I Remember

My big girl was 2 years old in 2001 and I was pregnant with Ethan.  I was watching GMA that morning which was very unusual for me since kiddie shows were usually on.  As I focused on the reoccuring picture on the screen I realized that something awful had happened.  At the time the press and the rest of the world was not even clued in…people were assuming that the first tower had been hit by accident.  I watched in disbelief as minutes later the second tower was hit and the hard truth set in that we had been attacked.  I'm not someone who knew any of the victims from that sad day but my family mourned and grieved over the profound and tragic loss of so many lives.  

I stumbled upon Project 2996, a movement remembering and honoring the victims of 9/11, and I was given the name of Arlene T. Babakitis.  I didn't know Arlene but when her picture appeared on my screen for the first time, the tragedy of it all hit me again.  And yet how wonderfully supportive we can be to each other once again as we remember and celebrate the lives that were lived.  I found that the best way to do this is to let Arlene's friends and family speak for her and about her.  They keep her memory alive and share her with all.ntative, PoAArt Authority of New York andNew JerAenter, at/in building

Visitors Comments:

Tina Columbine Commenter Email and IP address is in file	11/10/2001 12:46:40 PM
Arlene was well known by my exhusband and his family. She was his family's first “fresh-air kid”. I only met Arlene once, but she made a lasting impression on him and his family. One story Joe Kelsey used to tell me was that she used to aid in his care.
Melissa Pettignano Commenter Email and IP address is in file	07/23/2002 11:56:45 PM
Hello, everyone all over the world, My aunt was the most wonderful person anyone could ever love. I read the other womens e-mail about my aunt and it is true the frist time you meet my aunt she did leave a great frist time impression.There is so much I can say about my aunt but I'll just say it in a shorter way she was fun, loving, kind out going, and that 's just the beginning, she was so much more to her family and friends and for that thats why we love her so much . So please if anyone reads this message and if anyone who knew my aunt has something to say please do , my family and I would love to know , Love always and gos bless.
Melissa Commenter Email and IP address is in file	09/29/2002 7:35:32 PM
hi everyone! WELL i would like to say a few words about arlene babikitz, also my friends aunt. i didnt know her too well but i did know this, i knew that she was a hardworking person, and mom. Melissa[ friends aunt] loved her very much and melissa loved her more than anything, well thats what i think and saw. she was also funny and outgoing, willing to do anything for her family and children. i dont know her that well, but i do know this. she loved life and was a very nice and gentle person. i wish for the best to her children and Melissa, Her mom, Her dad, and Brother. thank you everyone. God Bless America!
Melissa Kowalewski Commenter Email and IP address is in file	09/29/2002 7:47:10 PM
hi everyone out there! i would like to say a few things about Arlene Babikitz. well for one she was a hardworking person, and as parent. i dont know her that well but my friend, that was her aunt and shes been through alot. Melissa loved her aunt and her aunt loved her very much. like i said i dont know her that well but i do know what she was about. she was a kind, loving and gentle person. she enjoyed life and loved everyone and thing. her family has been through alot and so have i cause i have lost someone too. i wish luck and hope for her family! God Bless America!!!
someone Commenter Email and IP address is in file	12/29/2002 6:11:32 PM
god bless.. i love babz
Maria Lenskjold Commenter Email and IP address is in file	02/01/2003 5:16:54 AM
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Arlene T. Babakitis… She looks and sounds like a wonderfull and warm-hearted woman ! I'm sorry for your loss ! Maria – Denmark
The Berean-Vega Family Commenter Email and IP address is in file	10/29/2003 12:22:55 PM
I did not know Arlene personally but she was the mother of one of my daughter's good friend…Babz. From what I can see Arlene raised a good son, one that misses his mother dearly. Babz if you are reading this even though your mother was taken from you too soon…just know that she is in good hands now. I know that she is smiling down on you, watching over you and protecting you. The best thing that you can do is stay on the right path and make your mother proud. God Bless always! The Berean-Vega Family
Melissa Pettignano Commenter Email and IP address is in file	02/12/2004 2:12:35 PM
Hello everyone .It has now been almost over 3 years now since 9-11 occured. Three years ,3months an ,two weeks to be quite honest.It has been very hard on my family along wit my cuzin babz, & my cuz vinny . Everyday we still say why? an how could of this of been prevented.I still remember that day like it was yesterday just like so many other an trust me it will never be erased from our minds.Never. It gets so hard,but we will be fine, i will be fine,as long as we hav our faith an god on our side everything will be just fine.We miss u aunty an we love u so much. May u rest in peace .ILY<333333 Love: melissa p
Karen Tobia Commenter Email and IP address is in file	03/07/2004 12:47:57 AM
Arlene and I worked together at the WTC for many years. She was hard working, sweet, and devoted to her family. She was very easy going and always took things in stride. My heart goes out to her family. We will never forget.
Joe Verducci Commenter Email and IP address is in file	06/15/2004 9:31:44 PM
Hey all, I just wanted to say I know melissa the niece of Arlene T Babakitis .When she told me that Arlene T Babakitis was her aunt and that she had died I felt terrible, none of those workers deserved what happened to them . All I want to do is wish her and her family lots of love an that she and her family and kevin and vincent have my families blessing. God bless Love always Joe Verducci and family .
Frankie Lorincz Commenter Email and IP address is in file	06/17/2004 8:13:03 AM
Hi my name is Frankie Lorincz and I am a Close Friend Of Melissa Pettignano. I know I never met her aunt and its been over 3 years but I want to wish the pettignano family all of my love and prayers. Even though I never met her aunt has never met me I know how effective this tragedy can hit a loved one who lost a loved one. I was lucky enough to have my grandfather escape from wtc 6 when the first plane hit thanks to gods protection. It was a very unfotunate situation for many many civilians. I want to give my love, prayers, and support for all of the families who were effected by 9/11. We will Never Forget….
sumone Commenter Email and IP address is in file	01/10/2005 8:37:25 PM
rest in peace arlene…im so sorry about your death.. babz is doing fine and hes a graet kid and i love him so much no matter what …<3333
Karen Tobia Commenter Email and IP address is in file	09/18/2005 12:47:56 PM
Thinking of you, Arlene. We miss you.
Melissa P ettignano Commenter Email and IP address is in file	10/27/2005 12:15:02 PM
Hello everyone. It has been now 4 years since 9-11 and so much has happened. I still miss my aunt very much along with the rest of the family. Every since 9-11 it has put alot in perspective and it has been hard , but little by little day by day it does get easier. I sometimes feel her near an I know she is . The biggest place she is in is my heart. Her favorite time is just approaching Christmas and i know she will be watching as we open our gifts and say our prays ,eat so much food an of course our tradtion play bingo for money lolol. Thats the best lol. We are all growing up an so much has changed an happened . Its been great ,but hard. Aunt Arlene if u here this know that we all miss u an love u very very very much and one day will see u up above. Thanks for reading this peace and love. God Bless u all. P.s if anyone else has something u would like to share don't hesitate to write ,we'd love to hear from you's.