September 11th 2001, a solemn day for all of America. Over 3,000 innocent individuals were killed on that day and so many are still suffering due to related illnesses. I was 4 years old on 9/11, many 4-year-olds don't remember this day but this is one day I will never forget. This is the day my grandpa was trapped under rubble for hours and this is also the day my 25-year-old Uncle Joey was ripped from our lives forever.

I come from a very close-knit family. My Dad was one of six, all of whom lived in a small apartment in Brooklyn. He has 3 brothers, Eddie, Danny and Joey, and also two sisters, Mary and Kathleen. My Dad, Eddie and Joey were all part of the FDNY while Danny is a police officer in the Port Authority. Mary and Kathleen are teachers and as you may be able to tell my family is known for helping others as their jobs can vouch for it.

My Dad, grandpa and all three of my uncles were at the World Trade Center on 9/11 to try to tame the blaze. My grandpa, a battalion chief at the time was trapped under the Marriott Hotel for hours after it had been destroyed due to fallen items from the twin towers. He broke his back on this tragic day and this was the last fire he ever went to as he was forced to retire due to his injuries. Thankfully my Dad, Uncle Eddie and Uncle Danny were grateful to not be seriously injured that day. My Uncle Joey, 25 at the time, was not as grateful because he was killed in the South Tower. Joey was the youngest brother of the family and was only on the job for 11 months at the time of 9/11/2001. His body has never been found but his memory lives on forever.

I have eight cousins all ranging from ages 2-10 and then there are my brother and I. My brother Michael and I were the most fortunate because we were alive to know my Uncle Joey. Although the rest of my cousins never got the chance to meet him, we keep his spirit alive and make sure to tell them stories about him. This year will mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and also what would have been my Uncle Joey's 40th birthday; we plan to celebrate that with all of Joey's closest friends and family.

I miss you so much Uncle Joey and think of you every day. I can't wait until we meet again but until then keep watching over me. Thank you for being the best guardian angel I could ever ask for. We all love you so much!