Ana Iris Medina had 10 (or maybe 14?) brothers and sisters and consequently, a huge family, in New York and Puerto Rico. She was 39 years old when she died on this date five years ago as she began her day’s work at Aon Consulting, an insurance company, on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center. She left behind an eleven year old son, Leonardo Acosta, and her 87 year old mother, Monserrate Acosta. Ana was the caretaker for both of them.

On September 25, 200l, The Village Voice listed Ana Medina as “missing.” Her relatives were still looking for her, hoping that she might be still alive. They told newspaper reporters that she had a “pedicure with a mint-green color and white designs” and that she loved to watch her son play baseball. She also liked salsa music and dancing. By October 6th, Ana’s 40th birthday, her family knew that she would not be found in a hospital somewhere; she died in the World Trade Center. The family gathered to remember her at the small Pentecostal church she attended.

I found this note at legacy.com:

February 28, 2002
Dear Mom
hi its your son leony.I have benn very loney with out you.It has been a little strange that youre not with us anymore.You will always and truly in my heart.
Leonardo Acosta (Brooklyn, NY )

Leonardo Acosta would be sixteen years old by now. I imagine he’s still missing his mom.

Today is fifth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York City and on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. I thought it was important to remember those who lost their lives to some men’s misguided and evil sense of religious or cultural duty. You can click on the image to read more tributes to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack.