Manika Narula

Twenty three years is a long time - and yet it seems like yesterday that I was given Manika's name at a world-wide choral event in memory of the victims of 9/11. I never met her or any her family - but I have not forgotten her sweet face and smile looking back at me and every year, I listen for her name in the reading at Ground Zero. I say a prayer that she is at peace and that you, her family, friends and loved ones, have found some comfort in her memory, some strength from the support of...

As I have posted so often, I never knew Manika. I was given her picture to remember as part of a Long Island group participating in an international singing event of Mozart's Requiem a year later. I wrote on this page then, and have done so frequently ever since. While I knew of people who were lost, having Manika;s picture and hearing her story put a very personal touch to the events of that day for me. I have not forgotten her, and her smiling face and laughing eyes can come to me not...

Dear Manika,

I did not know you personally, in fact, I was watching a documentary and looked up your article. My soul immediately sunk after I saw your picture! You are beautiful and bright, you really are an angel. I hope wherever you are, you are at peace.

Tomorrow, your family and thousands of others will remember the loved ones lost. I pray for you this year as I do every year. I pray that Manika has peace, that she knows what her sweet spirit has brought over the years to so many, that she continues to watch over you her loved ones and that you who loved her may feel the warmth of friendship and caring from those who share your sorrow and rejoice in a life well lived but too short. May you be blessed as always with peace and...

To the Narula family - Once again, we pause to remember the many taken from us on that sad day. Time may heal some of the hurt, but it cannot dim the memories of one so loved by her family and friends. Each 9/11, the face of your daughter and sister makes this day more poignant, more personal. And so please know tonight as I sing once again at our church's 9/11 Mass, I will send up prayers that Manika is truly at peace - and that you who have loved her and remember her still may find peace...

Today is the 15th anniversary of what must be a heartbreaking memory for your family. As I have said, I never met Manika - I was given her name at a memorial concert I sang for. But I have never forgotten her. Today - as every year, I waited to hear her name at the NYC memorial on TV, and I thought of her when I sang at a service in my church tonight. Even though I live out here in Nassau County, from my home I can faintly see the memorial lights in the sky - shining up to the heavens,...