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Mom of two sons lost on 9/11 teaches lesson of courage
The students sitting in the auditorium of the Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) fell silent as the speaker, Sandy Grazioso, walked to the front of the room.
Amid the imposing patriotic backdrop of the American flag, she began her talk by saying, "On Sept. 11, 2001, I lost both my sons, Timothy and John, when the first tower of the World Trade Center was hit."
Several of Cathy Pagano’s American history students sitting near the front of the room let out an audible gasp. Grazioso said she wanted to share her story with the next generation so they understand that despite what has happened, they will have the courage to move forward, in the face of any challenges that might come their way.
"I still miss my sons every day," she said, "but, dear students, it is the support I receive that gives me the courage that I need to tell their story so that all of us, as time passes, will never forget what happened on this day."
A former resident of Clifton, now living in West Paterson, Grazioso said that she gets her strength from her faith, her daughter, Carolee Azzarello, and her 9/11 support group made up of mothers who have lost a child in the attack. At PCTI, she spoke to three separate student assemblies — more than 800 history, social science and criminal justice students. Prior to her talk, the students viewed a brief power point presentation about that fateful day. These images of horror and hope set the tone while the PCTI NJROTC cadets presented the colors to add a respectful salute to both those who were lost and to those left behind.
Several of the students and educators asked Grazioso if is she was angry or bitter. She replied that she never allowed those feelings to take over her mind or heart. It was important to her that she keeps her sons in her heart and in her memories as they were, happy and full of life. She told the students that she speaks to them everyday.
"When I awake, my very first thoughts are of them and I say ‘Good morning boys.’ At night, as I fall asleep, I take comfort in saying ‘Good night boys.’"
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