09/11/2026
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September Day? I was 30 years old living my dream in Lower Manhattan.
It took me over 15 years to even speak about it, let alone write it down. All of you know I’m a Texan, but I left Texas to live my dream in NYC in my early twenties. I spent most of adult career there spanning well over 25 years.
Today I want to honor my dear friend John Levi. Know to us J.D. He was one of my first and closest friends for too many years to count when I moved to Manhattan. J.D. was a PAPD officer in the city. He lost his life that day and the world lost a kind soul. What I remember the most and vividly were the bear hugs I got every single time I saw his smiling face. I was all alone in a big city, but could always count on my friend for a huge hug hello and to make me feel like I had family so far from home. That’s about all I can still talk about 25 years later. Most of you have watched on tv and seen documentaries, not realizing you do know someone directly affected. We all are. Never forget friends. Ever. - Tonya
