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How one 9/11 death changed my life

 
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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.
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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