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A UMNS Commentary
By Kay Panovec*
3:00 P.M. ET September 8, 2011
This pin was distributed at John Patrick Hart’s memorial service.
Panovec saw a similar card with Hart’s image among the mementos at St.
Paul’s Chapel near ground zero. A UMNS web-only photo courtesy of Kay
Panovec.
I hardly knew John Patrick Hart; yet, I will never forget the impact his life has had on mine.
John was an attentive husband, a loving father and a committed
member of the church we attended. He was a handsome, successful business
professional. His wife, Laurie, a beautiful, former flight attendant,
and their children were equally adorable. When the Hart family walked
into church, it was easy to believe their life together was a fairy
tale.
The fairy tale ended on Sept. 11, 2001, when John died in the second tower of the World Trade Center.
That week, people at Northampton United Methodist Church in
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, gathered in disbelief as we grieved with our
nation and our church family. Our collective hearts broke for Laurie
and the children. Our pastor, Dave Scavuzzo, knew the Hart family well.
His pain at the loss of his friend was obvious.
As part of John's celebration of life, I was asked to produce a
video that depicted his life. I met with Laurie and sorted through
pictures of their life together: dates, family holidays, hugs, kisses,
touching moments they shared together and with friends.
‘Give me Jesus’
For a little while, I sat and listened as Laurie shared stories,
smiles and tears. It was one of the most touching moments I have
experienced with a church friend. She selected one of John's favorite
songs, Jeremy Camp's "Give Me Jesus," to play as people in the
congregation viewed the powerful images.
The church was packed. It was a meaningful and memorable
celebration filled with testimonials, laughter and, yes, tears. John's
life was taken from him. But, his love lives on through his family,
friends and all who were privileged to know him in this life or even at
the end of his life here on Earth. The words of that song still serve
as a reminder of how we all should live:
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.
‘Never forget’
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to New York City
and visit ground zero. Directly across the street is a small chapel.
Since 9/11, St. Paul's Chapel has become a makeshift memorial for
ground zero visitors.
As I walked through this sacred space, my eyes scanned the
thousands of prayer cards, pictures and mementos other visitors had left
behind. There in the midst of it all, I saw a small card with the
familiar face of John Patrick Hart and the words "Never forget."
On Sept. 11, 2011, I will be in the air flying across Ireland.
That flight won't be much different from any other flight I have taken
since Sept. 11, 2001. I will look at the passengers who are traveling
with me on that day. I will wonder where they are from and where they
are going. I will wonder about the families and friends they have left
behind. I will think of my family and friends, too.
I will do what I have done, every time I have flown since Sept.
11, 2001. I will say a prayer for safety for them and for me.
And, I will remember John Patrick Hart, not only for the way he
died, but also, how he lived his life and how his life changed mine
forever.
See complete coverage of the 9/11 anniversary.
*Panovec is executive director, New Media, United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Kay Panovec, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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