Please allow me to introduce you to Sheila Patricia Barnes.
Some of the women in Sheila's family were in friendly competition with each other to see who was the best deal-getter, money-saver, and coupon-clipper. There was nothing miserly about it, just joyful fun. In October 2001, Sheila's daughter, Zulema Barnes-Chung, noticed a great deal on Colgate toothpaste at a local pharmacy, and was about to pick up the phone and call her Mom, but then she remembered: her Mom, Sheila Patricia Barnes, an employee of the Aon Corporation, died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Sheila's family loved her. In 2005, Tanya Pitts wrote:
The saddness felt by the lost of my Tia Sheila is beyond description! Tia Sheila was a beautiful person inside and out. She always offered positivity and encouragement! I am sure that anyone that knew her would say the same! I know that she is in a better place now but Sheila Patricia Barnes is deeply missed by myself and all that knew her!
In 2008, Samantha Erskine agreed with her cousin Tanya, adding:
Tia Sheila was a beautiful person. She was so very supportive of my mother and me when we were fleeing from my father's violence. I will remember her always for giving us a safe haven. I will also remember her for supporting me in my endeavors. She road-tripped with my mom to my various beauty pageants. That was a wonderful memory. I think about her often, but on 9/11, I honor her. God bless her, God bless America, and God bless those who are fighting for our safety.
Sheila Patricia Barnes helped others flee from violence in their lives, but unfortunately her own life was cut short by a senseless act of violence when she was only 55. I regret that we weren't able to be there for her when she needed us.
I dare you to try and forget that smile. I know I never will.
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