'The Legacy Letters' gives a voice to 9/11 family members

"THE LEGACY LETTERS: Messages of Life and hope from 9/11 Family Members," edited by Brian Curtis, The Berkley Publishing Group, $22, 266 pages (nf)

As the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack approaches, a new book titled "The Legacy Letters" takes a look back through letters written by the family members of those who died that day.

Compiled by Tuesday's Children, a nonprofit organization founded by family and friends of those killed on 9/11 and edited by best-selling author Brian Curtis, "The Legacy Letters" give insights into the many lives lost on that September day in 2001.

Jennifer Laychak, the 16-year-old daughter of David William Laycheck, is one of the letter writers. Her father was killed while working at the Pentagon. Jennifer writes, "I was seven years old when you were killed. I am now sixteen. I have spent more than half of my life without you. A lot of time has passed, yet those of us who lost someone will never be the same."

Lives that were changed forever is a common theme throughout these letters. Family members have been forced to move on with their lives. Wives and husbands have remarried and children have grown, nothing will ever be the same as it was before.

Claire Dean, the 9-year-old daughter of William "Billy" Dean, hadn't yet been born when her father was killed while working the 100th floor of the North Tower. Claire writes, "You died on 9/11. I wasn't born yet, so I never met you, but I know some things about you. You were funny and smart." She finishes her letter by saying, "Sometimes I see you in my dreams as a beautiful angel watching over me and my family because you love us and always will love us."

Erin Finnegan's husband Michael Bradley Finnegan was killed while working for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of the North Tower. Erin writes, "You live on, my love, in so many ways, in so many people. Our daughter, Bridget, has your uncanny ability to do things I can't do. She just logically figures everything out. Like you, she rarely gets rattled, she knows who she is and she is so easy to be around, and yes, Mike, she is beautiful."

While many of the letter writers are still struggling with the loss of their loved ones, this book is filled with hope and optimism for the future. It is filled with many examples of people dealing with loss and moving on with their lives. Their loved ones are not forgotten but have become a part of their lives in other ways.

All royalties from the sales of this book will go to Tuesday’s Children to help the families of those who died on 9/11, as well as others affected by global terrorism.