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Prayers

ASMers worldwide share in prayers to those individuals that were hit by tragedy on September 11th, 2001. Emails have been exchanged asking about those that live in New York, in Washington, and those that have made the airways their home. ASMers are providing prayers for loved ones, friends, family, and American citizens.

Many if not ALL ASMers have in one way or another been exposed to the closeness of tragic events having lived overseas. And now it hit US in our very own country. I recall upon my arrival to Madrid, Spain in 1980, on July 16th a few blocks from the hotel a car bomb exploded. And in subsequent years there were two military coops, and the Swiss Airline office bombing in Plaza De Espana.

I thank Michelle Mock (Class of 1969) for her grand heart in extending the lines of communications among the ASM community worldwide -

Michelle Mock ('69) writes, "On behalf of ASMers everywhere, I hope you are all okay.  The events of this AM in the United States are too unbelievable to even speak about.  I don't even know what to say.  Be well, take care .... and if you believe in prayer ... you know what to do."

Many of you have never met, but for those of us who have attended ASM reunions (large or mini) we have come to realize that there is a common bond between ASMers of all decades.  We care about each other and we care about the rest we have never met in person.  

A common attribute I have found, in virtually every ASMer I have met, is the ability to see beyond the differences and to care about all people of the world.  The events of September 11th were not an attack on America, they were an attack on humanity.  This was not an act of war (it takes two sides to make a war), it was an act of terrorism.  The crime was perpetrated by individuals (some of whom perished in the act), it was not perpetrated by a people, a race, a religion.  My heart goes out to all people and I pray that the craziness stops now.

As one who is experiencing this from a distance, I thank all of you who are there, close to the action, for taking the time to let us know you are ok.

Our Prayers Video Clip

 

"America's tragedy is felt by all the world... ,Thank you, everyone, for your support during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you.", as portrayed by Ryan Garland.

 
Our alumni write ... (there are many more and more to come that we will continue to share amongst ourselves via email) ... comments capturing the essence of ASMers - their thoughts and prayers ...

 
John de Guzman ('93) writes, "I am New Yorker who has been struggling to recover from the destruction of my city.  I finally was able to write about it and want to share it with ASM alumni who have been worrying about us, or who want to understand what it is like for us in the City, but because my story is so long I don't want to sent it to the email groups because I don't want to clog up inboxes...  So, I here is my story ... 'From Where This New Yorker Sits'.  There is so much comfort in the work you have done to keep the alumni of ASM a supportive group, I can't thank you enough. Please keep up the good work."

 
Luis Felipe Diaz Galeano ('69) writes, "Fellow schoolmates, In trying moments you can envisage the quality of Man. Most of us have been distant from one another for a long, long time. Probably because we all went about our lives and the everyday trees did not allow us to see the forest. Then one day we all got together in Madrid to celebrate the School's anniversary and the ties that binded us resurfaced full of pride and joy. It doesn't matter if anyone could make it to the Reunion or not, all of the sudden we all began to write to one another and the net became live interchanging messages and goodwill. Classmates rekindled long forgotten memories and the thrust was stronger than ever. We, once again, became a Team and we began to enjoy the payback. There were incipient plans to meet again in the not to distant future and agendas were being reserved for that yet weak but determined possibility. However, some of our classmates have been struck at home with the most painful of horrors: Terrorism. Despite the pain and the destruction, that same group of men and women that few days before had been making plans and promises to meet again, reacted in the most formidable way and converted the net in an incandescent hub caring for their less fortunate partners. Now we've become more than a Team. Now we are more than family. Now we are a force that will stand strong against anyone who dares to hurt any one of us. I am including a file with three badgets; one is the ASM badge I used when defending ASM in the sport fields, the other is the Spanish badge that my son used when he defended Spain in the European Show jumping Championships in France, which represents the Country in which we all spent part of our lives and we met each other. Lastly, the third badge is the USA badge which represents the Country that not only sponsored our education and taught us the ideals of democracy and self respect, but the Country that today needs our unconditional support in difficult times. Please accept this token as a sign of unity and help me make it bigger by adding your badge to it to make it Universal as universal was, and is, our friendship. With the greatest respect."

 
Laura Camacho writes, "An ASMer mailing from Madrid. To all American citizens, my deep felt condolences, I don't have many more words. To all citizens from anywhere and everywhere, my hope that we are able to maintain the peace and not fall prey to madness. Take care."

Jorge Sorial ('83) writes, "We are truly shocked in Spain with the horrible terrorist attack that the US has suffered yesterday. As you all know, Spaniards are especially sensible to these crimes against humanity because we suffer terrorist attacks almost every week. I hope that all ASM alumni and their families and friends are well. I do know that a few Class of '83 friends live and work in NYC. It would be great if we heard from them so that we know they are well .... Be strong and provide comfort to those that are suffering."

Jorge Sorial ('83) also writes, "The press conference started at 11:40 am (September 14th, 2001). The first thing that the union's secretary general said was that the press conference would be interrupted at 12:00 pm for 3 minutes in memory of the victims of the brutal terrorist attack. At that time, everyone, press, union personnel, and bank representatives, stood up and kept silent. As the trade union's spokesperson later said, 'This is the greatest crime against humanity that several generations will ever witness'. From what I know, citizens all across Europe have expressed their solidarity with the victims, families and friends by means of this symbolic silence. Our thoughts are with them."
Kim Cullen ('91) writes on behalf of ASM (Bill O'Hale, Headmaster & Kim Cullen, Development Head), "Just a short note in light of the horrible events that took place in the USA yesterday.  We send our very best wishes and prayers to you and your families, and we hope that you are safe and sound."

Kim Cullen ('91) and Gonzalo Gimeno write, "I have spoken to a few of you, but wanted all of you to know that Gonzalo and I pray that you and your loved ones are safe and sound following the unspeakable events of Tuesday. Please drop us a line to let us know that you are okay. Our love to everyone."

Alberto M. Darma ('68) writes, "After seeing so many of us last July getting together as a happy family and watching in utter shock the horrible events that ocurred yesterday in NY and DC, I just want to share my sadness, condolences and rage with all the members of the ASM Family and the people of the United States. As you may know, those of us who live in Madrid or elsewhere in Spain are well aware of the consequences of terrorist attacks as we have suffered many over the years, though never something on this enormous scale. I have been in touch with with several alums from the NY and DC areas. They are all OK but they all know someone who worked at or nearby the devastated areas and everyone is waiting for further news. Please continue to post news about anyone you might hear from. I hope that sanity and peace will prevail. Be strong and take care."
 

Alberto M. Darma ('68) also writes, "At noon (Madrid time) today, Sept. 14, 2001, all countries in the European Union observed three minutes of silence in honor and remembrance of the victims in the US."

 
Jeannette Sastre de la Cierva ('75) writes, "I have just gotten off the phone with the American Red Cross in Danbury, CT. I was asked to tell friends and family members to please contact your local Red Cross center for blood donations. I pray you are all well."

 
Misti Burnett ('78) writes, "I am saddened & horrified by the attack on our nation Tuesday. All ASMers are in my thoughts and prayers.God bless and comfort you and your families."

 
Doug Golenski ('81) writes, "It is heartening to see the solidarity of all ASMers the world over, and I can only add my thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families.  God Bless America !"

 
Marc Sasseville ('81) writes, "We're all fine.  Most of the part-timers are back, and good to go.  No one in my immediate area got hurt, and as of yet I don't know any of the pentagon folks that were injured. We're flying around the clock--those are my guys over the nation's capital. We also have F-15s from Langley airborne. Don't know how long this is going to last, heightened state of alert."

 
John Correa writes, "Thanks for your concern.  Everyone and all our immediate acquaintances are ok, although stories of friends of friends who are missing are surfacing. Given the transportation problems yesterday it took some time to collect all the children from various schools in one location and get home .... I actually watched the first plane fly low overhead and saw it crash into the first tower.  It was horrifying.  Our roofdeck has a superb view of lower Manhattan - which is somewhat tragic now.  The street and roofdeck had a light coating of ash and everything had a smoky smell to it when got home yesterday (we are only a mile or two away from where the World Trade center stood - across New York harbor in Brooklyn), various emergency vehicles with sirens were driving by last night since we are near the Brooklyn Bridge access routes and a hospital.  So far all of the children's classmates parents are ok, but given the proximity of both of their schools to lower Manhattan ... some classmates or acquaintances of theirs have possibly lost parents. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers, we can only hope that any attempt at retaliation will not end more innocent lives."

 
Jim Cotton writes, "Hey John, Prayers are answered!!!  You are the only person I know in New York and had no way to check on you.  Even though we've lost touch memories of old friendships never go away and unfortunately it takes things like this to make one realize how important those memories are.  My prayers also go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.  I'm hoping and praying that this madness will end quickly and justice is carried out."

 
Joe LaGue (Fearey) ('74) writes, "After reading John Correa's firsthand account and his witnessing of the initial plane's impact, I am compelled to share my thoughts. To my sister Michelle: thank you for starting the thread.  I love you! I suspect that I (and my family) may have watched too much of this on TV.  It has had an impact that, at the moment, is a struggle to comprehend.  But I do believe that last night, I finally saw the clip that seems to capture the essence of what each American, if not every world citizen with compassion, can relate to: A FDNY firefighter tells a reporter "This is the greatest job in the world!" The reporter asks, in effect: Do you sincerely believe that given the circumstances and your work right now? He replies, "Right now, more than ever!" In every American patriot, there thrives a "Right now, more than ever!" sense of pride and a burning desire to help. To many, that help may be limited to merely flying our flag.  Yet that very flag, at times, swells the eyes with tears. Americans are not perfect but they are the most eclectic international society on the planet. Consider who all has come to live in this land; its diversity.  Perhaps, via this event, we have reached the point in human history where we will begin to comprehend and embrace the significance of this and the meaning of a global society. The prospect of abolishing the terrorist element is frightening in itself.  One can only sense that the events yet to unfold are as potentially unprecedented as those of the last few days.  This nation, and a few others, already have one very key word in their name:  UNITED God Bless all of those that this has touched and those we have lost.  We cannot changed what has happened.  Yet we always press on."

 
Fred Pike ('73) writes, "My prayers continue for all of us.  I particularly appreciate the thoughts, prayers, and condolences coming from our European compatriots."

 
Lida (Hooghuis) Reicher ('69), "From the relative safety of Vancouver, Canada, my heart and soul goes out to all...may all your friends and loved ones be safe...there just are no words, no words to describe the true horror of yesterday's events. Abrazos for all."

 
Kevin Greene write ('89), "I live in NYC and want to let all of our friends around the world to know that I am fine.  Thanks for all the kind messages, it is great to feel apart of a larger community and I am impressed by the strong feelings expressed around the world.  All of my immediate friends and family are OK too.  Particularly my mother and father .... As far as other ASM alum who I have communicated with so far ... (are fine) ... The city is a ghost town except for police, EMT, and firefighters in the streets and Fighter Jets in the air.  It is unreal even on the third day."

 
Christina Perez Bass ('90) writes, "I live across the highway from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and slowly but surely things are getting back to normal here.  It great to hear from all of you that things are okay and those of you that I know are well. I have heard pretty much from all my friends that worked in the financial district but my husband still has many that he has not heard from that worked in the WTC.  We pray and hope that we will hear soon. Regards to all."

 
Ernesto Mujica, Phd ('75) writes, "Thank you for your note of sympathy.  I am a clinical psychologist living in New York.  We are focusing on helping one another to get through this awful tragedy."

 
Martin Murphy ('89) writes, "My wife (Sandra del Valle, class of 89) and I both live in Manhattan. We ánd our little boy are well, and (thank God) all our friends that worked in the wall street area are accounted for. Things here are quite surrealistic, but the resiliency and strength of the city is really starting to be felt. NY will be OK. But boy is the world going to be a little different from now on... Thanks to all of you "expats" for the concern. Somehow, I almost feel it's a little easier actually being here in NY. It hurts more and hits closer to home, but at least one feels that moving forward is in our own hands, with little things such as getting on the subway and going to work tomorrow. Hope you are all well."

 
Patsy Novo ('81) writes, "Just arrived home to New York from Washington, DC. Stunned, but ok."

 
Stephan Matanovic writes, "I hear from my sister Sonja in NYC that she, her roommate Jessica Delgado and our family in New York are OK." 

 
Anthony Arauz writes, "It is definately a twilight-zone here in the city. fighter jets overhead, teary-eyed folks walking around, and long lines of blood donors at St. Luke's. But I am ok. Hope you all are too."

 
Jim Vasconcellous writes, "On December 7, 1941, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's plan for attacking Pearl Harbor was put into effect, despite his objections. After the attack, while the other Japanese commanders were celebrating their victory, Yamamoto told a fellow officer, 'I fear that all we have done is awaken a sleeping giant, and fill it with a desire for vengeance.' I pray for peace."

 
Christine Mawhinney Haskins ('85) writes, "I define myself a bunch of ways:  a female, an executive, a mother, a politically involved person, a hiker, a friend, a volunteer, etc.  Somewhere towards the bottom of that list is a graduate of the American School of Madrid (class of '85).  But who would have thought that during this tragedy, the ASM graduate label manifested through this list is one that I am turning to each day to hear words from around the world, to reconnect with people that I honestly haven't thought of in months or years and to search for meaning in a situation that doesn't seem to make sense.  The number of entries has been uplifting and inspiring.  It shows the compassion that exists despite the terrible things that happens. Thank you and peace to all of you." 
 
Wendy Nyhus Brett ('86), "While I have only recognized individuals mentioned in one e-mail I have been touched, comforted and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fellow ASMers.  My husband and I moved out of the city a couple of years ago to start a family.  Mike still works there and fortunately is in midtown away from the devastation.  It is hard to imagine that the New York we all knew will never be the same but I am confident we will rebuild.  The country has already shown it has grown stronger and that is a great consolation.  I hope that we continue to hear good news via all these ASM e-mails as it appears we have not lost anyone yet.  I also pray that we are all spared the kind of agony that too many are experiencing at this very moment as they have no word or information about their loved ones."