This selection is from one of our subscribers who states, ”Please read to the very end; it is beautiful!!!”  Yes, it is.  Thanks, Betty Jean!  Cpt. Otis

‘MEET  ME IN THE STAIRWELL’

By Stacey Randall

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his  wife to say ‘Good-Bye.’  I
held his fingers steady as he dialed.  I gave him the
peace to say, “Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK.  I am ready to go.”

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children.  I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn’t coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help.  “I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!” I said.
“Of course I will show you the way home – only
believe in Me now.”

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven.  He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer.  I was with the crew as they
were overtaken.  I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, Afghanistan.
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face.  I knew
every name – though not all know Me.  Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn’t hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; “Come to Me… this way… take
my hand.”  Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day.  You
may not know why, but I do.  However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you.  But someday your journey will end.  And I
will be there for you as well.  Seek Me now while I may
be found.  Then, at any moment, you know you are
‘ready to go.’

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

Loyal Subscribers!  We need some help.  The purpose of our “Heart” section is to publish stories of the experiences, contributions and sacrifices of our military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard) and public service personnel (police officers, fire fighters, EMS, merchant marines and others in the public sector) as well as stories of their families.  Please search your memory and computer for a few and send them to Bill (CPT Otis) O’Quin at boquin@ix.netcom.com for possible publication.  Thanks!

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