New York, New York
25 Cats, 55 Words
Sandra Conaty Brace might have appreciated a short biographical sketch about her. After all, she herself had mastered the 55-word short story — a challenge to the most diligent amateur writer. Mrs. Brace had published much of her work on Web sites dedicated to the genre.
Mrs. Brace lived in Stapleton, Staten Island, and took the 7:40 a.m. ferry across the harbor each day to her job at Risk Insurance Solutions, where she was an administrative assistant. She shared her house with a husband, David, and 25 cats. Well, maybe not exactly 25. "It's probably more," Mr. Brace said, "But I lose count."
Dinner for the cats always caused a minor food riot, but even a riot can have its own poetry. Mrs. Brace placed cat food on seven plates on the kitchen and dining room floors. The groups of cats arrayed around each plate formed a furry constellation of stars, with the plates at the centers and the cats as the coronas.
On Sept. 10, Mrs. Brace, 60, took the day off from work to do chores, fix the carpeting on the stairs that had been torn by a cat, and watch "Judge Judy" on television. Mr. Brace came home at 5 p.m.
He asked her: "Why don't you take another vacation day tomorrow?" She replied, "No, I think I'll go to work."
"And that's what happened," Mr. Brace said. "That's what happened."
9/11/01 a day that is not forgotten; even after 20 years have passed. The wound of what happened has not healed. My dad, Bernie O’Grady, your cousin, is still with us and has fond memories of you as a child. (Your cousin Nancy O’Grady Vargo Holt, is gone now too.) Sandy, you are remembered. Rest In Peace. ❤ In Memory, Bernie, Bill, Kathy, Tammy And Pat O’Grady
Tammy Alley
September 03, 2021 | Eugene, OR | Family
Remembering Sandra on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 02, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
Hi Sandra, still keeping you in our hearts and minds...always remembered, never forgotten... A lot has happened since the horrific events of 9/11/01, but the events since then don't take away from the sorrow we all feel. Rest In Peace.
Tammy O'Grady Alley
March 29, 2018 | Eugene, OR
Praying for Sandra's many friends and family. We will never forget. Much love from Texas,
Del Newberry
March 28, 2018 | Garland, TX
Hi, my dad remembers you very well, you were his 1st cousin. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you, but you are not forgotten, love Cousin Tammy
Tammy Alley
September 11, 2016 | Medford, OR
We stand on the eve of another anniversary to that day 9/11/2001 that would see the loss of so many and touch the lives and hearts of all. Your cousin Bernie and all his family will never forget those that terrorism has taken. We also remember our cousin John taken by terrorists in the Marine barracks in Beirut. We hope this anniversary finds your family well. We will never forget.
The Bernie & Helen O'Grady family, Bill, Kathy, Tammy, Mike, & Pat
September 11, 2016
Here we are at the 12 anniversary of that most sad day, we have not forgotten and remember that day as though it were a fresh wound we are still trying to recover from. Thinking of you Sandy.
Kathy O'Grady Leighton
September 11, 2013 | Portland, OR
I walked a mile for you (mile #238) on 5/17/13 as a dedication to your life.
Barbara Boam
July 01, 2013 | Colorado Springs, CO
Haven't forgotten. You are remembered.
T Lucas
October 15, 2012 | Nashville, TN
