Today’s post is written by our dear son-in-law, Steve Matheny, who could have been lost at the World Trade Center ten years ago. This is the first time he’s told the full story.
He’ll tell you he’s not a writer, and as far as I know, has no inclination to be one.
But the truth is, whether he believes it or not, he IS. After reading his story posted on his Facebook page, I knew I wanted to share it with you. After reading it, I’m sure you’ll agree that he is, indeed, a writer.
It’s Been 10 Years
By
Steve Matheny
This is the first time I’ve really told my story outside of a couple newspaper articles (written by others). Watching the beautiful ceremonies today has compelled me to write.
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I had chosen a window seat on the right side of the plane so I would have the best chance to see the skyline – the greatest skyline in the world. As my luck turned out, the pilot flew directly up the Hudson and I was able to see the entire stretch…the Statue, the Towers, the Empire State. That was at sunset on Sunday, September 9th, 2001. By the time I got in a cab at LaGuardia it was dusk. I headed to my hotel – the Marriott World Trade Center. I chose this hotel because…well because it was the Marriott World Trade Center. It was an amazing hotel and I was lucky to stay there.
My schedule that week included onsite work at four customer sites: Madison Avenue on the 10th, World Trade Center North on the 11th, World Trade Center South on the 12th, and Broadway on the 13th.
On the morning of the 10th, I took a cab to Madison Avenue in mid-town, arriving at 7:30am. I worked with an IBM employee named Christina Morris, from New Jersey. She was originally from North Carolina and had just recently moved to the NYC area. The day unfolded without event, except for the fact that I was from South Carolina and I was working at a high rise on Madison Avenue! As we wrapped up for the day, we both agreed to start the next morning one hour later, at 8:30am instead of 7:30am. I’ll never forget that conversation and the decision we made. To this day I remember every detail.
The Marriott was connected to the Towers. So, after work that day I walked over to the North tower and was considering going to the observation deck at the top. I didn’t go to the top for two reasons. First, I was going to be there all week and figured I could do it later. Second, it was $12, which was not a trivial amount of money for me in those days. I regret not doing this.
Please click here to read the rest of Steve’s World Trade Center story
Here’s a picture taken last fall when our daughters and sons-in-law visted New York. Steve and Nicole Matheny on the left, Christina and Todd Hunt on the right. We’re so thankful to God that they were able to visit New York together, as four…not three. Gary and I hope to go with them one day.
But whether we ever get to New York or not, we’ve had a glimpse of what 9-11 felt like, and we’ve been changed by it. But Steve’s story and its power doesn’t end with his family. His willingness to write it down–all of it…the fear, the horror, the provison and rescue–means thousands of others can be changed, too. That’s what writing does. It changes lives, if we let it.
So, what’s your story? Whether you consider yourself a writer or not, are you willing to write it, share it, and let God change others through it?
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Kudos for These Christian Writer’s Den Readers…
Wow, what amazing reports we have this month! Congratulations to all these hard-working Christian Writer’s Den readers!
- Judy Parker (AK): My new website/blog, No Failure Moms, is up and running. Come join me for encouragement, support and community for those in the toughest job in the world.
- Nan Jones (NC): Nan has a new devotion, A Fountain of Living Water, published at ChristianDevotions.us on September 12, 2011.
- Jennifer McDonald (HI): I’ll let Jennifer tell you about all the amazing things going on in her writing life lately! Home School Enrichment magazine –article “Military Homeschooling” May/June 2011 issue. I’ve been added as a curriculum reviewer for Home Educating Family’s website (will go live in October, no link yet). A story accepted for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotions for Tough Times, due out in October. A story accepted for Edie Melson’s Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle, due out Nov. 2011. And some late-breaking news: I just saw that Crosswalk.com picked up my article from Home School Enrichment. And then Focus on the Family’s Family Talk Sirius radio picked it up from them and also I’ve seen it all over their affiliates. (Vonda here: Wow, Jennifer, what a perfect example of how things can grow in unbeliveable ways. We just have to write it first, right?)
- Edie Melson (SC): My bestselling eBook, Social Media Marketing for
Writers is holding steady in the top ten on Amazon.com. (Vonda here: And let me add that it has even reached #1 several times in its category!) Also, I had two articles in the August issue of My Book Therapy Voices Ezine: Get the Most from the ACFW Conference with Social Networking – Whether
You’re There in Person or Not! and Two Easy Tips to Battle Nervousness for Those of us Who are NOT Naturally Social. - Gloria Ashby (TX): I began a blog of inspirational/devotional stories, called Glimpses of God. The editor for the
White’s Chapel United Methodist Church weekly newspaper (The Herald, circulation 8000+) liked my stories and offered me the opportunity to write a regular column. Glimpses of God appeared for the first time August 19 with one of my favorite stories, “Did I Miss Him?“ - Mary Sue Smith: I had an article published in Mature Living in August. It was entitled “Hummingbird or Sparrow.”
- Jeanne Doyon (CT): My interview as a writer and speaker was the front cover story of the September issue of Christian Communicator magazine, a publication of Christian Writers’ Institute.
- Barbara Winters (FL): My article “Time Thief” is featured in the 9/11/11 edition of SEEK published by Standard Publishing.
- Cynthia Lovely (NY): The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference blog post on 8-10-11 included a photo and note about Cynthia’s recent success following Michelle Medlock Adams’ advice at Blue Ridge. Also, she has an article titled “Busy Feet” in the September issue of Looking Back magazine, and a story in the October release of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotionals for Tough Times.
Didn’t see your name on the list? Don’t worry–you can change that! Be sure to check back next week for a new list of Writing Opportunities selected just for you!
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How Does a Mid-Winter Cruise to a Warm Tropical Setting Sound? Sounds Good to Me!
Deborah Dunn and I would love for you to join us on a cruise to the Bahamas, where we’ll be sunning, eating, and laughing the nights away! Check out The Story of a Woman’s Life cruise–and yes, men are welcome! A great get-away for families, friends, or couples, and only $25 holds your spot! Come enjoy the freedom of a cruise with the bonus of free, clean, family-friendly entertainment. You can see a sample of some of our programs at our website, The Story of a Woman’s Life (TM).
Time is running out! Deadline is October 8. I hope you’ll check out the video and information and then give Dianne a toll-free call at Cruise One at .
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Parting Words From The Word…
I shared this passage with the Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writers last week, and it spoke to all of us. After all, we’re called, we’ve been gifted, we have a responsiblity to uphold. Let’s pray we don’t neglect it.
Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Be conscientious about yourself and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. I Timothy 4:14-16 HCSB
I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
