StoryCorps 9/11 Shorts: Always a Family - POV | PBS

Summary

This heartfelt transcript captures a woman's emotional recollection of her relationship with her ex-husband, Michael, who tragically died on 9/11. She shares their early life together, marriage, and eventual divorce, while reflecting on the deep love they continued to share for their children. On the morning of 9/11, Michael called from the 103rd floor to say goodbye, expressing his love for her and their children. The woman finds solace in her children, who remind her of him every day. Despite their differences, she considers him her family and best friend.

Takeaways

• 💔 The speaker met Michael when they were 14, and they knew he would be their boyfriend.
• 💍 They got married at 19, acknowledging that they were both very young and unsure of what was next.
• 💔 After their divorce, the speaker was told by their kids that Michael still loved them, and they shared mutual feelings despite their separation.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Despite the divorce, the speaker emphasizes that they will always be a family for the sake of their children.
• 📅 On 9/11, the speaker received a call from Michael, who was on the 103rd floor of the building that had been hit by a plane.
• 📞 Michael called to say goodbye, expressing his love for both the speaker and their children.
• 💔 The speaker recounts the emotional difficulty of hearing this and how their daughter witnessed their reaction.
• 💬 Michael's last thoughts were about telling his children how much he loved them.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The speaker sees Michael in their children, who resemble and behave like him, keeping his memory alive in their daily lives.
• 💔 Despite past challenges, the speaker refers to Michael as both their family and best friend, showcasing the deep bond they shared.

Q & A

How old was the speaker when they first met Michael?

The speaker was 14 years old when they first met Michael.

At what age did the speaker marry Michael?

The speaker married Michael when they were 19 years old.

What did the speaker reflect on regarding their early marriage?

The speaker reflected that they were both kids at the time and didn't really know what to do next after getting married.

What did the speaker recall about Michael after their divorce?

The speaker recalled that Michael confided in their children, telling them he still loved the speaker, and the speaker acknowledged this, saying she loved him too, even though they had gone their separate ways.

Where was Michael calling from on 9/11, and what was the purpose of his call?

Michael was calling from the 103rd floor of the building that had just been hit by a plane on 9/11. He called to say goodbye and express his love for their children and the speaker.

How did the speaker react when Michael called on 9/11?

The speaker became emotional and started to become hysterical, unsure whether to let their daughter speak to Michael, as Michael thought she was at school.

What was on Michael's mind during his final phone call?

Michael's main focus during his final phone call was to tell the speaker and their children that he loved them.

How does the speaker feel about Michael after his death?

The speaker feels heartbroken that Michael is not there for their children, but sees him in their children every day because they look, talk, and joke like him.

What did the speaker say about their relationship with Michael despite their divorce?

The speaker mentioned that, despite their divorce, Michael was still her family and best friend.

How does the speaker cope with Michael's absence?

The speaker copes by seeing Michael in their children every day, as they remind her of him in their appearance and behavior.