In Memory of Steven B. Paterson

The fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks is upon us. The world doesn't need another rehash of the events of that terrible day, nor does it need another dissection of the consequences of those attacks, whether what was done before and after was right or wrong and why, what we can do in the future or should have done in the past.

What the world needs to know is that day, a lot of innocent people died. And we're not going to let a single one of them be forgotten.

I'm part of a project called 2,996. That's 2,996 bloggers coming together to honor the 2,996 victims of the 9/11 attacks. Actually, the project has grown beyond that mark; it's now 3,412 bloggers paying tribute. So that's great.

The person I am here to honor is Steven B. Paterson, a 40-year-old bond trader who worked in the World Trade Center. Mr. Paterson is remembered remembered by his relatives on these pages. He worked on the 105th floor of the building and made his home in New Jersey. By all accounts, he was a dedicated family man and an all-around pleasant guy. In my estimation those are the two best things you can be.

It's tough to write a tribute to someone you didn't know, to adequately honor a man you never met. So to all of Steven's family and friends who might find their way to this page -- I'm sorry. I'm sorry for your loss and for my inability to even grasp the magnitude of that loss. May God bless you and your loved ones.

One note that I must include; currently, in Hazlet, NJ, there's an effort to build a tribute to Mr. Paterson. It comes in the form of a Pop Warner football field. In my role as a blogger whose primary interest is in football, I have to admit that I was stunned to find this out. Mysterious ways indeed.

I just know that this field will be a beautiful way to celebrate the life of Steven B. Paterson. The people who visit will always have the opportunity to contemplate the man whose life was so abruptly and tragically taken.

May we all remember today the things that are bigger than the pleasant diversion that football provides. And may God bless Steven B. Paterson and his loved ones.

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