Twenty-Four Years Later, and Still Thinking of Becky

Hey there,

Today is September 11, and it’s always a day that reminds me of Becky.

Twenty-four years ago, I was one week away from leaving for a semester abroad in Salamanca, Spain. That morning, I was headed to catch the Acela train to New York to visit Becky at Hofstra before I left. A couple of days to hang out before she planned to visit me in Spain that November.

Our Aunt Kat had asked me to swing by the house first to pick up a few things to bring to Becky. As I walked in, Kat looked at me and said, “You’re not going to New York. A plane just hit the World Trade Center.”

We turned on the TV just in time to see the second plane hit.

The rest of the day was spent:

1. Trying desperately to get through to Becky and make sure I hadn’t put her in danger by asking her to meet me in the city. Every landline and cell line was jammed.
2. Watching in disbelief as the world changed forever.

I never made it to Spain. The study abroad program couldn’t guarantee I’d be able to get out—or that anyone could get to me—if something else happened. Everything shifted.

I’d give just about anything to be able to hop on a train and see Becky now.

Anyone who was old enough to remember knows where they were that day. Where were you?

Alright—now for some donor shoutouts. Let’s do this.

First up: Stephanie Motsay.
Stephanie was a friend of Becky’s from Hofstra. She started as a student employee in the events and conferences department and eventually became Becky’s roommate, along with Kamal and Harshita. Stephanie was always so fun to be around—and they planned some of the most epic Halloween parties every year. Becky adored her. And in my book, if Becky loved you, you had instant street cred.

I remember Becky being so happy when she attended Stephanie’s wedding. And this past May, Stephanie used her birthday to raise money for Habitat for Humanity in Becky’s name. In her post, she wrote:

“I always want to be like Becky and carry her warmth, infectious smile, and quick wit.”
Me too, Stephanie.

Next up: Richie Israelson—aka Izzy.
Izzy is a killer chef and an even better human. Don’t let his rough exterior fool you—he’s got a huge heart. His wife Dina and daughter Sam (a senior at UMass Amherst) know it best.

Izzy is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met. He’s run kitchens all over Massachusetts and can tell the doneness of a steak with a one-second touch. I had the privilege of working with Izzy at Mr. G’s—and thanks to him, I got my first and last waitressing job at The Sports Grille Boston. I was the worst. Sorry for the reference damage, Izzy.

His dad Sumner was also a gem—Becky’s Grandpa’s best pal. One of the best parts of any shift at Mr. G’s was seeing Sumner and Pop have lunch together, and if you were lucky maybe they’d let you sit at their booth with them for a few minutes.

Next: Rachel Rosin.
Rachel also worked under Becky at Hofstra in the events and conferences team. If you were dependable at that age, you rose fast in Becky’s book. I’m not sure Rachel and I ever met in person, but I remember Becky speaking highly of her.

When Becky passed, Rachel shared this quote:

“I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn…
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you.”

Beautiful. Thank you for that, Rachel.

Susan E. Ryan
Susan is a cousin of Eloise’s who always makes the effort to attend family events—like Pammy and Terri’s weddings. I haven’t had the chance to meet Susan myself, but I’m so grateful for her support.

Cheryl Pietrszewski
Cheryl is one of Becky’s cousins and a fellow South Shore local. Home of bar pizza, beaches, and constant complaints about Cape traffic the minute iced coffee season hits.

Cheryl was married to Becky’s cousin Dennis, a dedicated paramedic who spent his life helping others who passed away suddenly last year. In his memory, Cheryl and her family keep the snack shelf stocked at South Shore Hospital for the staff. She and Dennis have two awesome kids, Joe and Olivia. Looks like Joe just got married this past May—congrats!

Cheryl, thank you. I’m so grateful.

That’s a wrap for today’s donor shoutouts. Don’t forget—Joe Bonfiglio is still matching all donations up to $2,500, so please keep sharing the fundraiser page on Facebook, Instagram, and anywhere else you can!

Thank you so much.
Love,
Kate