front end of the nozzle fighting the heat away from his melting face-mask, been on the back of the truck controlling the water feed to the guys fighting inside, drives the ambulance (he's also a medic), commands fire scenes, runs accident triage..and yes, has rescued a cat or two from a tree.

This job isn't a 9-5, but its his dream.

He was born to lead. Born to serve.

..and serve is exactly what he did.  He climbed proudly because they climbed.   

We will never forget. 

Nine/Eleven 2014

n i n e - e l e v e n

September 11, 2001  - probably the most emotional day in history and to remember for any American. Although this day marks much animosity, hurt, distrust, confusion, anger, and I'll even say hate - it is also a day to remember our heroes.  The fallen heroes of that day in history. 

September 11, 2001, was the deadliest day in history for New York City firefighters: 343 were killed.  

I often forget the gravity of my husbands job.  What is expected of him.  What he is held accountable for.  Responsibilities, ideas, and respect for his line of work.  He's run into burning buildings more times than he can count.  Been on the front end of the nozzle fighting the heat away from his melting face-mask, been on the back of the truck controlling the water feed to the guys fighting inside, drives the ambulance (he's also a medic), commands fire scenes, runs accident triage..and yes, has rescued a cat or two from a tree (<-- not kidding).

This job isn't a 9-5, thats for sure.

I'll never forget that morning of 9/11/01.  I was getting ready for school, doing my hair actually, listening to Kidd Kraddick on the radio.  They were in the middle of the humorous bit, when silence came over the radio and the words: 'the towers have been hit by a plane.'  I thought it was a joke, but they kept saying it over and over again.  I walked into the living room to see my mom and brother glued to the television.

My dad was there.  In New York.  He had left the day before on business, hosting meetings just a few blocks from the Twin Towers.  He said later that when the towers were hit that it brought everyone standing to their knees.  

Literally.

This has always been an emotional day for me.  It brings me to tears just thinking about the events, the city, the victims, and the people that served.  When Jordan came to me to tell me he was able to snag a spot in the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, I was elated.  This was a huge deal.

It is not a race, but rather a tribute honoring the sacrifices of fallen heroes -  fulfilling a promise to "NEVER FORGET" their brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty that day.  Slots for the event are open to 343 firefighters, 70 law enforcement officers and 9 EMTs (the number of firefighters/law enforcement/EMTs that were killed at Ground Zero with the collapse of the Twin Towers) and those 400+ service men and women climb 110 floors (the height of the former World Trade Center Twin Towers).

   Last weekend we loaded the truck up bright and early with our sleepy bears, and headed out to Dallas (about a 45 minutes trip).  When we arrived, the scene of participants was already overwhelming me with emotions.  I never thought myself to be so super emotional about this date in history and what it means - I can't even say that I cried in 2001, although I'm sure there were tears.  

But today, I am.  

headwraps / ruby blue inc.

 Seeing Jordan 'bunk out' in his gear nearly put me over the edge, and the climb was still a couple hours away from starting.  

Look at him.  How can you not be proud?  He's my husband, father to my girls, and serviceman to thousands. Look what he does.
His accomplishments are a mile long.

Halfway through these pictures I realized that Parker and Jolie has never actually seen their daddy in his uniform. Sure, they've seen the official blue work pants, black boots, and navy polo - but never full fire gear.  They couldn't take his eyes off him.  The curiosity of a 21 month old is off the charts when they see their daddy with the most amazing hat on his head. 

 Being on the fire department is a family affair for these Massey men.  Jordan's dad is also a fireman - has over 35 years of service with the Irving Fire Department.  He's now is in the Alarm Office, which is run by the department in Irving, so if you happen to call 911, Jordan's dad just might be the one to answer.  

He climbed on this morning, too.

 ...and Josh.  Jordan's cousin.  Also a firefighter in Irving. 

 Probably the best family photo to date.  I absolutely love everything about this picture.  

Our heroes.

 The Renaissance Tower in downtown Dallas.  This building is only 55 stories (only).  The Twin Towers were double at 110 - if that gives you any perspective on the trials of the climb that day in 2001.  The climbers climb the 55 stories, take the elevator down to the bottom, and do it again. 

 Leading up to the actual climb was about an hour's worth of commencement ceremonies, moments of silence, and chilling speeches and music in remembrance of what this climb symbolizes. 

 I'll say it again - more than proud of this guy.  I bawled all day long.  I couldn't help myself.  

It's about that time..Leaving us for just a couple hours, but only with a promised return at the end.  I was choked up just thinking about those individuals that made panic phone calls that morning to their loved ones to tell them goodbye. 

All climbers wear the name and picture of the hero they are climbing for. 

Jordan climbed for Captain Walter Hynes of Ladder Co. 13. 

 The firefighters participating in this event reenacted those men and women that climbed the stairs of the 110 story buildings in their forty to sixty pounds of personal protective gear (bunker gear) PLUS twenty to thirty pounds of additional firefighting equipment.  

 Keeping it in the family.

Right to Left: Roy (Jordan's dad), Brian (cousin), Jordan, and Josh (cousin)

Such a power house of a picture.  These guys.  My heart swells to know them.

 Prior to walking into the tower to ascend the climb, each of the climbers shook the hands of actually servicemen and women that were there that day.  

 There was also a piece of steel (rubble) from Ground Zero.  Walking past this memorial gave me chills as if to have seen a ghost.

josh | roy | brian

 Lined up and ready.  Let me just tell you - it was sweltering hot and humid.  I can't imagine what it was like for those guys carrying and wearing their gear.

 In between all this, there were potty breaks.  About 847 of them and zero accidents.  Parker will actually go in the big potty..Jolie will not.  So, we brought the little potty for her.  I'll spare you a picture of that:)  

 During the climb we were able to watch video of the participants in real time as they made their way up to the 54th floor (they started in the basement).  There is a glare on the photo, but that is Jordan leaning over the stairs on the top right of the screen.

 He was taking this picture of his Dad and his cousin right behind him.  These guys climbed the entire way together.  When one stopped, the other three stopped as well.  When one couldn't carry their air packs, they carried it for him. 

Brotherhood defined.

Jordan sent me a few pictures here and there to keep me posted on what flight they were on, and especially to let me know he and his dad were still okay up there.  Roy fell off a latter a couple months ago - breaking his back and first rib, and well as tearing his rotator cuff.  He is still recovering from the injuries and has yet to have surgery on his shoulder.  

Meanwhile - the carnival of activities across the street were much appreciate by Parker and Jolie.  The balloons and pink plastic fire hats were a favorite.

 shorts / curly q's counter // moccasins / freshly picked

 It was a long morning.  It felt like 3pm when really it was just after 10:30am.. the emotions and events and the very early morning made the day seem much longer than it actually was.  The girls were real troopers through the entire thing.  Never once complained, fussed, or whined.  But they were exhausted and napped for the last hour or so.

 Thankful for Aunt Sherrye (Roy's sister) to help with the baby load.

 Finally I got word these guys were coming out.  It was 11:36am

 2.5 hours into the climb

 2 generations of heroes right there.

 Every firefighter that walked out before them, Parker and Jolie shook their feet in excitement, only to realize it wasn't daddy and Poppa.
This time, it was.

 Of course there were the after climb photo-ops.  DRENCHED in sweat (and a few tears) - these guys finished with smiles.

 Whew.  Ya'll.  MY man.

After the climb was the annual Brotherhood Bash- and of course we were ALL starving.  I got minimal pictures of the event.. I was emotionally spent and exhausted (and I can't imagine how Jordan and his dad felt), and ready to focus on my food.
BUT this sweet one was putting her face on for all to swoon.

There was a photo booth, and we almost didnt take part.  BUT - hello.  I am so glad we did.

 Raising our glass to not only the 343 fallen firefighters, but also the 70 law enforcement officers and 9 medical technicians that served our country that morning. 

What an emotional day.  I am still reveling in everything that the day represented and stood for.
In appreciation of the climb, we opened a donation page in honor - and all proceeds go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Donate HERE

KLTY is a local Christian radio station here in the Dallas metroplex - located in Irving - and they interviewed Jordan among other climbers on that morning of the climb.  After speaking to Jordan, they secretly decided to show appreciation to Jordan and his guys at the fire station earlier this week, and it was captured all on video.

THANK you Frank for making this guy so excited.  We love ya'll!

I also want to thank you.  Thank you for the love and support you showed my family on Saturday.  It is a strange thing, that social media, but I am so thankful.

Always remember 9.11.01