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In Memory of Joanna Vidal
Name: Hector y Familia Perez Name: Carlynn Felipe Email: www.carlynn.felipe@verizon.net Comments: I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope to see you real soon. P.S. I'm josephina's daughter and once again im very sorry. Stay strong and when your down always remember to smile and just think that Joanna is probably watching over you always and forever. 10/7/2001 7:01:49 PM Name: GUILLERMO & MARIA RAMIREZ Email: gramirez@nyc.rr.com Comments: As I REMINISCE THROUGH THE MEMORIES IN MY MIND, I CALL UPON HAPPIER DAYS. WHEN A CHILD BY JOANNA VIDAL AND HER BROTHER ENRIQUE VIDAL JR. BECAME A PART OF MY FAMILY. THEY JOINED US IN MANY CELEBRATIONS. I WATCHED TWO CHILDREN GROW INTO YOUNG ADULTS ALONG WITH MY OWN CHILDREN. I SEEN THE PROUD FATHER AND PROUD MOTHER AS THEIR CHILDREN TOOK FLIGHT INTO A WORLD OF PROMISES AND EXPLORATION. JOANNA IS NO LONGER WITH US IN TH PHYSICAL SENSE. BUT HER MEMORY WILL LIVE FOREVER IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO KNEW AND LOVE NOT LOVED BUT LOVE HER. SHE HAS MOVED ON TO SERVE AND WORK AND BRING JOY AND COMFORT IN OTHER PLATEAUS. SHE NOW WORKS FOR THE LORD. TO THE VIDAL FAMILY, THE LOSS OF A DAUGHTER AND A SISTER IS BEYOND ANY CONCIEVABLE THOUGHT. TO THE LOVING BOYFRIEND IS HEARTBREAKING TO SAY THE LEAST. WORDS OF CONSOLATION CAN NEVER REPLACE JOANNA VIDAL, BUT FAITH IN OUR LORD WILL HOWEVER MAKE US STRONGER IN KNOWING THAT SHE NOW WALKS WITH JESUS AND HAS JOINED THE ANGELS OF HEAVEN. FOR MAKE NO MISTAKE SHE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE AN ANGEL. ENRIQUE, LESBIA, JUNIOR, JASON, AND ALL THE FAMILY PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SHE IS WITH US ALWAYS JUST BELIEVE. PHILIPPIANS - 4:12,13,19,20. 12. I KNOW BOTH HOW TO BE ABASED, AND I KNOW HOW TO ABOUND: EVERY WHERE AND IN ALL THINGS I AM INSTRUCTED BOTH TO BE FULL AND TO BE HUNGRY, BOTH TO ABOUND AND TO SUFFER NEED. 13. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENETH ME. 19. BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS. 20. NOW UNTO GOD AND OUR FATHER BE GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER. A'-MEN. 10/8/2001 12:44:59 PM Name: Monique Rivera Schwitzman Email: Chefnina6@aol.com Comments: I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Joanna, but I have heard very beautiful things about her from my good friend Kenia el-Hila. I have been praying for Joanna and her family and will continue to do so. I believe Joanna is in heaven now coordinating events along with all the other angels. I hold the Vidal family in my heart and prayers. God bless you. Sincerely, Monique Rivera Schwitzman and Family 10/8/2001 7:40:02 PM Name: Fabiola Henriquez Email: laromana2@hotmail.com Comments: Nena, llegaste a mi vida un dia y te aduenaste de ella. Yo no sabia que se podia querer tanto a otro ser. Tu carino siempre fue incondicional y nunca me juzgaste. Escuchaste mis, ideas por descabelladas que fueran, y les diste justa consideracion antes de darme tu opinion. Para mi fuiste hija, sobrina, amiga fiel, hermana menor, vida consentida. A tu partir has dejado un inmenso vacio en mi vida espacio que nunca volvera a llenarse. Si hay un Dios en el cielo un dia volveremos a estar juntas donde ya nada ni nadie nos podra separar, esperame donde estes y yo un dia voy a tu encuentro. Te adora siempre Faby. 10/8/2001 9:46:43 PM Name: Melida Sabeta Email: mas0475@yahoo.com Comments: Joanna, Though we knew each other as children and never kept in touch, I still remember what a wonderful person you were. How full of life and laughter. How loved you were by your family. How kind you were to everyone. May you be in a better place where all your dreams are coming through and where you will have everlasting peace. 10/8/2001 11:59:05 PM Name: Dilcia Segura Email: dsegura@javitscenter.com Comments: Yo se que no hay palabras que les pueda decir que mitigue el dolor que los aflije en estos momentos. Solo puedo unirme a su dolor y llorar con ustedes y sacar de mi ser todo el dolor y frustaciones que siento al ver una vida joven terminar asi. Pero hay que seguir adelante y llenarnos del optimismo contagioso que radiaba de Joanna. Si sucumbimos en el dolor solo les damos el triunfo a aquellos que se alimentan del odio y del dolor inflicto a seres indefensos. Recordemos siempre que Dios nos da fortaleza para cargar nuestro dolor. Recordemos a Joanna como una persona dulce, alegre, jovial, carinosa, optimista. y como la hija que los lleno siempre de alegria y afecto. JOANNA VIVE Y VIVIRA PARA SIEMPRE EN NUESTROS CORAZONES. Ella nos iluminara siempre con su luz celestial. 10/9/2001 12:48:10 PM Name: Rafaelina Perez Email: Rafaley1002@aol.com Comments: Joanna, On September 11th god was calling for angels, and among them he chose a very special one. You. I always remember you as a chubby toddler in your stroller, who blossomed into a beautiful young women. Sweet, friendly, caring and always with a smile on your face. I will miss your wonderful smile, but I will never forget you. 10/9/2001 5:38:16 PM Name: Ashley Perez Email: asp4nyc@hotmail.com Comments: Beautiful like the sun rising into the sky, Astonishing when you walk into a room you would bring a light, Caring even if it was a person you did not know, in the hardest of a situation you would let it show. I shall not cry nor shall I weep, But I write this poem to show people what you mean to me. I remember the good times, I don't recall anybad. Everytime I saw you, you were always glad. So when I see you in pictures with your smiling face, I know those are the times we shall embrace. By Ashley Perez 10/9/2001 5:52:35 PM Name: Alex & Hilda Email: hpaez@bloomberg.net Comments: It's hard to believe that the most admirable person we knew is gone. Days go by and it seems like if she would just walk through the doors and say how happy she was to be home. But she took another path and has reached a better place. As the world is changing day by day she is up above watching over the people she loves and awaiting the day we will re-unite. We pray to God that he give strenght to our family in order to support the great pain that this loss has left us. On Sept. 11 we lost a precious gem that can never be replaced but that same day God gained a PERFECT ANGEL!!! Joanna will always be loved by us and never forgotten. She will hold a special place in our hearts until we meet again. Love Always, Alex & Hilda 10/9/2001 8:20:40 PM Name: Rebecca Yanes Email: ryanes15@yahoo.com Comments: Dear Jo... I cannot deny that I am deeply saddened to know that you are no longer physically here with us. But now I will celebrate your life as I knew it, and I am happy every day as I think of you and the beautiful person you were. I smile every time I think of your smile and I am filled with peace because I DID have the opportunity to share your happiness, your love, and overall your wonderful personality. Thank you for never forgetting me. I will never forget you. Love always, Becky. 10/9/2001 9:49:18 PM Name: Deborah Acosta Email: davmatty@aol.com Comments: I never had the chance to meet joanna but i heard great things about her through someone she meant a great deal to. I am so saddend that a beautiful young women had to go in such a bad way but mostly as the mother of two young boys my heart goes out to joanna parents. I wish there was something i could do to take away what they must be feeling right now since i cant, what i did do was write a poem about the events and it will be read in memory of Joanna Vidal. The poem will be read at an event called "Words to Comfort" this event will fund the September 11th tragedies. The event will take place October 17th between 7-10pm at The New School, Tishman Auditorium on 66west 12th street. The suggested donation is $15 in the form of a check. The poem is called "I know he was there" and it will be read by actor Guillermo Diaz In memory of Joanna Vidal. 10/9/2001 10:14:03 PM Name: Daisy Guzman & Familia Email: guzmandaisy@hotmail.com Comments: Mis queridos amigos, que tristeza tan grande senti al enterarme de la noticia de Joanna. No hace mucho cuando miraba el album the fotografia de mis hijos encontre una foto de Joanna y mi hijo Sam bailando en una fiesta de cumpleanos cuando apenas eran unos bebitos. Joanna se ve tan linda y inocente que asi siempre la llevare en mi mente y mi corazon. Espero que Dios les de fuerza para seguir adelante asi como ella hubiera querido seguir. No olviden que ella ahora esta bajo las alas de Dios y algun dia nosotros tambien estaremos todos juntos y sera para siempre. Sinceramente, Daisy y Familia. 10/9/2001 10:18:06 PM Name: Allan F. Amaya Email: allan_amaya@msn.com Comments: I met Joanna about 3 years ago and was immediately struck by her physical likeness to her Mom. In my mind they were like two “gotitas de agua.” But that’s not all. They were always so open, caring, and welcoming that you couldn’t help but feel part of the beautiful family they were centers of. That—the likeness—in a way, is what’s going to keep her alive in our hearts and short term memory when the physical limitations of our long term memory make it difficult for us to close our eyes and imagine her the way she always was—radiating with happiness, love and tenderness. But those limitations will be overcome by the consolation that she will always live on in her Mom, Lesbia, her Dad, Enrique, and her brother. May they find peace in their hearts and may they come to terms with the agonizing fact that her physical self is no longer with us but that her Spirit will live on. 10/9/2001 10:39:17 PM Name: Linett Email: TTENIL@aol.com Comments: What I know of Joanna are only beautiful things. Her mother Lesbia spoke of her almost everyday at work. I remember once Lesbia told me a story about Joanna being in the airport and giving her umbrella to a total stranger to keep himself from getting wet. This way I learned that good people where still out there. When ever I spoke to Joanna she only had positive things to say and when I saw Joanna she always had a smile on her pretty face and a vibrant personality that lid up the dimmist room. Como dice faby su tia preferida, " esa nena es maravillosa". To lesbia I only have to say that you are my mentor and I admire you very much please consider me another daughter. Or atleast a bestest something. Te Quiero Mucho. To Enrique I know that Joanna is your nena as she will always be yours. To Junior you know that I will always be your true friend. Para el resto de la familia Vidal una estrella nacio en el cielo y dios pidio un angel ese angel brillante y esa estrella alumbrante se llama Joanna Vidal. 10/9/2001 11:01:18 PM Name: Orlando Lago Email: skem99@aol.com Comments: My prayers and thoughts go out to the Vidal family and love ones through these tough times. Even though we hardly knew each other, we shared many of the same friends. We met through a mutal friend that is dear to us both. I can count the number of times we have shared on one hand from the first time we met 10 years ago but you never treated me any less then some one you knew your entire life. This defined who you were... a fun....loving...giving....person...who never judge someone on their faults. Thank you for celebrating my birthday last year and your prescence made it that much better! I will never forget your smile :) May you rest and peace..... and in my heart I know the best "events" will no longer be on Earth...it will be in HEAVEN where I'm sure you will work as hard! 10/9/2001 11:06:58 PM Name: Kimairys Tineo Email: Kimtineo@hotmail.com Comments: Tu paso por la vida ha dejado huellas. Aunque la misma ha cesado subitamente, tu recuerdo perdurara a traves del tiempo en la memoria de aquellos que tanto te quisieron. Queda el consuelo de que en tu corta existencia viviste a plenitud, aprovechando todo lo bueno que la vida te brindo. Esto permitio tu excelente desarrollo individual pudiendo asi alcanzar metas y suenos, convirtiendote en un gran ser humano, siendo gran orgullo para tus padres, familiares y amigos. Personas como tu vienen al mundo a hacer la diferencia, porque encaminan sus pasos con sensatez, entusiasmo, carino y actitudes positivas que contribuyen a hacer un mundo mejor. Te vi nacer, te vi crecer de cerca en tus primeros anos de infancia y mantengo viva la imagen de aquella nina hermosa radiante de alegria, y hoy me duele mucho tu inesperada partida. Hoy lloro por ti, rezo por tu descanso eterno y sufro el dolor de tus padres. Que Dios permita que tu immenso carino les de fortaleza para sobrellevar el gran dolor de tu ireparable perdida. 10/10/2001 8:18:18 AM Name: Elizabeth Email: ecabrera@bloomberg.net Comments: In the few times that I met with Joanna I got to know an extraordinary person. Joanna was always smiling and full of happiness. My love and sympathy go out to her parents, Enrique and Lesbia, and to her brother, Junior. You are all in my prayers. God bless you, Joanna. You will always be remembered. 10/10/2001 8:46:45 AM Name: Kenia Victoriá Email: victoria.kenia@codetel.net.do Comments: Joannita Todavía recuerdo cuando nos decías a Migue y a mi: Bendición tia, en las vacaciones que pasabamos en La Romana ¡Que tiempos tan lindos aquellos!. Lamento tanto lo que te ocurrió, lo único que mitiga un poco lo que siento es que se bien lo que eras como persona y yo se que Dios no dejó que sufrieras sino que te fuiste en paz. Agradezco a Dios haberte conocido y haber compartido tantas cosas lindas contigo. Yo se que desde donde estés tú luz guiará siempre nuestros corazones y el de todas las personas que te quieren en especial a tús padres Lesbia y Enrique y a tú hermano Junior. Se también que nuestro Dios es un Dios de amor, no de odio ni de dolor, se que el aborrece lo que paso el 11 de septiembre que es una muestra más, de lo albergan en sus corazones muchos seres humanos que son dignos de compasión porque no saben lo lindo que es amar a los seres humanos, lo lindo que es vivir con nuestros corazones en paz, Joannita lamento tanto que hayas sido victima de esto, pero siento en el fondo de mi corazón que tú desaparición no fué en vano, que quizas no sabemos ni entendemos porque?... pero Dios si sabe. Lesbia, Enrique y Junior: Me uno a su dolor y le pido a Dios que les de mucha fortaleza para mitigar un poquito su dolor.Estoy con ustedes. JOANNITA: ADIOS AMIGA, SIEMPRE TE RECORDARE... Kenia Victoriá 10/10/2001 11:39:42 AM Name: Jenny Minaya-Ross and Family Email: jenis@greatseatsltd.com Comments: I remembered Joanna as a very vibrant, almays smiling, smart, happy, well adjusted young girl. She came to a house party I had in me and my sister's Juana apartment in the Bronx, we had a ball, we danced, ate and laughed all night. I remembered Enrique (her dad) came over and picked her up that night, she kissed everyone goodbye, even my other guests and left. All my friends wanting to know how was that fun, fun girl. I'll always remember her as that happy, vibrant, smart, simple and always smiling young girl. Lesbia, Enrique y familia que Dios este con ustedes. Se les quiere. Jenny, John, Christian, Carl and Carl Jr. Ross 10/10/2001 3:12:15 PM Name: Indhira Perez Email: Magicnernst@aol.com Comments: I knew Joanna ever since I was a little girl. I remember walking to Jean Martin's Ballet school with her. Her mother and my grandmother would walk beside us talking while Joanna, my sister and I talked about whatever little girls talk about. She was a kind hearted person and still to this day I remember that special smile she had. We didn't see each other to often, but when we did she always had a smile and a hug for me. It was as though no time had passed. She was the same Joanna, smart, kind and happy. She will always be in my heart, a constant reminder of joy. My thoughts and love are with her family. She will be missed. 10/10/2001 9:21:55 PM Name: Vivian yoguez Email: mexirican123@aol.com Comments: Joanna a beautiful smart young lady away happy and even when she's sad you wouldn't know because she's always had that beautiful smile. I know joanna seen childhood we attended ballet and junior high school together. After junior high we didn't kept in touch; But everytime we see each other on the train She always approached me with a smile and we will always catched up from old times to present.We always spoked about what was going on in ours life. I was working at the world trade center building four but every time we were on the train she will get off before me; So when my bestfriends erika and india told me about joanna i couldn't believe it, i said to myself no it can't be she doesn't work in the WTC..... Until they told me she was there for a meeting. I couldn't believe it and i still can't. Joanna will never be forgotten!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Junior,Lesbia,Enrique you are all in my prayer............. Joanna is now a angel!!!!! 10/10/2001 9:52:49 PM Name: Deidamia Tineo Email: Rafaley1002@aol.com Comments: JOANNA....Que triste fue ese 11 Septiembre, te fuiste sin darno un adios. Pero el todopodersoso sabes lo que haces. Te recuerdo cuando llegabas a tu casa,tu con tanto carino y tu sonrisa me beasabas, me abrazabas y me pasabas la mano por la espalda me decias "Hi"Deida. Ahora que tristeza cuando llego a tu casa y no te veo, la tristeza se apodera de mi. Recuerdo tu sonrisa, tus atenciones y sobre todo tu sinceridad. Joanna ahora llega a mi mente, cuando tu me llevavas en tu carro y yo te decias, pero Joanna tu tienes esa 'PATICA' muy caliente y tu te reias y me decias hay Deida, yo no corro tanto. Siempre te recordare en mis oraciones nunca te olvidare mientra vida tenga. La de siempre y como siempre.........Deida 10/10/2001 9:56:29 PM Name: RALPHY Email: RALPHY500@NETZERO.NET Comments: LOOK I DIDN'T KNOW HER THAT MUCH BUT ONLY SAYING HI AND BYE WAS A PLESURE!! I SPEAK AS FOR EVERY BODY FROM POST!! WE WILL MISS HER!! OK ANOTHER THING THE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 I WAS THERE!! MY SCHOOL WAS ON 100 TRINITY PLACE AND ON SEP. 11 I WAS LATE AND I SAW THE 1ST PLANE HIT THEN THEY TOOK US OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL AND PUT US IN THE SOUTH FERRY PARK AND I ALSO WITNESS THE 2ND PLANEHIT AND TRUT ME IT WAS HORRIBLE!!! BUT ANY WAYS EVENDOE SHE GONE WE STILL HAVE HE IN OUR HEARTS!! P.S LOVES ALWAYS RALPHY 10/10/2001 10:19:12 PM Name: Dalia Email: dtrinidad01@aol.com Comments: I always viewed Joanna as a role model. She was smart, pretty and charismatic, a combination of characteristics that are not often all found in one person. It is devistating to think that she is no longer here with us in the physical being. If this is devistating to me, I can only imagine the family: Lesbia, Enrique, Junior, I hope you stay strong. For what it's worth, I am certain that Joanna is now an angel watching over her friends and family - she will therefore always be there. I hope you find comfort in knowing that so many people cared, respected and admired her. One day we will meet again. Dalia 10/10/2001 11:55:32 PM Name: Ranjan Zacharia Khan Email: CEO@RanjanKhan.com Comments: I've met Joanna several times through Jason. The most memorable moment was seeing the exact same smile shown in the picture, when she went on a ski trip with us. She is in a better place and her smile will live on; that is exactly how I will remember her. Condolences to all. Love, Ranjan (Jason's, La Unidad Latina Fraternity, Hermano) ~-~-~-~-~-~ http://RanjanKhan.com 10/11/2001 12:42:52 AM Name: Belkis and Martinez Family Email: FabulousG7@aol.com Comments: Joanna was not only a sweetheart and a beautiful girl but a loving friend. Joanna will be a retentive memory to all,she had the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally and express herself with thoroughness and charm. To her parents Lesbia,Enrique,and her brother Junior our condolosence and sympathy will always be with you. 10/11/2001 12:55:43 AM Name: Mayobanex & Susana Torres Email: torres_pezzotti@hotmail.com Comments: Queremos que sepan que hemos sentido mucho la muerte de Joanna y desde el primer momento, a pesar de la distancia, nuestros corazones han estado con ustedes. Mayo y familia 10/11/2001 8:29:10 AM Name: Sandra Jaquez Email: sjaquez@aol.com Comments: Jo no hay palabras para expresar lo que estoy sientiendo ahora. Tu y yo hemos sido companeras desde nacimiento. Juntas en la esculea, en piano, en la universidad, en todo. Trato de aceptar tu ausencia pero es muy dificil porque tu siempre estabas ahi para mi, en las buenas en las mala en los momentos alegre y los momentos triste. Es duro de aceptar que nos estas fisicamente aqui pero tu siempre estaras en mi corazon y se que algun dia estaremos juntas como siempre estuviemos. TE QUIERO CON TODO MI CORAZON JOANNA Y NUNCA TE OLVIDARE. Tu hermana, comadre y amiga fiel Sandra. :) XXXOOO :) 10/11/2001 9:27:12 AM Name: Francis Richiez Email: frichiez@codetel.net.do Comments: Jo, what can I say about you that isn't obvious? Everyone who had the chance of spending time with you knows that all of the beautiful things that people write here aren't enough to describe you completely. Ten years ago I had the opportunity of being with you, your brother (my twin)and Alex (my other brother) in La Romana for a whole summer. We were kids back then and I still can remember clearly how much influence you had on us. You always had the gift of convincing people. Those four months of my life have always been remembered with great pleasure ever since. I thank you for that. Primita, I really regret not staying more in touch with you. Me perdí de mucho. Lesbia, Enrique and Junior; esta demás decir que los pensamientos aquí en Republica Dominicana de toda la familia están con ustedes. Francis Richiez. 10/11/2001 10:16:52 AM Name: Gladys Colón Email: gcolon@abcny.org Comments: Joanna, When you came to the Association and they brought you around to be introduced the first thing I remember was your beautiful big smile. Then as time went on we met and we became friends. Even though I am a mother of two and you were just a young girl, you showed me how mature you were for your age. We could talk about anything and everything. I remember the jokes we shared. I remember the things you said to make me feel better when I told you about my daughter's tumor. I'll never forget how good you made me feel with your advice and just by hugging and telling me it will be alright. You know what it was alright she is doing well. Joanna the last time we were in contact you e-mailed me to congratulate and wish my daughter much success in her upcoming National competition. I'll never forget your thoughtfulness. You said you would drop by to say hello and that never happened, but you know what I know that some day we will say hello to each other again. Your smile will always be in my mind and heart and you will never be forgotten. To Lesbia, Enrique and Junior I have no words that can take away your pain, but I want you to know that you should always be proud of Joanna she was loved by all who met her. Her job here on earth was finished, she did what she did best touched peoples lives. May God have her in his hands and may God give you the strength to deal with this great lost. I will always have you in my heart Joanna. 10/11/2001 10:22:04 AM Name: Jeanette Rosado Email: Jeanette@gs-america.com Comments: I want everyone to know that I had a revelation with Joanna just weeks after the September 11, tragedy. There was a beautiful light and peace when I saw her. She told me that she was okay and that she was happy. She asked me specifically to be happy and find my happiness. She also told me not to listen to others and to follow my heart. When I woke up, I cried yet I felt honored that Joanna spoke to me and told me that she was okay. I wanted to share this with all her friends and relatives and ask you all to do what she requested. Let's all live life to it's fullest like she did. May God bless her Soul!! 10/11/2001 10:25:28 AM Name: Rachel Negron Email: RNegron@abcny.org Comments: She was a wonderul person at the job (when she worked at The Bar Association) and even when she decided to leave us. She touched my life during the time I knew her and she will never ever be forgotten. She was always there to help anyone she could; had such a giving heart. I know this because she always helped me out in any way that she could. Joanna, you will always remain in my heart and prayers and one day we will meet again! Love Ya Girlie! 10/11/2001 10:32:32 AM Name: Tracy Robinson Email: tracy@gs-america.com Comments: I remember when Joanna started at Green Stamp America, Inc. so many years ago. She wasn't here long, but while she was here, I don't ever recall seeing her without that bright smile on her face. That's how I want to remember her. Rest In Peace. 10/11/2001 11:02:30 AM Name: Mildred Casanova Email: mcasanova@berenson.com Comments: Sweet Joanna: I heard that you were at the WTC disaster. I feel so terrible. Today is September 26 and the attack was on September 11. By now many people have lost much hope. I haven't. I feel that if there are 8 floors below ground at the WTC there must be some life underneath - I pray for a miracle. September 27 - I spoke to your mother yesterday. She is so sad - my heart really hurts for her. She misses you so much. Your dad and brother do too. I didn't know what to say to your mom -except that to trust in God. He knows the reasons for everything that happens in this world. I also told her that believing in God is so wonderful because He has given us a promise that we should never forget! If he does not return you safely to your family now, when he returns with all his glory - he will give you back to your family when He returns with his Holy Angels and the New City! Isn't this promise beautiful! Though I know its hard to keep this in mind, it is true and God will not leave your family's side. He will give them comfort and will heal their hearts. I remember when you were so very young and I worked with you with your piano instructions. You were so adorable and you were always so loved and cared by all your friends and family. I remember calling you "Vidalita". You were always bright, witty, sweet, kind and very sociable and bought smiles to many. You will always be remembered with a smile!! October 8 - today your mother left me a message that you were identified in the ruins of the WTC and a memorial would be on October 10 (almost a month since you're gone) - I cried all day as I thought of you not being part of your loved ones. I didn't know what I could possibly say to your mother, father and brother on the evening of your memorial, except that I am a mother too and I can't imagine life without my children. October 10 - I went to the memorial and when I arrived I was full of joy to see so, so, so many people there who in one way or another you touched their hearts and wanted to say goodbye to you. Oh Joanna, my heart hurts that you're gone, but you were so loved!!! Everyone there smiled at all the beautiful pictures of your life, cried because you're no longer with us, and some (like myself) did a little bit of both because I know in my heart that GOD promised me that we would see all our friends and loved ones again. For now, you sleep and await God's return. I pray today and always that your soul is with God. We will remember you for the very special young woman you were and for all the happiness you bought to so many while you were with us. Rest in peace.....and remember we'll see you soon! With love, Mildred Casanova (973) 616-5768 10/11/2001 11:31:42 AM Name: Wanda Tolosa Email: tlswny@aol.com Comments: I had the plessure of meeting Joanna working at the Bar Association. I will always remember her as Good, Sincere, Happy Person, Talented, Beautiful. Joanna was a Sweet Heart who always had nice words to say to someone who was having a bad day. Joanna will always live in my heart I wished I knew her for more time that what I did. Today and Tomorrow she will be remembered by those of us who appreciated her personality. To her parents' I thank you for having a wonderful person who change so many peoples' life. To all her Family and Friends May God Bless you all. Remember the good moments! "I know you already made good friends in Heaven that is just how you are." Gracias Joanna por brindarme tu amistad.. 10/11/2001 11:35:08 AM Name: Liz Frias Email: lizfrias@ehcg.com Comments: I am so sorry about Joanne....personally I didn't know her..my friend told me about Joanne and this website you made for her. As I read about Joanne, I felt that she was this beautiful person who brought such happiness to all you, you were very lucky to have such a beautiful, caring young lady in your lives. I know that nothing can be said or done to wipe out the saddness you feel in your hearts right now, but I am confident that Joanne is in a much better place right now, smiling down at all the people who loved her. Just think that everytime you think of her she will be right there in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Liz Frias 10/11/2001 11:56:01 AM Name: Betsy Martinez Email: bmartinez@abcny.org Comments: When I heard the bad news about Joanna I was in shocked. I could not believe that this terrible thing had happened to someone I knew and worked with. Eventhough I was not close to her, I felt like I lost someone from my family. She was a very sweet and intelligent person. I remember one time us having a conversation and her giving me advise. I just want to take this opportunity to give my deepest condolences to her family and may she rest in peace. 10/11/2001 2:18:29 PM Name: Melissa Email: januarynyx@aol.com Comments: Hi, my name is Melissa. I currently am in 8th grade at Mott Hall, the school Joanna formerly attended.Although I did not know her personally, from what I have heard from my teachers who knew her, I can tell she was a very nice, bright, and talented girl. We are all deeply saddened by her passing, and I wish the best for her family and friends. 10/11/2001 3:05:33 PM Name: Daniel S. Bravo Email: dsbravo@earthlink.net Comments: A radiant smile No one can replace Evoking elation On everyones face Now brings joy In a different place Where we will all come together At the end of lifes race. In Memory of Joanna Vidal Daniel Bravo (Jason's Hermano, La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda) 10/11/2001 3:20:11 PM Name: jennifer celadilla Email: jennyluvsjc41@aol.com Comments: I am a senior (8th grade) @ the mott hall school and we feel the sadness. Mr Calyo commented on that today and i felt soo sad, she was gonna get married for god sakes. I think its just so sad and even though i didnt know her personally i feel the family's pain. My respects and sympathy to the family and friends 10/11/2001 3:41:34 PM Name: Daniela Sanchez Email: daniela198@netzero.net Comments: Well i feel very sorry for this and feel very tendered-hearted because even though i did not know her, she went to my current school, Mott Hall School, where she was loved and admired by all the teachers. When the teachers found out about Joanna's death in the World Trade Center terrorism attack they were devastated and so were we, the students, because she was someone that loved her life and her occupation, as well as her family and friends. We feel so sad that in our yearbook we will have a page in memory of Joanna and a framed pictured in our school in her memory. Finally, i would like to tell her family members and close friends that even though she is not here with us in this moment she is looking over us and loving us from where ever she is. We LOVE YOU, Joanna, and always will!!! P.S. I will always look up to Joanna because she was a person that would make you happy in a gloomy day and that with a smile she would send love and care to those she loved. I think she was brave and I am very happy for her accomplishments in the twenty-six years of her life. Daniela 8th grade, Mott Hall We Luv U, Joanna! 10/11/2001 4:41:38 PM Name: Julie Anna Alvarez Email: jaahappychi@hotmail.com Comments: I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Vidal Family. Ever since I learned Joanna was at the WTC on 9-11 I sent my prayers to her and to you all. I was an attorney working at the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and met Joanna just a couple of months before I left for another job. Even though I did not get to know her very well in that brief time, I could tell she would be an asset to the organization with her charm and vitality. I am a life-long resident of Washington Heights, so I was also proud to see someone from Inwood make a success of themselves, especially a Latina. The world's loss is Heaven's gain as I know she must now be embraced in God's Light and Love. History will show she and the others at the WTC did not lose their lives in vain, for we will overcome the evil of terrorism and hatred. I wish you all Peace. 10/11/2001 4:58:59 PM Name: Fausto, Marchina + family Email: hal9000@tricom.net Comments: Con gran pesar recibimos la noticia. Pero aún así comprendemos que la vida, si bien esta llena de tragedia, también esta llena de fé, esperanza, y sobre todo la memoria de personas inolvidables, ejemplos que debemos mantener vivos, como luminarias para el futuro. Somo amigos de la familia VICTORIA_PEREZ. 10/11/2001 5:08:00 PM Name: Ashley Munoz Email: Jinglelegaleg1@aol.com Comments: I go to the Mott Hall School now so i never got to meet Joanna. However i have heard many things in school about her. I know what it feels to lose a love one so I feel your sympathy. I give my respect to her and her family and I hope you have cherished with her every moment of her life. I just wanted to say that no matter what Mott Hall will always have a peice of her in their hearts. Sincerely, Ashley Munoz 803 10/11/2001 7:14:33 PM Name: Joanna Romano Email: Snowdrop25@aol.com Comments: I heard about Joanna's death in school. I too am I student at Mott Hall and share the sorrow of her parents. No matter what year we graduate in we are all part of one family, the Mott Hall family and therefor I extend my heart to Joanna Vidal's parents and we too feel her every minute in our hearts and will always remember her and September 11th. 10/11/2001 8:01:57 PM Name: Vanessa Email: sailorvjt@yahoo.com Comments: Hello, My name is Vanessa Jimenez and I go to the Mott Hall School were in 1988 Joanna Graduated. Even though I never met her her memory still lives in our school. Since we learned of her passing one of our teachers has spoken of her very fondly as if it were only yesterday that she was a seventh grader sitting in his math class. We all morn her loss and I would like to send my deepest condolenses and all my prayers. We will never forget her. May God Bless you. 10/11/2001 8:14:17 PM Name: Julie Huang Email: tweetypower88@hotmail.com Comments: I may not have known Joanna Vidal but I can feel your pain. Ever since this incident had happen my heart had been shattered over all the stories during the World Trade Center incident. I am a student of the Mott Hall School in the 8th grade right now. Mr. Calyo took his time during his class to tell about Joanna and I felt real sad. I hope your family gets through this terrible pain because I probably would have felt the same if I lost a family member. 10/11/2001 8:42:57 PM Name: Josaurys Mota Email: Papisangel8888@aol.com Comments: My deepest sympathy goes out to u, the Vidal family. I am a current senior at the Mott Hall School and I heard about Joanna's tragedy. I really thought it was nice to stop by and drop a note, because I know what she went through in the school, I know that she roamed the hallways I roamed and I know that maybe one day I can be such a hero as her. 10/11/2001 11:21:35 PM Name: haizel eyzaguirre Email: meyzaguirre@aol.com Comments: a week after the attack...my sister asked me if i had remembered a young girl named joanna from ballet(a hobby we took up as young girls)...i just couldnt place the name...yesterday, my mom(martha) and sister(maalisa) along with some friends(lydia and janet) attended the ceremony...i was unable to go because i myself attended a ceremony for a friend...i cant explain why i chose to write to you tonite but i want you to know that my heart is with you all...i would like to share something with you guys...during that same week of the attack...that very thursday when it began to rain...i was sitting in my boyfriend's room when all of a sudden i felt compelled to look out the window...within the grey clouds i saw a rainbow...in my heart i knew it was a sign...that in the midst of all this sadness and confusion...those who past on were watching over us and letting us know that things will be alright...in that instant i felt that though they've moved on...they never left our hearts...hold onto your memories, the good times and bad, those crazy and embarassing moments, the times when you said good morning or good night...your daughter, sister and friend will always be with you... haizel 10/12/2001 1:59:38 AM Name: Ben Ayouh Email: ayouba@ayouba.com Comments: Joanna was the first person i met when i came to america exactly 10 years ago around august/september 1991. she was the first person to give me a hand in a country foreign to me. at the time,i did not even speak good english or understand the american accent. i came from africa,from a french speaking country and while i was lost in new york,she took me around and showed me the way. she helped me get my social security card and showed me a few famous places and tricks on how to move around new york. the very first time we met,she gave me her umbrella when it was raining and asked me to keep it. i knew at the time that she was nice and that it was a good deed but even more now,i realized her kindness in a place or world where kindness and goodness don't exist anymore,especially among srangers. she was my friend and sister,for 10 years,we kept in touch,i saw her again in new york,met her family and friends and i knew that i had found another family.since then,i moved to california and we never stop emailing,writing or calling each other. today,i wish i had spent even more time with her,still i will cherish our memories and be glad and proud i ever met such a sweet young lady. 10/12/2001 4:40:29 AM Name: Celia Bressack Email: cbressack@abcny.org Comments: Joanna was a lovely young woman who will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to her parents, her brother, her boyfriend, and her close friends. To remember her is to remember her smile - a beacon of love, of life, of all that is good in human nature. 10/12/2001 1:22:34 PM Name: Monique La-Touche Email: CyberDoc@Numena.net Comments: When tomorrow starts without me and I'm not there to see If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say I know how much you love me as much as I love you And each time that you think of me I know you'll miss me too But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand And said my place was ready in Heaven far above And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love But when I walked through heaven's gates I felt so much at home When God looked down and smiled at me from His great golden throne He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you Today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew I promise no tomorrow for today will always last And since each day's the same way there's no longing for the past" So when tomorrow starts without me don't think we're far apart For every time you think of me I'm right here in your heart ~Author Unknown~ I extend my deepest condolence, sympathy and compassion to Joanna's Mom, Dad, family and friends who mourn the tragic loss of her young life. Know that Joanna is now free from the cares and worries of this world we know. A multitude of souls were touched during her journeys, and her mission in this life is now complete. Precious memories of Joanna burn brightly in my heart, and as an act of love for all she represented in my own life, I have dedicated a page in my website to her at http://www.numena.net/my_playground/joanna.htm MAY JOANNA REST IN EVERLASTING PEACE! "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) 10/12/2001 3:03:42 PM Name: Rosa Jerez Email: rosa_jerez@hotmail.com Comments: When I think of Joanna, I remember her smile, always making those around her smile and laugh too with her jokes. She always had a very optimistic outlook on life and her energy rubbed off on me whenever I had the chance to enjoy her company. I can not express how sad I feel about her loss... I take confort in believing that she is now in a better place with God. I will always remember her. May God give strength to her parents and her brother and those close to her to accept her departure and rejoice in her memory. 10/12/2001 3:06:10 PM Name: MAGNOLIA RICHIEZ Email: magnoliarichiez@hotmail.com Comments: JOANNA SIEMPRE TE RECORDARE CON TU CARA BONITA Y JOVIAL SIEMPRE SONRIENTE.NUNCA TE OLVIDARE PORQUE SIEMPRE TE QUEDARAS ENTRE NOSOTROS. 10/12/2001 4:27:43 PM Name: fred koster Email: akandfk@aol.com Comments: the wonderful outpouring of joanna's family and friends shown on oct. 10, 2001 was a tribute to the ourstanding feelings everyone had for her. i personally saw the 1000+ family and friends paying their last respects to this young woman who was taken from all of us much to soon. our family sends their thoughts and prayers to the vidal family. the koster family 10/12/2001 6:17:35 PM Name: STEVE VASQUEZ Email: PRone15@aol.com Comments: I WISH WE COULD HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER BETTER, BUT SOMETIMES IS NOT UP TO US, IT'S JUST THE WAY LIFE IS. FOR SOME REASON THE FEW TIMES WE SAW EACH OTHER I REALLY FELT LIKE HER WAY OF BEING WITH PEOPLE WAS UNIQUE. SHE MADE ME FEEL PROUD OF BEING HER COUSIN, EVEN THOUGH WE HARDLY KNEW EACH OTHER. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE LAST THING SHE SAID TO ME: "WE GOTTA GET TOGETHER SOME DAY CUS"; SOMEDAY WE WILL. LOVE. STEVE. 10/12/2001 7:54:32 PM Name: Elvira Ceriani Email: elviraceriani@hotmail.com Comments: Soy amiga de Kenia Victoria, familia de Yvelisse la esposa de Willian, lamento mucho de su hija y que Dios le de fuerzas para superar este dolor. Mi mas sentido pesar, Elvira Ceriani Republica Dominicana, Santo Domingo 10/12/2001 7:55:19 PM Name: caroline statman Email: cstatman@riskwaters.com Comments: I had the fortune and the pleasure of working with Joanna but unfortunately not for long enough, she was truly a special girl. Some of the many things I will miss about her is her big smile,her warm heart and her giving nature, nothing was too much trouble for her. Joanna was a professional and all the clients loved her. She will be missed more than she will ever know. Caroline 10/12/2001 8:07:02 PM Name: Helynn Boughner Email: themujere@aol.com Comments: My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Vidal family. May God be with you and give you the strength to make it through this horrible time. I went to Iona College with Joanna and was her RA at the College of New Rochelle. I have only fond memories of Joanna and her warm, bright smile. She was a beautiful person and I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Sincerely, Helynn Boughner 10/12/2001 8:20:35 PM Name: Jessica Maldonado Email: jmal129@hotmail.com Comments: Son tantas las cosas que quisiera espresar, que no se ni como empesar... para mi "yoyo" como yo solia decirle, era una de las personas mas llenas de vida que eh tenido el privilegio de conocer. Su alegria contagiosa eluminaba cada uno de nuestros corazones, y al marchase para estar junto a dios, nos ha dejado la huella de su sonrisa por toda una eternidad. Siento mucho no poder haber tenido la opotunidad de agradecerle toda la energia positiva que ella sembro en mi... yoyo, mil gracias por todos tus consejos, por todas tus lindas atenciones, por simplemente creer en mi. Si me estas mirando desde el cielo... mil gracias por todo, te quiero! y algun dia nos volveremos a ver. A la familia Vidal les ofresco mi mas sentido pesame y espero que dios le ayude a superar el dolor. Con mucho amor, Jessica Maldonado. 10/12/2001 10:04:05 PM Name: Yaritza Mendez Email: mendezyn@alfredstate.edu Comments: I'ts been a month since that tragedy. The tragedy that took away a beautiful young lady not only from the outside, but from the inside as well. Growing up seeing joanna gave me motivation in life in what I wanted to do in my life. I remember always telling my mother that I wanted to be just like her. Her advices always stayed in my mind. I use to admire her, I still do. Joanna was a role-model not only for me but for alot of other people too. Always dedicated to her family and her career. I don't have to say that Joanna was the best daughter ans sister that Lesbia, Enrique and Junior could have had because they already know that. This that has happened has affected me so much, I can't even believe IT. It sometimes seems like if it's a nightmare that would never end. Sometimes I ask myself why? why her? I guess god has an answer to that. He works in such mysterious ways that sometimes we would not understand why he does these things. I nkow Joanna did not know just how many people loved her, cared about her and admired her. But instead of us continuing to cry we should give thanxs to god for letting know an angel in person. Because that's what she was an ANGEL. I give my blessings to you Lesbia, Enrique, Junior and the rest of the family. And may Joanna rest in peace. Rest in peace Joanna. love you. yaritza #22 10/13/2001 12:42:25 AM Name: Mirurgia Brea Email: mirurgia@hotmail.com Comments: Lesbia y Enrique les doy mi mas sentido pesame. Lo he sentido mucho. Tengan mucha fe y resignacion. Besos y espero que algun dia nos veremos. Myrurgia 10/13/2001 10:50:49 AM Name: Patricia charles Email: Trichesq@hotmail.com Comments: To MR. and MRS.Vidal You don't know me but I did attend Joanna's mass on Wednesday. I was there with Jeannette Martinez, Michelle and Cleopatra. I had the pleasure of meeting Joanna at Jeannette's baby shower. I wanted so much to kiss you and hug you that day but I feared that I woul break down. It was apparent that that was not what you wanted. To Mrs. Vidal, I am in awe of you, I staired at you everywhere you went and watched how strong you were. I kept asking myself how is she so strong? There was only one answer JOANNA. She made you strong for everyone else.All I will always remember about Joanna's and I breif encounter that day at jeannette's baby shower is SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL! That will remain in my heart forever. May God bless you and your family.We will meet again and next time I won't be so scared to hug you. Patricia Charles 10/14/2001 1:15:51 AM Name: Clarissa Russo Email: johnclarissa@aol.com Comments: Oh! God, There are no words to express what has been lost. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Vidal Family, and to Sandra Jaquez. With All My Love, Clarissa 10/14/2001 2:34:24 AM Name: FAMILIA COSTABLE PICHIRILO Email: NPICHIRILO@NETZERO.COM Comments: LESBIA Y ENRIQUE NOS UNIMOS EN SU DOLOR AUNQUE LA DISTANCIA NOS SEPARE SIEMPRE ESTAREMOS CON USTEDES. YO SE QUE Joanna desde donde se encuentre los estara mirando y les colmara de bendiciones. no siempre estamos solos porque los hijos y los padres estaran siempre juntos en el cielo o en la tierra. 10/14/2001 2:08:59 PM Name: wendy Florencio-Maldonado Email: Wkg97@hotmail.com Comments: I will always remember Joanna as the beautiful girl she was. She was not beautiful outside but inside. We had the greatest vacation in La Romana growing up. Joanna and I were friends forever. Although Joanna and I had separate once we we both went to different colleges and I also got married we kept in contact with each other. 3 weeks prior to this trategy Joanna called me because she had just found out that I lived so close to her in Yonkers. She said she was going to come meet my two girls. I was so happy to hear from her. Lo unico que me consuela es que la palabra de Dios dice que ausente en el cuerpo presente con el Senor y por eso yo se que ella esta muy bien en un lugar mejor que este y pronto la veremos en el cielo. Aunque ella este muerta yo la sigo queriendo con con todo mi corazon. y esta noticia de su muerte hacido debastante para mi!!!!! 10/14/2001 2:11:13 PM Name: PATRICIA MONTES DE OCA Email: laromana@hotmail.com Comments: Joannita querida: Te fuiste de viaje, pero dejas en tu haber tu gran pasión, coraje, esfuerzo y amor por la vida. También dejas tu humor y tu sonrisa alegre irradiante de felicidad, y tu ejemplo de hija, hermana, amiga... Te fuiste dejándonos el perfume de tus virtudes y la bondad de tu corazón... Ha sido una terrible pérdida, y más lo he sentido por el espacio de tiempo que tenía de no verte. Sé y confío que estás con Papá Dios y la Virgen María; eso me llena de paz. Dulces suenos, amiga mía. 10/15/2001 9:29:36 AM Name: Hugo Email: hyanes@hotmail.com Comments: Jo, I've come every night to visit you here and i've had such a difficult time doing this. Your passing has caused excruciating pain among many of us who loved the hell out of you. I've spoken to you and without a doubt I know you've heard me and you know exactly how i feel, and we will meet again, right hun? Enrique, Lesbia, Junior, Fabby, Alex, Sandra, Aminta and the rest of the Vidal family, my deepest sympathy and prayers for strength go out to you. Jo will continue to live on through the memories, in my heart and in my soul.... 10/15/2001 11:37:21 AM Name: ARTHUR ROGOT Email: ARCHROGOT@ATT.NET Comments: Joanna's mother,Lesbia, and I worked together since 1975.Our lives/families are entwined. SINCE THEIR APARTMENT WAS JUST AROUND THE CORNER JOANNA VISITED HER MOTHER OFTEN. ALWAYS WITH A KISS AND A LOVELY SMILE FOR ME. SHE WAS A RAY OF SUNSHINE AND LOVE. OUR WORLD IS THE POORER NOW, BUT FAR RICHER FOR HAVING KNOWN AND LOVED SUCH A WONDER! 10/15/2001 11:58:41 AM Name: Matthew Moran Email: mmoran@riskwaters.com Comments: I had the pleasure of working with Joanna here at Risk Waters since January. You could not help but feel better when Joanna was with you. I found solace in her warm smile and friendly nature. I miss her dearly and extend my heart felt condolances to the entire Vidal family. Warm Regards, Matt 10/15/2001 2:12:36 PM Name: Evelyn (Ferreris) Robinson Email: derobin3@swbell.com Comments: To the Vidal family I went to Iona with Joanna we didn't know each other very well. I have three children now two little girls and a boy I know the love a parent has for a child. After I heard about Joanna's passing I told my daughter that God had a new angel for her to talk to. I don't have any words of wisdom to share I just wanted to let you know that your family is in our prayers during this time. May God Bless You. Love Evelyn Robinson and Family 10/15/2001 2:25:45 PM Name: Gerardo Pérez Email: gaperez@hotmail.com Comments: En mi corazón siempre estarás y recordare esa sonrisa que siempre de identifica como una persona feliz y de mucha alegría. Gracias a Dios por haberte conocido y compartido contigo. Con Amor La Familia Pérez 10/15/2001 2:50:48 PM Name: Kat Email: Kathleen_Butler@ibi.com Comments: In 1992 I was a sophomore at the College of New Rochelle. At this time the College of New Rochelle opened it housing to Iona students in Brescia Hall. It was the first week of school and I could already hear the ruckus of girls in the hallway. I thought to myself “oh no Freshman” down the hall! To nip the noise in the bud I decided to go down the hall and tell the chatterboxes to keep it down. As I approached …I locked eyes with one of the girls and asked, “Can you guys keep it down a little?” The girl smiled at me with her big brown eyes and said “no problem.” It was that girl who later said to me “you need to lighten up you know life is too short!” It was that girl that over the years became one of my closest friends. College was a time where friends came and went but it was that girl that I always managed to keep in touch with. In 1996 I decided to go to Graduate School – the first day of class who comes walking in but that girl – with her big brown eyes, nice smile, and her new short haircut! What’s up girl she said as she sat next to me. We worked on special projects together and racked up A’s. I knew that this girl and I were going to always be friends and were definitely headed in the right direction for success. This girl was Joanna Vidal. Joanna was clearly a bright light that was not only smart, fun and outgoing but carried a special charisma that was like a people magnet. With her degree in one hand and a charismatic ora Joanna set sail for the big city! Only working just a few blocks away from each other we were able to meet more often which was always fun. Joanna would always lift my spirits and say "you know Kat life is way too short and you can’t let the little things bring you down….you have to live life to the fullest because you never know. You have to love and be close with the people that matter like your family and friends." The week before the tragedy at the World Trade Center Joanna and I met for dinner and talked about so many things – ranging from relationships, work, friends, and family. We managed to cover all topics as we shared an apple martini, cream spinach, and quessida’s. As we said goodbye and hugged she said “love you girl” see you next week. It so hard to believe that next week has come and gone and the realization that Joanna will not be around to send me an instant message or to listen to my stories and woes. It’s hard to believe that I have to say goodbye to a special person that was part of my life, a good friend, a person that loved life, and most of all to a person that brought happiness with her pretty smile wherever she went. She always made me happy and I valued our friendship. Although, I must say goodbye for now – I will never forget and always cherish the special friendship, connection and memories that Joanna and I shared in my heart. May you rest in peace my dear friend. 10/15/2001 5:14:13 PM Name: Stephanie Rook Glazer Email: srook@abcny.org Comments: I worked with Joanna at the Citybar Association and did not know her very well but I liked and admired her very much. She was always cheeful and smiley and lit up the room when she walked into it. It's easy to see how much she was loved and I pray that Joanna's family and friends take solace and comfort in that. Just as she was loved in this life, she will be welcomed into God's kingdom. I wil always remember Joanna and the brief conversation she and I had before I got married. Joanna told me that you have to be happy in life..that's the most important thing and from I knew of Joanna she seemed happy and made everyone whose lives she touched joyful. She will truly be missed. I'm sure that she will live on as an angel in everyone's heart and spirit. God bless. 10/15/2001 6:00:51 PM Name: Roberto Pérez Email: roberto_a_perez@hotmail.com Comments: Summer 1986… I was a 13-year-old boy, Joanna Vidal walked into my life & immediately I was a prisoner of her smile & bubbly personality. Everything still fresh on my mind like it was 15 years ago; there are no words to express how I feel about this tragedy. My deepest condolences to Mami Lesbia, Mr. Vidal, Junior & uncle Alex. Joanna will always have a special place in my heart. Roberto A. Pérez 10/15/2001 11:11:30 PM Name: Nancy Email: nvidal@snet.net Comments: Joanna: Yo tambien me recuerdo de ti con mucho amor. Recuerdo una vez que fuistes a casa y Becky, tu primita te dio uno de sus juguitos de ninos. Y tu felizmente lo tomaste y actuaste tan feliz. Y mi Rebecca estaba tan feliz y contenta de verte tan agradecida de el jugo que ella te dio que me decia "Mami she loved it that I shared my juice with her". Sin darte cuenta hicistes a mi nena tan feliz y ella te prometio guardarte otro jugo para cuando volvieras. Tu viviras en nuestros corazones para siempre. Lesbia, Enrique se que el dolor no se puede describir y ni siguiera me lo imagino pero el amor que ella ha proyectado es mucho mayor y los sostendra en estos momentos y por el resto de sus vidas. Nos vemos pronto. 10/16/2001 4:03:06 PM Name: Mark Lutin Email: mlutin@klwhllp.com Comments: I worked with Joanna at the Bar Association. What a good sweet person she was. After reading all the thoughts and notes it is clear that she made such a major impression on so many people in her way, way, way too short time here. My heart goes out to her family and close friends. I hope your hearts will soon be filled with only pleasant memories of happier times with her. 10/16/2001 4:58:09 PM Name: guillermo diaz Email: diazg89@hotmail.com Comments: My best friend Debbie wrote a poem in memory of Joanna and I will be reading it at an event to raise money for the WTC tragedy. I never met Joanna but I know one of her close friends. Joanna,I hope you'll be there. This one is for you. Peace, Guillermo 10/17/2001 1:51:51 AM Name: Neffer Pérez Email: nefferperez@hotmail.com Comments: No hay palabras para poder expresar la pena que uno siente al saber que fisicamente una de las personas más afables mas alegres que has conocido en la vida ya no estara con uno, mis lagrimas brotaban solo con pensar que si estaba de visita en su casa tenía que irme ya que no estaría cerca de ella, en mi corazon y mi vida dejó huellas y la seguire queriendo tal como quiero a su família ya que, a pesar de que no puedo estar tan cerca de ellos como quisiera, pero saben que mi espiritu esta siempre al lado de ellos ya que ellos me han brindado cosas que otras personas que no han hecho, en especial Joanna, siempre en mi mente y mi alma, te quiero. 10/17/2001 8:54:16 AM Name: Ana Soto Email: a_soto_martinez Comments: I am cousin of Dilcia Segura a closed friend of your family. I am in San Jose de Ocoa, Dominican Republic, and I have been following your case. I really feel very sad of what happened to your daughter, but I think you should feel proud of all your child did in her life and how good she was to you. God bless you. 10/17/2001 4:20:01 PM Name: Carolyn Acevedo Email: LynnNYC216@aol.com Comments: I am a former Mott Hall student and Mr. Calyo, 8th grade math teacher, told our class that Joanna was a great student, back in '88. I'm writing to let you that even though we don't know her, We, The Mott Hall Family, really miss her because once a Mott Hall student, always a Mott Hall student. 10/18/2001 12:55:31 PM Name: Cristian Brea Email: cristianbrea@hotmail.com Comments: Johanna; No puedo imaginarme que no estes con nosotros,fuiste una increible persona,una excelente prima;pero sobre todo una estupenda amiga.Recuerdo ese maravilloso verano que pasamos hace tanto tiempo juntos,todos los primos(Alexis,Francis y yo junto a ti y todos nuestros amigos),wow!!!parece que fue ayer, y disfrutamos tanto;en los bonches,las fiestas,en la playa... Nunca olvidare todos los momentos que hablabamos y me dabas consejos,siempre tenias la respuesta y la solucion para todo,por eso te estare eternamente agradecido;y donde quiera que estes quiero que sepas que te quiero mucho y aunque el tiempo y la distancia nos separaba,yo siempre te tenia y te tendre en mi mente y en mi corazon,porque personas como tu son imposibles de olvidar. Dios mio te pido que tengas en tu Santa Gloria a esta persona tan especial para mi,porque nos lleno de tanto positivismo y amor a todos los que la queriamos. Johanna,prima querida..Nunca te olvidare!!!!!!!!! Tu primo por siempre... Cris. 10/18/2001 6:54:44 PM Name: Arlene Benjamin, Bar Association Email: Comments: When I think of you girl the first thing that comes to mind is how beautiful you are, your intelligence, your smile and your lovely personality. I am not going to forget your exquite taste in shoes. Remenber, I would say to you, JoJo I wish I had toes such as yours then I could wear the same exact pair of shoes. The advises you have given me, were good ones and thoses I will carry with me forever. Do you remember the days when we would eat chocolate together. I would say to you, "Joanna what do you feel like eating" and you immediately knew exactly what I talking about. You would readily gives me the money to go and fetch a chocalate bar from Duane Reed. I do miss you. I still can't believed it. I don't want to believe it. May God bless you and keep and one day we will see each other again. Love you so much. I will never forget you. Your memories are in my heart. Arlene 10/19/2001 11:39:12 AM Name: Carmen Sueo Email: Naranjo28@aol.com Comments: Lesbia and Enrique, I prey to God that the thoughts of happy days with your daughter will help you through this loss. Only time can tell. I always heard that God wants his good children near and that we all have a mission on this earth. I guess her mission was accomplished and well done and God wanted her back at his side. It is just very hard to come to that reality. I love you both. Marichi 10/19/2001 1:17:01 PM Name: Jenny Email: jennifer.tineo@camerican-foods.com Comments: Joanna, I always come to your website and feel so sad that I have not had the courage to write something down because I still can't believe this. Being that our family has always been so close, we have known each other since we were in diapers and I never felt like u were a friend of the family but,FAMILY. We always saw each other in the little kid parties we went to and remember u were my brother Elby's (Yasser) dancing partner and my brother was always shy and would turn all colors but not u. U always had the prettiest smile and not shy just ready to dance. I never forgot that it would be you and Elby me and Alex dancing, wow!! That was a very long time ago, but to me it feels like yesturday I feel really sad that we never got to see each other again since God only knows, I bumped into u on the train a while back after I had moved to Jersey and u still had that great smile and always sweet, u never changed and after hearing your friends and family at your service u never changed one bit and when I read what friends have wrote on this website. I can truly say u have left an amazing mark on this world. U will never be forgotten!!!! Kathy told me the times she saw u in Coogan's how sweet u still are that u haven't changed. I kind thought i would have tht chance to see u myself but i didn't. she said "Ella esta tan bonita se parece igualita a su mama,she has not changed she is such a sweetheart" I know u asked her for me and asked her for my son Jared who never got to meet u. Well Jared is 5yrs old now and told me he feels sad that he never got a chance to meet u. When he saw your picture,I'm sure u heard him from heaven he said "WOW Mommy, she the most beautiful angel I ever seen God is lucky" and like he told ur mom "she is now one of angels that that helps God take care of us" well he is right. u lived your life helping people and u still r but this time it is in heaven. Joanna, MAY U REST IN PEACE, IT WAS AN HONOR TO HAVE KNOWN U! Enrique and Lesbia I now know as a mother that no words can ever comfort the loss of a child, all I can say to you is that my prayers go out to you all Junior, Alex and Jason. May God give u the strength to live life the way she would want u to. GOD BLESS U ALL!!!!!!!! Love Always, Jennifer Tineo & Jared Vasquez-Tineo 10/19/2001 7:10:45 PM Name: Denise Camejo Email: Latinbaby33@hotmail.com Comments: To Who It May Concern, My name is Denise Camejo,Iam currently a senior in The Mott Hall School,I.S.223, Which is the school Joanna Vidal( who may rest in peace) graduated in 1988. My teacher's and schoolstaffs hadtold me the wonderful things Joanna had inside of her. One of my current teacher Mr. Calyo told me and my classmates all about this wonderful young lady. As to my opinion i will have to said that Joanna was someone who had a great personality and heart and that knew how to enjoy life. I'm very sorry for this tragedic, but we must have faith in GOD and we all know Joanna will be in good hands next to the must precious person GOD. Sincerely, Denise Camejo 10/19/2001 7:33:31 PM Name: Sharon McLawhorn Email: qdcmom@aol.com Comments: I did not know Joanna but after reading the words that described her, I know that she was not unloved. She is beautiful physically and I'm sure she posessed a spiritual beauty that far surpassed her physical. I have said a prayer for her and I know that as she took her last breath on earth she began a new life in the hands of God where she will be at peace. May God bless add strength and encouragement to those she left behind. 10/20/2001 5:08:55 PM Name: REGLA Email: Comments: QUERIDOS ENRIQUITO Y LESBIA, MIS ORACIONES A DIOS ESTAN DIRIGIDAS A QUE UDS PUEDAN ENCONTRAR EL FORTALECIMIENTO ,LA PAZ Y LA RESIGNACION QUE SOLO EL NOS PUEDE DAR EN SITUACIONES DE INMENSO DOLOR POR EL QUE ESTAN PASANDO CON UNA PERDIDA TAN IRREPARABLE, NO PREGUNTEMOS PORQUE SUCEDEN ESTAS COSAS SOLO EL SABE LA RESPUESTA,PERO SI ESTAMOS SEGUROS QUE NUESTROS SERES QUERIDOS CUANDO PARTEN ESTAN EN UN LUGAR DE AMOR DONDE YA NO EXISTE NI DOLOR NI SUFRIMIENTOS SOLO REGOCIJO IFINITO Y EL RECUERDO DE TODOS LOS QUE LOS AMAMOS Y AHI SE QUE SE ENCUENTRA JOANNA. QUE DIOS LOS BENDIGA, Y LOS RECUERDO SIEMPRE. REGLA. 10/20/2001 6:31:02 PM Name: Nathalie Almanzar Email: NathalieDecember@aol.com Comments: To me joanna was like a sister always there for me when I needed her. No matter were she is I will always remember her and I'll carry her in my hart.And I will still know she is by our side every were we go. 10/20/2001 11:06:45 PM Name: mariana de marte Email: ciberquik17@hotmail.com Comments: Dios nos da la vida y tambien nos la pide prestada cuando considera que somos mas utiles al lado de el. Confiemos en la inmensa misericordia de nuestro padre Dios, en esa resurreccion que nos prometio donde nuevamente podremos encontrarnos con nuestra querida e inolvidable joanna. Lesvia, somos una verdadera familia y en momentos como este cuando el dolor puede mas que la razon, tengan la seguridad que hemos rogado a Dios para que su fe no desmaye. Con afecto. 10/21/2001 9:03:30 PM Name: SARAH THOMPSON Email: STHOMPSONP3@HOTMAIL.COM Comments: A pesar de no poder lidiar mucho con ella por la distancia, Joanna mi sobrina era una joven ejemplar, tanto para sus padres como para todo el que la conocia. Muy estudiosa y respetuosa, lamento no haber compartido mas con ella, pero a pesar de todo, pienso en ella como si estuviera en un largo viaje y que en cualquier momento volveremos a verla. A veces pienso que la vida es un poco injusta por llevarse a personas valiosas y que merecen disfrutar mas de ella, pero pensemos que Dios sabe lo que hace y que siempre obra para bien. Dios te bendiga sobrina querida y te acoja en su Santo Seno! 10/22/2001 10:12:46 PM Name: Diliana Reynoso Email: BabyGirl159@hotmail.com Comments: As a student in Mott Hall I would like to sent my condolences to the Vidal family and friends who have to suffer the lost of a loved one. This tragedy strilkes my mind everyday and day by day I cry. To think of the way the family must feel my heart sinks. I heard all about this young lady who was a intelligent and talented young girl who attended Mott Hall. Now when I pass by and see pictures on the wall I am reminded of Joanna, a girl so young whos life was unfairly taken away. Now all I can say that I am sorry and that we must pray that more innocent lives aren't taken away at this time. We will always keep the memory vivid of Joanna and we will remember the day of September 11. JOANNA MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, WE WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOU IN OUR HEARTS! 10/22/2001 11:22:35 PM Name: Família Csettkey Almeida - Brazil Email: ronaldo.almeida@columbia.com.br - or - almeidas5@hotmail.com.br Comments: Lesbia y Enrique ; Nos unimos en su dolor aunque la distancia nos separe siempre estaremos con ustedes e orando por Joanna, desde donde se encuentre los estara mirando y les colmara de bendiciones . De los amigos desde Brasil. Ronaldo, Ana Regina , Danyelle , Raphaella, Kevin CSETTKEY SANTOS DE ALMEIDA 10/23/2001 1:29:19 PM Name: Deborah Maisonet Email: grvc@worldnet.att.net Comments: My name is Deborah and I work at 60 Centre St. I was sitting in the audience while you spoke of Joanna and I had to leave the rotounda after you finished speaking, that's how moved I was.... 10/23/2001 8:35:11 PM Name: migdalia ramirez Email: mismick@aol.com Comments: She seemed like a wonderful girl. Her family must be proud that she touched so many lives. I did not know her, but my colleague spoke about her during a memorial service. It as very moving. I can tell that she brought joy to many peoples lives. God has taken her to a much better place and she will be watching over everyone. My condolences to her friends and families. God Bless. 10/24/2001 11:34:20 PM Name: elvin richiez Email: elvinrichiez@hotmail.com Comments: no existen palabras para describir la perdida de un ser humano y menos del valor de joanna. tendriamos que durar la vida entera para poder tratar de escribir nuestros sentimientos para con ella. en este breve parrafo quiero expresarles mis condolencias mas sinceras a mi querida y adorada Lesbia, a Enrique y Junior. En verdad este dolor nos ha conmovido bastante y mas que no lo esperabamos. Espero que Dios les ilumine con la fortaleza para que sigan adelante aunque se que no es facil. Siempre recordaremos a nuestra Joanna y la llevaremos en nuestra mente y corazon. Love you all y desde el primer los tengo a todos en mis pensamientos. God bless you all. 10/25/2001 9:24:17 PM Name: Janet Villanueva Email: alabina3@hotmail.com Comments: Las pocas veces que salimos juntas a almorzar, fueron suficiente para darme cuenta que Joanna era una persona muy especial. Su presencia daba a relucir su amor por la vida y su alegria de vivir. Dios la tenga en su gloria y los angeles gozen de su alegria. Que Dios les de fuerzas y consuele a su familia. 10/26/2001 9:19:30 AM Name: Carlos Almodovar Email: Serendtp@aol.com Comments: Enrique and Doña Lesbia: you had an Angel on this earth...God needed her, and decided to bring her back home... She will be missed forever; but now her spirit roams among the inmortals...one day you will meet each other again. God Bless you. Carlos and Mildred Almodovar 10/26/2001 10:24:08 PM Name: Terrence Aybar Email: spookyscribe@yahoo.com Comments: I had the honor of being the first to speak at Joanna's memorial. I would just like to say that Joanna was one of the brightest stars in my life. She was sweet, courteous and funny as all hell. After meeting and getting to know this girl, you couldn't help but believe that angels walk among us. I miss you, babe and I think about you everyday. Please watch over me from time to time if it's not that too much to ask. 10/27/2001 11:48:32 PM Name: Nise Bacallao Email: NFB-E-MAIL@worldnet.att.net Comments: My deep regrets for your irreparable loss. Let me know if you will have a Memorial on November 3rd. Nise 10/28/2001 9:41:05 PM Name: Carlos Manuel y Mildred Almodovar Email: Serendtp@aol.com Comments: In Memoriam...Recordatorio...11 de Octubre, 2001 En el dia de ayer en la funeraria Ortiz de la calle 190 y Broadway en Manhattan, los familiares y amigos de la joven dominicana Joanna Vidal la despedimos con un hasta pronto...sus restos mortales fueron encontrados la semana pasada e identificados al travez de DNA...fue un servicio extraordinariamente hermoso, donde mas que lamentar la tragedia de su muerte- junto a la de tantos otros inocentes el dia 11 de Septiembre en el WTC- se celebro la vida de Joanna...muchos compañeros y amigos de infancia dieron testimonio de como Joanna amaba la vida....de como Joanna aun llorando reia...de como su amistad los habia enriquecido...hubo risas extraidas de las anecdotas y travesuras inocentes vividas por Joanna y sus amigas... y por supuesto hubo mucho llanto... todavia nadie se acaba de recuperar de este cataclismo provocado por las maquinaciones de fanaticos suicidas...es que es imposible comprender lo incomprensible....Hoy se cumple un mes de ese acto diabolico...quiera Dios que nunca algo asi se repita....Quiera Dios!!!!...Ayer despues de permanecer varias horas en la funeraria...y cuando la mayor parte del publico ya se habia ido, volvi una vez mas donde mi amigo de infancia y padre de Joanna, Enrique Vidal, le abraze y quise decirle que aun sin haber conocido en vida a su adorada hija, tuve el honor de conocerla en esas pocas horas en la cual escuche los testimonios de las personas que tuvieron el honor de conocerla...no en vano San Juan lo decia: Y por sus hechos los conocereis...no se si lo logre....el nudo en la garganta se me hizo muy pesado...De todos modos si logre decirle que Dios se habia llevado a un angel...por algun designio que solo el sabe...ese angel era imprescindible en el cielo...una vez mas doña Lesbia, Enrique, Junior...quiero que sepan que los quiero mucho y que lo siento...de veras lamento su inmensa perdida...Que Dios siempre me los cuide y proteja... Nuestros corazones estan con uds. Mildred y Carlos Almodovar 10/29/2001 10:32:27 AM Name: Bonnie Sirower (Iona College) Email: Bsirower@iona.edu Comments: Joanna sounds like she was a very special young lady. Iona is heartbroken that she, like 14 other alumni of the College, are among the missing from the terrible tragedy that occurred at the World Trade Center. 10/29/2001 3:04:11 PM Name: Delio Trinidad Email: dizgod02@aol.com Comments: It's such an unfortunate thing that happened and I still have trouble believing it till this day.... You can say that we are related somehow.. I lived in apt 3 and she lived in apt 5... While younger we all used to play tag,hide and don't seek, etc... She went to the birthday parties in my house... I went out the night of the 11th with her family and freinds looking through all the hospitals... Everytime we reached a different hospital I was hoping they would say she was inside... There were a couple of times we took the trains together and she was always giving me advice on life (and how to treat girls)... Because of her I know how to play chopsticks.. I was in her house one day and she wouldn't let me leave until we played it together and got through it.. I'm positive that wherever she is at, is where all the good people go... R.I.P. 10/29/2001 8:43:33 PM Name: FIOR BREA DE RICHIEZ Email: Comments: Joanna; Me parece mentiras que apenas a tres meses de haber compartido contigo, fisicamente no estes entre nosotros, pero como persona de fé, no soy quien para cuetionar a Dios, siempre se sirve de lo mejor. Si, le doy gracias a Dios por haberme dado la oportunidad de disfrutar de tu cariño y tu forma tan abierta de ser y tu gran calor humano. A manera de despedida: De ti nunca olvidaré la forma tan linda y dulce de decir "abuela tu","tia tu". Tio Tarcilo y todos en casa te recordaremos como la persona tan linda, fisica y sentimentalmente que fuiste. Sencillamente "nunca te olvidaremos". Tu tia Fior. 10/30/2001 9:26:26 AM Name: Mariann Owens Email: mowens@abcny.org Comments: To all the Vidal family my heart goes out to you more than words can say. Saturday, November 3rd is Joanna's Birthday and we always celebrated it at the Bar Association together since our birthdays were so close. Although there is nearly a 30 year age difference, we touched each others life in such a wonderful way. We worked next to each other at the New York Bar Association and now as I glance over at her desk her precious smile comes to my mind immediately. Joannna never had a harsh word for anyone and was so fond of her parents and her brother and so close to her Uncle Alex. She was so excited in planning her parents surprise 25th anniversary party and trip to Hawaii, her eyes glisened with excitement. She was always so giving and warm, you would only have to look at Lesbia, Joanna's mother, and the uncanny resemblence to Joanna, and the same beautiful smile and know Joanna's personality will always shine through her mother. Let us all toast Joanna on Saturday and smile to have ever been touched by her. Its time to wipe away our tears and celebrate her life, that is what she would have wanted. I know she is looking down on us and feeling the love. Lesbia and Enrique have so much to be proud of, the pain is so indescribable to imagine the strength they need now, they will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. If I ever had a daughter, I would not have changed a hair, if I could have had one as wonderful at Joanna. Happy Birthday Sweetie, I miss you. When I see you someday, just smile that smile again for me. 10/30/2001 5:04:38 PM Name: Felicia Phillips Email: FPhillips@Sidley.com Comments: I did not know Joanna first hand, but I did know a friend of hers, Clarissa Russo. She has told me what a beautiful person Joanna was and what a huge loss this has been. To read what has been written about her as well as to hear what type of person she was....well,I feel a loss as well. She was truely an accomplished lady and people like her do not come around often. Just to know that you cherished and loved her while she was here, amoung us, should be as comforting to know, that she is cherished and loved by the angels, she is now amoung!!! Gods blessings to family, friends and loved ones!!! May we always be comforted with the fact that GOD always knows more than us, even when we don't understand his reasons. Thank You for letting me speak my thoughts and feelings. Love, Felicia Phillips 10/31/2001 1:06:40 PM Name: Nancy Hernandez Email: nanelvisfan@aol.com Comments: I was not one of the lucky people to know Joanna ... however, I was at a Cervantes Society ceremony/candle vigil recently and her aunt and cousin were there. One of our court interpreters spoke about Joanna and my heart goes out to all her family & friends. I'm truly sorry for your loss. God bless you all! 10/31/2001 11:35:41 PM Name: SHARIS Email: SHARAL_707@HOTMAIL Comments: JOANNA ,I THANK GOD THAT THE LAST TIME I WROTE TO YOU I TOLD YOU HOW A FELT ABOUT HAVING YOU AS A COUSIN ,THAT IS BETWEEN US TODAY AS EVERYTHING WE TALK ABOUT ,YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE WHEN I NEED IT YOU ,YOU KNOW THAT YOU WERE MY BIG SISTER ,MAYBE WE DIDNT SPEN THAT MUCH TIME TOGETHER LIKE WITH YOU AND OTHERS ,BUT THE TIME I SPEND WITH YOU IS PRICELEES. IN MY MEMORY I SAVE ALL THOSE MOMENTS THAT WE HAD TOGETHER. YOU ARE ONE OF A CAIN ,NOBODY LIKE YOU JO. LOVE YOU GIRL!!!!!!! P.S.BESOS PARA TODA LA FAMILIA ,SABEN QUE ESTAMOS CON USTEDES.SHARIS,ROSI,ELVIRA,TONY E ISA.LOS QUEREMOS!! 11/2/2001 7:05:34 PM Name: martha Vidal Email: mv_vidal@hotmail.com Comments: Yoyo - Aunque no había tenido la fuerza para escribirte, hoy en el día de tu cumpleaños te escribo este verso. Hace 27 años nació un Angel llamado JOANNA, llego a nuestras vidas a llenarnos de, A mable por naturaleza L uz brillante de noche E nergía infundías G entil como la lluvia de Otoño R isueña por naturalez I nquieta como el viento A mor dejaba a su paso Y A dmirable hija, nieta, sobrina y amiga M aravillosa como el diamante O riginalmente dulce R eina fuiste de por vida Ese Angel voló hacía el cielo, donde solos los angeles como tú pueden entrar. Tu misión fue cumplida en este mundo, dejando huellas incomparables y recuerdos inolvidables. Tus tios y primos nunca te olvidaremos. Tia Martha 11/3/2001 11:06:17 AM Name: Nestor Brea Email: n_brea@hotmail.com Comments: Joanna, Dios te bendiga por siempre. Te recuerdo con mucho aprecio. Fortaleza para Enrique, Lesbia y Junior. Siempre se les quiere. Néstor 11/3/2001 12:39:36 PM Name: Ashley Perez :) dedicated to all those who were in the September 11th attack Email: asp4nyc@hotmail.com Comments: ___________Semptember 11th________________ I never felt the way I did that day//My heart beat was rapid//and hurt in many ways//to be scarred purposly and maliciously//to be scorned deeply and carefully.//To hurt so many people//to kill them too//their souls live on//and they will not haunt you//Good people who did no wrong//relatives wanting to know "Whats Going On".//But dont feel so sad and blue//they are in a better place//and watching over you. 11/3/2001 4:20:35 PM Name: ROSA VIDAL DE RODRIGUEZ Email: SHARAL_707@HOTMAIL.COM Comments: JOANNA , QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA POR SIEMPRE:ERES UN ANGEL QUE DIOS NOS MANDO PARA QUE CON TU SONRISA Y ALEGRIA TODOS LOS QUE TE CONOCIERON ,HOY TE RECUERDEN Y NO TE OLVIDEN. PORQUE ERES FLOR QUE DA VIDA CON TU PERFUME Y COLORES, ERES VIENTO QUE SOPLA ACARICIANDONOS CON TU TERNURA , ERES LUCERO QUE NOS ALUMBRA DESDE EL INFINITO DANDONOS ESA FUERZA QUE NECESITAMOS PARA PODER CONTINUAR VIVIENDO CON ESE VACIO QUE NADIE PODRA LLENAR , ERES EJEMPLO PARA LA JUVENTUD , TU ERES ESO Y MUCHO MAS PORQUE ERES ESPECIAL , PARA MI SIGUES VIVA EN MI CORAZON Y SOLAMENTE CUANDO ESTE DEJE DE LATIR ESE VA HACER EL DIA QUE DEJE DE PENSAR EN TI . LE PIDO A DIOS QUE LE DE LA FORTALEZA Y EL CONSUELO QUE ENRIQUE ,LESBIA ,JUNIOR NECESITAN PARA ACOSTUMBRARSE A TU AUSENCIA . TE QUIERE POR SIEMPRE TU TIA ROSITA. 11/5/2001 3:40:48 PM Name: Jeannette Martinez Email: QBBJanet@aol.com Comments: There are not enough words to describe JOANNA. She was one of a kind and this is the reason why she touched so many of us. Joanna was a very special person in my life. Joanna was my first roommate in college and I will never forget the first day we met. I moved into the dorms after school had started and everyone was pretty much set in their rooms and I was given a list of room numbers who didn’t have roommates. I was pretty nervous about asking anyone if they wanted a roommate because if you had your own room you were considered lucky. I introduced myself to one girl and she made it clear she preferred not having a roommate. Then I knocked Room 212 and that’s when I met Joanna. Joanna welcomed me with her beautiful smile and made me feel comfortable the minute I met her. That was the beginning of our beautiful friendship. I even had the honor to meet her family in the Dominican Republic and her family welcomed me the same way Joanna welcomed me the first day I met her. Joanna always knew how to make me laugh and smile.. She always said the right things when I was down and she was always there when I needed her. Anyone that knew Joanna knew they could count on her. Her beauty, her smile, her sense of humor, her laugh, her hugs will be truly be missed by me and many other people. Joanna, I was so lucky to have you in my life. Joanna, I know that you are in a special place right now and even though you are not here physically you are right here overlooking all of us. I await the day that we can be together so you can make me smile again. There is not a day I don’t think of you …I love you soooo much....! Lesbia, Enrique, Junior, Alex and family...My heart and prayers go out to all of you. Jeannette Martinez 11/5/2001 11:58:49 PM Name: Billy Valerio Email: bvalerio007@netzero.com Comments: I just found out today about what occurred. Joanna was a great friend to me as for many others. I will definitely miss her for the times we shared together with our friends from Seward Park High School. We all had funny nicknames for each other’s during high school. I remember the times we went to the ice skating rinks with Veronica, Aminta, Pablo, and Ricky. I will always remember her beautiful smile. The last time we hung out with the rest of our friends was at a restaurant/bar and she was so happy with her new career as planning coordinator. I am deeply saddened and will always have her in my heart. With love always, Billy Valerio From: Pablo Rolon Joanna, I just found out from Billy what occurred. I cannot describe the feelings that are running through me as I am typing this message. All I know is that I will always remember the good friendship we all shared since H.S. (Yourself, Aminta, Ronnie, Bill, Rick and Myself). You were ONE of the most successful women I ever met and WE always thought that there would be no limit to your success! You always knew I did not say much, but the care and the Friendship/Bonding was always there. I will NEVER forget you. Especially the Good times we had in H.S. and thereafter! Yo se que DIOS te tiene en su reino y tu vas a estar muy feliz porque el te Quiere como tu ya sabes! I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PART IN MY HEART AS WELL AS IN EVERY OTHER PERSON WHO EVER GOT TO KNOW YOU! LOVE PABLO 11/6/2001 12:39:37 PM Name: Semi el-Hila Email: Semiel_hila@hotmail.com Comments: I remember how Joanna used to laugh at all my jokes, even when they were not funny. Madrina, Padrino, Junior, and Joanna always remember my birthday although I don't remember theirs. I feel sad. I have so many good memories of Jo. I know she is with God. Madrina and Padrino I love you very much...Semi (12 years old) 11/6/2001 9:10:30 PM Name: Venus Rodriguez Email: vrodriguez@abcny.org Comments: WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME When tomorrow starts without me, And I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry The way you did today, While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, In heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind All those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye, For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, So much yet to do, It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, Just even for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you And maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized, That this could never be, For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said "This is eternity, And all I've promised you." Today for life on earth is past, But here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last, And since each day's the same way There's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, So trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things, You knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven And now at last you're free. So won't you take my hand And share my life with me? So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart. Author Unknown 11/7/2001 3:37:17 PM Name: Leslie Garrod Email: leslie.garrod@worldnet.att.net Comments: I will always remember Joanna as she was when a first met her--a beautiful college student filled with joy and enthusiasm . Even before we had a chance to meet, I felt like I already knew her, as her mother, Lesbia, spoke of her often. I have always been struck not only by the physical similarity between Lesbia and Joanna, but at the closeness between them. It is difficult to think of Joanna, without also thinking of her family. The entire Vidal family radiated a love and tenderness towards each other that is rarely seen. Oftentimes, a family will come together after a tragedy, only to realize their loss and what they had meant to each other. This is not the case for the Vidal family; for I am sure that a day never passed that Lesbia and Enrique's children did not love and feel loved. I remember one day--several years ago: Joanna had only just returned from college for a weekend visit. Joanna was enthusiastically telling us about a new exercise regime when Junior walked into the store. (I can still see him now--a happy, sauntering sort of walk as only found in teenage boys.) Joanna and Junior had not seen each other in about a month. As their eyes met, a huge smile filled both their faces, and they hugged and kissed. It was obvious that they not only loved each other, but that they also really like one another. At the time, I thought "How wonderful, that a brother and sister can be so close." As the years have passed, I have often reflected on the Vidal family, for they have always struck me as what a family should be. Not only the mutual love of which I have already spoken, but their decency, grace and joy of life. It is this, that Lesbia and Enrique gave their children, and it is this, that will sustain them in their loss. My love will always be with them. 11/8/2001 3:07:01 PM Name: Jaime Peña Email: jaipen@jaipen.com Comments: Una oracion... No basta una oracion para decir un adios...ni para recordar. No basta un adios para olvidar Solo Basta el amor para recordar! Mis condolencais por perder su angel. Mi sincero pesame y mi pequeña oracion como recordatorio a su querido tesoro que un dia se perdio para siempre. Pero estara siempre rondando su alma y estoy seguro que su risa, su alegria y su musica se quedara en cada parte de sus vidas. Que descanse en paz! 11/8/2001 11:04:48 PM Name: Margarita (Miranda) Diaz Email: mdiaz@pvd-ri.com Comments: Hola: A pesar de no conocerlos personalmente, el solo hecho de que ustedes son de mi pueblo, La Romana, me hace sentir la muerte de su hija como si fuera la de uno de los mios. Lamento mucho lo que ustedes estan pasando, y despues de leer todos los mensajes el el "Guest Book", no tengo mas que estar de acuerdo con que Dios necesitaba un Angel en el cielo, o mejor, que Dios les mando un Angel para alegrar sus vidas. Carinos Margarita 11/9/2001 9:40:00 AM Name: Sergio Cruz Email: Sergio@qc1.qc.edu Comments: Enrique and Lesbia I could only imagine the pain and suffering you are being put thru and hope you will find some comfort from the support of your friends and relatives and those like me who have never met you. Hope the memory of your daughter Joanna continues to give you strength and the peace I am sure she wishes for you and your family. God Bless Sergio Cruz Woodside, N.Y. 11/9/2001 10:24:11 AM Name: Gil Valadez Email: valadg@rpi.edu Comments: I know Joanna through Jason, and she was full of life and energy. An incredible person all around. The only thing I can say is that we all need to take her heartlight and internalize it. Then we can make sure she lives forever. My sincerest condolences. Amor y carino a la familia , amigos, y conocidos. 11/9/2001 6:01:02 PM Name: Bayo Email: calr@rpi.edu Comments: Memorias es lo mas importante que nos queda. En todo momento, ayudo y seguira ayudando a personas en maneras diferentes. Impactante. Cuanto se necesita para amar? Eso cambia de persona en persona. Increible el impacto que tuvistes en nosotros quizas no tanto en mi porque no te conoci por gran magnitud de tiempo pero si a una persona que yo aprecio y admiro sin limites. No dudo que tu seas un angel guardian y mas especifico SU angel guardian. Pasas desapersivida y cuando te vas todos notan tu grandeza. Sigues VIVA. Vi con mis propios ojos como fuistes catalitico de una persona que vivio y vive por ti. Gracias por tu .... cualidades positivas que no todo el mundo tiene. Bayoan "LAS ALMAS GEMELAS VIVIRAN POR SIEMPRE Y SE ENCONTRARAN EN ALGUN MOMENTO QUIZAS EN OTRA VIDA." -Laura Esquivel- La Ley del Amor. 11/11/2001 10:22:38 PM Name: Michele Rosado Email: pantera93@hotmail.com Comments: I had the pleasure of knowing Jo as Jason's girlfriend. She definitely did have a beautiful smile, and I know that's what hooked Jay immediately. Joanna was a very charismatic woman, and as I read through all of the entries, she still continues to possess that characteristic that will remain with us all for the rest of our lives. 11/12/2001 6:53:16 PM Name: Faysal Grami Email: faysal@grami.com Comments: Enrique and Lesbia. I am deeply sorry about your loss. it saddens me to see this tragedy happen to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 11/12/2001 10:19:02 PM Name: Vanessa Rodriguez Email: skinny_66@hotmail.com Comments: Hey Jason, This website is really touching. I can't imagine what you're going through and just know you're in my thoughts. Warm Regards Vanessa 11/13/2001 1:32:37 PM Name: Earl Lafontant Email: elafontant@aol.com Comments: I didn't know Joanna very well, but I knew how much Jason adored her. I could rememeber whenever Jason and I would get together he will constantly tell me how great Joanna was. I was fortunate to meet her and from the little conversation I had with her, I truly saw what Jason was talking about. Joanna is a beautiful person whose warm personality and smile brightened every room she walked through. Such a tragic end to her life, but she continues to live through her family. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Jason and her family. Rest in peace Joanna, you are now in a better place. 11/14/2001 7:35:29 PM Name: Karen Cardosa & Family Email: salsera07@aol.com Comments: It's amazing that a person that was around all your life, can make such an impact even after they are gone. Although a lot of people think everything was going well for you when you were alive, I believe you are doing much better with God. I know deep in my heart that you are happy and I can't wish ny less for you. You defenitely took my breath away with your passing, just as you did to many when you were alive. In many more ways than one you are still alive in our hearts,and your memory will live on for many years to come. We love you very much. 11/14/2001 7:38:53 PM Name: Mary &Edwin Rosado Email: rosado_M@msn.com Comments: We met Joanna through Jason,who is our son's best friend (Tony). We remember the day he brought Joanna to our house last Christmas,the first thing we noticed about her was her big bright smile. Even though we knew her for a short time,we felt we've known her for as long as we've known Jason. Thank you Jason for bringing her into our path. We now know that she is on God's path. She is an angel. Our deepest sympathy to the Vidal Family,may our Lord give you the strength and peace and comfort to know she is in the Lord's hand. 11/15/2001 9:10:59 AM Name: Lucy Gonzalez Email: Lgonzale@bethisraelny.org Comments: I met Joanna through Emily and felt like I had known her for a long time, Joanna's warm smile touched me. Her loving manner with her mother and friends only makes me feel that she is among the angels in heaven making a sweet impression with them as she did with me. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Joanna is in a better place and will always be with her family and dearest friends. God Bless! 11/15/2001 3:02:14 PM Name: mike mcgaffic Email: imthemann1@aol.com or imthemannmike@aol.com Comments: I have heard good things about Joanna. Semi told me all about her, but I never met her. But if I did I bet she would of been a great friend. God bless her. (Mike of Fort Lauderdale Peace Lutheran School - 11 years old) 11/15/2001 5:41:49 PM Name: NESTOR RODRIGUEZ Email: RAINMAKERNYC@AOL.COM Comments: WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS THE WAY I FELT WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE NEWS OF JONNA PASSING. A FRIEND HAD SAID THAT "ONE OF OUR GOOD FRIENDS FROM IONA HAD PASSED" I ASKED WHO AND THEY HAD TOLD ME THE HORRIFING NEWS THAT IT WAS JONNA VIDAL. HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT SHE WAS IN THE WTC AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. MY HEART FELT 10,000 POUNDS HEAVIER HAD I REMAINED VERY SAD THAT DAY. LATER, THAT WEEK I KNEW I WANTED TO CONTACT MR. AND MRS VIDAL AND EXPRESS MY DEEP REGRET AND MY CONDOLENCES TO THEM. WHEN I FINALLY SPOKE TO THEM THEY WERE VERY THANKFUL AND APPRECIATIVE FOR THE CALL BUT TO MY AMAZMENT THEY SEEMED INCREDIBLY STRONG AND INCOURAGING BECAUSE THEY KNEW THAT THEIR DAUGHTER WAS GOD SENT. WE KEPT TALKING ABOUT HER BEAUTIFUL PERSONALITY AND HER CHARM,BUT MOST OF ALL THAT "SMILE" THAT COULD LIGHT UP ANY ROOM IN THE WORLD. I WANT TO SENT MY LOVE TOWARD THE FAMILY AND THE MANY FRIENDS TO STUCK BY MR & MRS VIDAL. AND TO MR. & MRS. STAY STRONG AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL! 11/15/2001 7:33:22 PM Name: DENNIS I SEPULVEDA Email: DROCK058@AOL.COM Comments: SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERSON AND A GREAT PARTNER TO JASON. MAY GOD BLESS HER SOUL AND HER MEMORY WILL ALWAYS LIVE WITH US BECAUSE SHE DESERVES IT. WE LOST A GREAT LATINA LEADER. 11/16/2001 4:38:12 PM Name: mark bones Email: markbones@hotmail.com Comments: a truly beautiful, wonderful woman with so much going for her. just knowing her for a short time like i did, you nonetheless felt her humor, intelligence, caring and zest for life. to lose her at this time in her life is a loss of unimagineable magnitude. she had so much more to give. may god rest her soul. 11/16/2001 4:39:23 PM Name: Heather Weinbrum Email: blanquitay2k@aol.com Comments: I have never met Joanna, but I saw the page dedicated to her...She seems to have been a wonderful person. She seems to have lived a wonderful and happy life. My heart goes out to her Family, all who knew her, and to all who lost a friend or a loved one on 9/11/2001. "God Bless all of you, You stayed strong, and made it through the worst". She as well as everyone else involved will be in my thought and prayers... "GOD BLESS AMERICA" 11/17/2001 10:51:50 PM Name: Shirley Adams Email: sadams@riskwaters.com Comments: Joanna was a beautiful person I do miss her smile every morning. I worked with Joanna at Risk Waters Group we laughed and joked all the time it was fun. I am glad I got the chance to meet such a lovely young lady. God bless the Vidal's family. 11/20/2001 3:05:53 PM Name: Odette Email: odwise@yahoo.com Comments: Dear Joanna, Your presence will be missed! However, I know you are an addition to God's Angels. Love Always, Odette 11/21/2001 6:12:19 AM Name: Karen Steiner Email: karensteiner@bidplanet.com Comments: I did not know Joanna. Mary Rosado was a very close friend of my sister Kimberly, who passed away at the very young age of 38 in 1999. My sister and Mary had a wonderful relationship, and we have a special bond between us now. I feel for you and your loss. I can relate to this untimely death and I believe for her to be with God now and be an Angel watching over all of her loved ones may give comfort. 11/21/2001 10:08:27 AM Name: SeptemberEleven.net Email: SusonPhoto@aol.com Comments: Luis Ortiz (Jason's Fraternity Brother), who has designed my SeptemberEleven.net photo site in memory of the victims sent me this link. Joanna seemed like she brightened up everyone who was around her. Her photos have a great energy and I can tell she was a sweet girl and fun to be around. It comes thru in her photographs. I am sorry for your terrible loss and I hope you have many memories to warm your heart. I'm sure she's looking down on you right now. :). Best to you and your family - Gary Suson Photographer/SeptemberEleven.net 11/21/2001 9:58:38 PM Name: Rita Torres Email: rrtmsw2000@aol.com Comments: I met Joanna only a few times, she the dear friend of my nephew Jason. She came with Jason to my home to visit us too. I just want to say that I was so happy for Jason when he had first met Joanna. What a peaceful soul she seemed to be. I felt good in her presence and comforted by the way that she befriended my mother-in-law, Rafaela, Jason's grandmother. I pray that she is with God and the angels now and that all whose lives she touched may be blessed and comforted. 11/22/2001 9:38:46 PM Name: Amanda K. Email: Rockyschick26@aol.com Comments: This page is one that should be shared with everyone. Joanna, even though I didn't know her, she seems full of spirit and happiness. You can tell Jason truely loved her and will miss her. Even though she is gone..her spirit stays with the people she truely loved and always will....She is in God's hands, and is in a better place. 11/23/2001 1:59:10 PM Name: Ramon J. Pesante Jr. Email: ricanray1@yahoo.com Comments: Hey Joanna, I'm sure your shining in Heaven the way you shined here in your physical presence, You will never be forgotten. Joanna was a lovely, beutiful, smart women with a wonderfull personality. I met Joanna about 2 years ago and we always stayed in touch with each other ever since. The last I heard from her was in late August, She e-mailed and told me that a close freind of the family past-away. I've been trying to get in touch with her ever since, Until I just read the e-mail from her brother, whom I thank very much for letting me know what had happened to the lovely, beutifull, smart women I knew. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and boyfreind, who she insisted on making it work. I'm sure she's watching over every single one of you smiling as she always did. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.... With much love Ray. 11/24/2001 3:42:23 PM Name: EMELIA ESCOBAR Email: escoba8337@aol.com Comments: I have never met Joanna,but as a co-worker of my husband Luis at the Bar Assn.I have heard nothing but good thing's about her, I only wish I had met her before , I know she's in heaven, my heart goes out to her family and friend's who lost such a wonderful person, when God upon us is because we are goin to a better place to join him, may she rest in peace, lets hold on to the good memories of Joanna... with Love...Emelia & Luis Escobar!! 11/26/2001 10:48:02 PM Name: Melissa Figueroa Email: meldiggy@msn.com Comments: To Jay and the Vidal Family, This site im sure was a challenge to create but I'm sure Joanna is deeply grateful for all who wrote in it and shared in her life. I only met her twice, and reading this page has been very moving. It greatly influenced the ways in which I think and feel about my "dash". Her heritage as well as all the other heroes weve lost, has set a standard for me, and I am honored to uphold it. I know that loosing her has diminish a part of those who knew her but it can also expand us. Joannas passing can function as a catalyst to transform us for a greater good. "Even the saddest things can become, once weve made peace with them, a source of wisdom and strength for the journey that still lies ahead" ~F.Buechner So to her family and Jay please know that my prayers for peace and comfort are with you. "God is with you-loving you and caring for you, always ready to help in times of trouble" (psalm 46:1) ~God bless you Jason and the Vidal family. 11/27/2001 10:57:54 AM Name: Katrina Rosado Email: bebegirlWVU@hotmail.com Comments: My name is Katrina Rosado, I am the younger sister of Tony Velez, Jason Torres' best friend. I've known Jason for a long time being that him and my brother grew up together during there high school years and still remain best friends. Jason to me was just like another big brother and dad to add to my family list of males, always asking the questions and looking out for my twin sister and I. Every Christmas Jason comes to our house to visit. The past christmas he came to our house with Joanna, I was like wow "go jason". When she first stepped foot into our house she had this bright smile and glow to her, she seemed to fit right into our "loud and crazy" family comfortably, geting along with everyone. When i spoke to her she was soo sweet and warm. Although we did not speak for that long of time, I remember her inviting my sister and I to visit them so she and jason can show us around in the city. And I knew from those first five minutes that I met her that she was definately the right one for jason. It seemed that she brought alot of joy into his life, and those memories should never end. Always remember "People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime, but never for no reason at all". My condolences to the Vidal family and friends of Joanna Vidal, she will be greatly missed but never forgotten. 11/28/2001 8:26:19 PM Name: Amando Email: amado677@aol.com Comments: Jay, man sorry to hear about Joanna. I only met her once but in that only meeting i saw she was a good person my heart goes out to you and her family. Jay i know is hard but try to keep your head up! Again jay Sorry I just found out today. May god bless her soul 11/29/2001 12:08:44 PM Name: Amber Laraque Email: PhattyGirl55 Comments: I just wanted to send my condolenses out to the Vidal family. I am currently and eighth grader at The Mott Hall School. I am inspired by Joanna's accomplishments and I want to let everyone know taht she is in our hearts. love, Amber 12/1/2001 4:47:25 PM Name: Email: Majic311@yahoo.com Comments: Wow. A truly amazing person...although i have never known her...what people have said about her on this site and the pictures in the album says so much about his wonderful person...god bless, and my blessing to the family for your loss..just be happy that she will now smile with her watchful eye upon you... rip. 12/2/2001 10:21:18 PM Name: Wendy from Chicago Email: wendy.hernandez@us.andersen.com Comments: Although I don't know Joanna, I can tell she was an extraordinary person. She is an angel guiding us now. I was unfortunate because I never met Joanna but I hope I can meet her in heaven. Tks Jason for letting me know about such a wonderful and kind person. God bless everyone! 12/3/2001 10:17:44 AM Name: Elizabeth Diaz Email: lisadiaz@821.aop.com Comments: Sorry for your lost. My sister Mary Rosado, send me this beautiful message that you send to her, and she pass it on to me. Im just so very sorry I did'nt open it sooner. So I'm sending my symphathy message to you kinda late. God Bless You! and the Vidal family The Diaz pa 12/3/2001 4:06:28 PM Name: Melissa Velez Email: mcortiz17@hotmail.com Comments: I only met Joanna once through her friend Kathleen to celebrate my birthday back in August. She had a compelling aura, confidence, and smile that I will always remember. May God keep her in his loving arms. 12/6/2001 10:06:28 PM Name: Lucie Deathridge Email: ldeathridge@riskwaters.com Comments: I work in the London office of Risk Waters Group,I am also a coordinator. I first met Joanna when she came over to the London office and then again in Boston in June of this year, although we didn’t see each other face to face too much, we would talk on the phone at least a couple of times a week. She was a beautiful person in every way and will be missed so much by all her colleagues here in London. 12/11/2001 5:06:23 AM Name: Larissa Brea Email: lbreasan@aol.com Comments: Hoy, como siempre, te recuerdo. Te quiero y a tus padres y hermanito tambien. Solo Dios sabe el por que y nosotros no somos quienes para preguntarle. Que Dios te acompane siempre. Un beso, Tu prima Larissa 12/11/2001 11:42:13 AM Name: Ginny Tranchik Email: vtranchik@yahoo.com Comments: A few months ago, I adopted two cats from the ASPCA. They told me that they were the cats of Joanna Vidal, who was in the WTC disaster. My father always told us that an animal takes on the personality of its owner. In that case, Joanna must have been a wonderful, kind person, as Sherlock and Watson are two of the sweetest cats I have ever had. I lost my cat of 15 years back in the winter and hesitated getting a new pet, as I nursed him through illness for many years. However, something pushed me to go to the ASPCA in October, where I met these two darling creatures. I hope Joanna can rest better knowing that they have found a new home where they are loved and cherished. With sympathy, Ginny Tranchik 12/18/2001 9:22:55 PM Name: PEDRO DE LA TORRE Email: KIARABELEN@YAHOO.COM Comments: ENRIQUE Y LESBIA AUN QUE NO EH TENIDO EL GUSTO EN CONOSERTE. LA VERDAD SIENTO MUCHO EN VERDAD TODO POR LO QUE TU FAMILIA ESTA PASANDO. POR EXPERIENSIA PROPIA YO SE LO QUE SE SIENTE PERDER A UN SER QUERIDO. PERO LO UNICO QUE TE PUEDO DECIR ES QUE NO TE PREGUNTES PORQUE YO. SINO DITE PORQUE NO.TODOS SOMOS HIJOS DE DIOS Y DIOS SABE PORQUE HACES LAS COSAS. YO Y MI FAMILIA TE TENDREMOS EN NUESTROS RESOS Y EN LA MENTE. NO TE PREGUNTES PORQUE, YO PEDRO DE LA TORRE SOY UN NUEVO COMPANIERO DE TU HERMANO JUAN ANTONIO EN ALENANIA. SOMOS COMPANIEROS DE TRABAJO. AHORITA ESTAMOS LOS DOS EN KUWAIT DESEANDO ESTAR CON NUESTROS SERES QUERIDOS. PERO DESDE AQUI ESTAMOS MANDANDOTE SALUDOS Y ESTAS EN NUESTRAS MENTES. PEDRO DE LA TORRE Y FAMILIA 12/22/2001 4:08:07 AM Name: Gigi and Bill Frenkel Email: ggfrenkel@yahoo.com Comments: "Life is eternal and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight."- Rossiter W. Raymond Our hearts go out to you, Lesbia, Enrique, Junior,Alex, Jason, to Joanna's grandparents and to your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss seeing the beautiful smile Joanna always had when she came to visit her mom at work; and the special "hi" she always had for each one of us. Whenever I saw her, she radiated happiness and warmth. She had a special soul; and part of that soul will live on in everyone who knew her. 12/22/2001 11:44:52 PM Name: Julissa Trinidad Email: Jtrinidad@mail.com Comments: Dear Joanna, I will always be grateful that our paths one way or the other crossed. I am always going to be grateful for knowing you--MY Joanna!! Thank you for visiting me in my dreams and for giving me comfort and strength to carry on with out you in my life. As you told me in my dream, "I will always be part of you and you will always be a part of me and no one can change that!!" And indeed, you will be part of me for eternity!! Joanna, Thank you for always thinking of me--even in heaven you shine more than the rest of the angels and I am glad that you still remember who I am--Thank you for ever. Love, Jewels (the name you gave me) 12/23/2001 2:04:31 PM Name: Cesar Viera Email: cesar.viera@priceline.com Comments: I am heartbroken to learn of Joanna's tragic and untimely death. I met Joanna in grade school in Inwood Heights and we were among the first class of students sent to 131st and Convent to study at Mott Hall. She was an intelligent, and friendly person, quick with a smile and a laugh. I moved away after a few years and lost tuch with everyone, but I recognized her name at a memorial site to the WTC victims. May her parents find comfort in knowing that she was widely liked, loved, and respected. May you rest in eternal peace and may God help and protect your family in their time of need. 1/4/2002 9:33:49 AM Name: Anthony Hunter Email: ahunter@c3icare.com Comments: I just wanted to offer my condolences to the friends and family of Joanna Vidal. I work only two blocks away from the late World Trade Center. It pains my heart to have to pass by it everyday on my way to work. I can never forget that day or forget those who gave their lives in behalf of mine. As a survivor of that horrible tragedy, I can hardly live with the fact that I survived and other beautiful people like Joanna, did not. I can only offer my prayers and whatever else I have to help those families who lost their loved ones. I only hope that you know that I will pray for the family, personally, and I hope that this somehow will make you feel a little better. May love and blessings be with your family! 1/4/2002 1:06:38 PM Name: JP Murphy Email: jpmurphy@umich.edu Comments: I came to Joanna's memorial here from the NYTimes Portraits of Grief. What a terrible loss to her family, her neighborhood and her country. I believe there is a special place in the Lord's cradle for Joanna and those who left us on Sept 11. May the Lord bless her soul and keep her well. 1/10/2002 5:46:26 PM Name: pichirilo astacio Email: Comments: 1/10/2002 6:55:52 PM Name: MICHELLE DHIMES Email: chilin23@hotmail.com Comments: JOANNA: SIEMPRE TE RECORDARE Y ESPERO VOLVER A VERTE MUY PRONTO,ME DA MUCHA TRISTEZA DE QUE TE ALLAS IDO,PERO SE QUE NO ESTAS MUY LEJOS QUE ESTAS EN EL CIELO EN EL MEJOR LUGAR QUE TE MERESES.ESPERO QUE TUS PADRES LO PUEDAN SOPORTAR Y SEPAN QUE ESTAS SUPER BIEN Y QUE TU NO QUIERES QUE SUFRAN MAS PORQUE ESTAS FELIZ ALLA,Y LOS ESTARAS ESPERANDO CON LOS BRAZOS ABIERTOS,QUIEN TE QUIERE Y RECUERDA:MICHELLE 1/11/2002 9:51:10 PM Name: Jennifer Email: niteangel72@hotmail.com Comments: I didn't know Joanna but when I saw her picture on CNN.com my eyes filled up with tears. My husband works a few blocks from the World Trade Center and I will never ever forget that day when he was there when everything was happening. I am so grateful he came home to me that day. I am so very sorry for your loss. May Joanna rest in the loving hands of our Lord & Saviour forever. God Bless you & your family. 1/15/2002 10:18:34 AM Name: Jared Kotz Email: jkotz@riskwaters.com Comments: Its taken me some time to add my thoughts as I've been unable to really think about these past four months. My working experience with Joanna was brief but all the contact I had with her was really pleasant. I find myself thinking of her often. My thoughts are of a beautiful young woman who graced our office with her friendly nature. I look out to where she and the others who were lost that day sat and can only cry for the pain that you and so many other families have had to endure. And I admire the courage Joanna's family has shown. God bless you and your family and keep you from pain. I know Joanna's spirit is close and she will accompany you on your journeys. She is a bird free to soar. She'll be with you always and will protect you. We were blessed to know her. We will never forget her and I know you will see her again. 1/17/2002 4:18:03 PM Name: Anel Email: anel_asj@hotmail.com Comments: It's January 22, 2002, It has taken me this long to write you. I don't want to believe that you are gone. I'd rather pretend that you are on one of your many ventures. I remember your father saying that we should keep in touch more often, he was absolutely right. I took advantage that there would always be a next time. You were one of a kind, Jo. I will never forget your good advice, your ambition, your kindness, your free spirit, the way you loved life. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and your family. You left a whole lot of you in everyone who knew you. I thank God for giving us the privelege of being friends, co-workers, traveling buddies, and wacky counselors to one another. Thanks for leaving an imprint of your smile in my mind. The many memories I have of you will live in my heart forever. I wonder what special event you're planning in heaven. 1/22/2002 9:47:28 PM Name: Stephanie Mitchell Email: Tasha202@excite.com Comments: To a real angel, It's funny how God can send someone to you for a short period time, but that person can leave and imprint on your heart for the rest of your life. That is what you did for everyone that you encountered throughout your life. We were truly blessed to have a friend as generous and loving as you. I've cried all the tears I can, but that won't bring you back. I realize that I must find comfort in the fact that God saw fit to bring one of his angels home. But you always hold a special place in my heart and I know that whenever I see that sun shining brightly, you are smiling down on us. I love you. Stephanie 2/7/2002 12:36:20 AM Name: AARON LUBIN Email: Comments: Sept. 11, 2001 Swear on our graves that you'll always remember, Swear you'll recall that black day in September. Swearto our parents, our children, our wives, Swear at the beasts who shortened our lives. Swear at the foe, the real puppet masters Swear that we'll overcome any disasters Swear to us, swear through our torture and pain Swear that our heroes did not die in vain. Swear to us, swear that you owe us a debt Swear to us, swear that you'll never forget 2/8/2002 5:09:18 PM Name: Lillian Lopez Email: llopez@hispanicfederation.org Comments: Dearest Jason: Thank you so much for sharing the website. It was a wonderful tribute to Joanna and how you felt about her. God Bless. Lillian 2/25/2002 4:07:08 PM Name: Michelle Morgan Email: carmeljoy2000@yahoo.com Comments: My heart goes out to the family and friends of Joanna. Such a beautiful young woman with such a bright and promising future. Take care and God Bless you and keep you. My the memory of Joanna never leave your minds or your hearts. 2/25/2002 6:10:24 PM Name: Suzana (Slovenia- Europe) Email: lutars@hotmail.com Comments: When i saw all that picture of September 11, i was so sad.6 month later I am still so sad, when I read all this memories Today I saw yours photos ,Joanna ,and read all the beautiful words about you I am sure you are sweet angel with your beautiful smile also above there ... I cant imagine the pain your family, boyfriend and friend is going through - but Im sure you will meet again one day... God bless you ! 3/11/2002 9:46:44 AM Name: Anel Email: anel_asj@hotmail.com Comments: Hey Jo, I had my second daughter on February 27,2002. She's such a joy. Her name is Daniella Joanna. I pray that she will be as wonderful as you were. That she will be kind, caring, bold, sympathetic, intelligent, motivated, and free. We all miss you but in some wierd way, I feel you near. God bless. Love, Anel 3/18/2002 8:13:00 PM Name: Orlando Hernandez(pepe) Email: Comments: I still remember my birthday which was on sept.10 and joanna saw me and said happy birthday..........Me and jo were family and i couldn't believe she remembered my B-day. I was so happy that she did.. SHE ALWAYS GAVE ME ADVICE AND ALWAYS TOLD ME TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE,WHICH I ALWAYS TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION...... HER PARENTS ARE LIKE MY OWN AND HER BROTHER IS MY BROTHER... TILL THIS DAY I STILL DON'T BELIEVE SHE IS GONE. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS YOU JO, YOU WERE THE PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR ANYONE.TO ENRIQUE AND LESBIA,, LOVE YOU GUYS,, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE SAID AND HAVE TRIED TO DO WITH ME.. KORESH YOU KNOW WHERE IM AT,,,VIDAL FAMILY,LOVE YOU GUYS..... 4/26/2002 8:18:30 PM Name: Rene Email: Comments: I'm a former classmate of Ms. Vidal from the Mott Hall School, and ironically, I'm a teacher at the same school. She probably would have not recognized me now but I do remember her, she was a girl who had a warm smile and a bigger heart. A lovely girl who, I now realize, blossomed into a beautiful and an intelligent young lady. She accomplished in 26 years what some only dream off doing in a lifetime. I will always remember her as the girl who sat across math class from me with a smile on her, a pony tail, and textbook on her hand. Que Dios la tenga siempre a su lado. 5/23/2002 12:20:32 PM Name: Jamese Rivera Email: jamsj124@msn.com Comments: First of all I would like to start by saying to the family of Joanna that I pray for peace in your hearts. Nothing of this nature should ever happen and especially to someone like Joanne. I use to live in NY about 10 years ago. After Sep. 11th. I always wondered and hoped that I wouldn't find a picture of someone I knew and loved on the missing list. I went to the Mott Hall School with Joanna on Convent street. She was just as everyone describes. She was funny, loving, thoughtful. Her smile could light up any room. I saw in her photo album, the last picture with some friends and someone else looked familiar. Aminta. I don't really know who reads this but I would love to hear from Aminta. In times like these you wish you would have kept in touch. I also lost my sister in law on Flight 93 CEE LYLES. God Bless the families and friends of all the victims of Sept. 11th. Joanne R.I.P. I Love you and someday we will meet again. 6/4/2002 3:01:39 PM Name: Shareez and Yuliodys (friend of Ashley) Email: boricuba02@migente.com Comments: God Bless her and my condolences go out to her family and all who knew her. 6/18/2002 12:34:59 PM Name: Llesenia Gerena Email: sunletgirl@aol.com Comments: May god be with you. 6/19/2002 10:45:58 AM Name: Michael Email: cappadonna12_2@hotmail.com Comments: Although I never knew Joanna, from what I have read about her she was wonderful which anyone would like to meet. My heart goes out to all of her family and friends. - from Michael in the UK. 6/21/2002 5:50:16 PM Name: Vincent Batista Email: v.batistajr@att.net Comments: I knew Joanna since junior high school and met her again during our college years when a group of mutual friends started hanging out. Joanna was always a pleasure to see because she always had something positive to say. I'm sure she had her problems, like we all do; but Joanna always found away to be content and to see the bright side of things. It was always a joyful moment to see Joanna and it is still a joyful moment to think of her. 6/28/2002 7:25:14 PM Name: Richard Hernandez Email: mad_chulo@msn.com Comments: Wow....I was just told about this web-site recently by an old school friend and wasn't sure who he was speaking about. When I finally came to the page it was like a punch on the face. I still remember little timid Joanna in school at Mott-hall. How in time she grew up to be such a beautiful person inside and out. It's funny..while in school I had a crush on her. Thought she was the cutest thing. And Im glad to have met her. I have been through loss...Lost my best friend/Brother...lost my baby sister of only 2 years of age...and countless other friends to "tragedy" So I know what Joanna's family is going through...but each persons pain is different..and I will pray for them! God bless you Joanna. And I thank god for at least letting me have met such a beautiful person. Rich 7/11/2002 11:09:48 AM Name: terri moore Email: huggiebear08@aol.com Comments: I personally did not know joanna..i had meet her aunt thru the internet and was asking where she was from and she told me new york and that she had lost a loved one in the september 11th attack... i want to say how beautiful of a site you have made in memory of joanna and that my prayers are with your family.. becoz this truly touched my heart looking at all the pictures and the songs were beautiful 7/24/2002 6:32:26 PM Name: chrissy Email: Ceequeenbee@aol.com Comments: I personally did not know joanna I came to know of her a long time ago when I found out me and her were dating the same person. I did speak to her she had called me wanting to meet me because i just had a baby from this person and she wanted to see the baby I never did meet her. I never got the chance to say I was sorry either. I dont really know if she was hurt by what happend I was and it hurt my relationship. I am truly sorry if I did hurt her. It took me a long time to even come to leave a message but I knew that I needed to say sorry. I am sorry to her family for your lost. 8/1/2002 2:33:34 AM Name: Sharon Email: sharonkitty@yahoo.com Comments: Dear Joanna's Friends and Family, I was looking through the Risk Waters site last night for job vacancies and clicked on the gorgeous tributes to all those lost on 9-11-01, Joanna's gorgeous smile struck me so much , I showed her to my husband who agreed she looked like a special sort of girl. I put her name into Google and it brought me here. I, of course was shook to the core like many people around the world by 9/11 but have always thought of the victims as faceless non people who I never knew for all this time, Joanna's picture jolted me into seeing things in a different light. September 11th 2002 is approaching and I intended to light a candle for rememberance anyway, While I will spend some silent moments for all the families, I and my husband will think of Joanna and her loved ones the most as looking at her picture brought how shockingly real it all was to these Brits who watched helpless on TV like it was some crazy movie. I hope the owners dont get offended by this, it was just looking at her pic brought home how 'real' this nightmare really was. Best Wishes to you all. Sharon and Neil in the UK 8/9/2002 7:15:55 PM Name: Christian de Oliveira Email: cdeoli@yahoo.com Comments: I only met Joanna once. It was 2 years ago in Rio de Janeiro. I had just began working for Riadh and we went to service a trade show there. I worked with Joanna for one day during the show. It was amazing to how the Brazilian respected her and how willing the were to work for her. She seemed smart and eager to succeed in life. At the same time she was pleasant and cheerful. She won people over with her smile. Sept. 11th took something from each of us. I am a New Yorker myself. My brother worked in tower 1 on the 59th floor. His firm was able to get out. Still, we live with a sense of loss. I am so sorry to hear that it took Joanna from you. I remember Riadh calling me in to his office and he was absolutely torn to pieces. It was a sad day in my life. The only thing I remember is that I could not stop crying, and selfishly thinking- thank God my brother was o.k. That came to a quick end when I began hearing of those whom were not so lucky. I am sorry if my thoughts upset you in any way. But I found out about this website this morning and felt, that meeting her and being so close to Riadh and Kenya, I should write something. I think about Joanna every once in a while and I always remember her smile. Christian de Oliveira 8/19/2002 11:14:10 AM Name: Bee Email: bdiddy@aquariumfacts.com Comments: Sorry for your loss of such a wonderful daughter, sister and girlfriend. Jehovah is with your family. 8/20/2002 5:59:11 PM Name: Joanna Vidal Email: vidaj@adl.org Comments: Eeeee, I don’t know how to start but I will end it as I was to start it. All I want to write is that Joanna even though I never met her she has changed my life. And from the day she was missing, it came to my attention from friends & family that Joanna was missing. From that day I prayed for her everyday that she will show up. Joanna has open my eyes to what is life and how we take it for granted. I live my life for myself and in dedication to Joanna. And now that I saw her photos I have a face and know how she lived life to the fullest. I should hope to follow in her footsteps. You see I will end this as if I was to start it by saying. Soy Dominica, I was in my late 20’s during 9-11 y me llamo Joanna Vidal. May God be with her cause I think of her all the time she is part of my life now and I keep her alive in my heart. . 8/21/2002 1:30:50 PM Name: Julio Rodriguez Email: locodrjay@aol.com Comments: Familia Vidal! Conoci a Joanna atravez de varios amigos de universidad. Me siento de verdad afortunado de haber conocido a su hija ya que ella siempre tenia una sonriza preciosa y era bastante carinosa. Es increible, pero lo en lo poco que comparti con Joanna aprendi a conocerla y a tratarla como una gran amiga! Cada dia que recuerdo el 11 de Septiembre pienzo y rezo por Joanna. Se que Dios la tiene en un lugar muy especial ya que como han escrito otros, Joanna debe de ser un angel. Que Dios bendiga la memoria de Joanna y llene de conformidad a sus familiares! Julio Rodriguez - Dominicano NYC 9/4/2002 1:40:14 PM Name: Yanira Marquez Email: yamarquez@aol.com Comments: I will like to express my most deepest and sincere condolences to Joanna's family and friends. I know that nothing can comfort the pain in our hearts; I know that Joanna is at a much greater place; where time doesn't exist, where there is always freedom, love and peace, from where the light of our lord is shinning to all of us here on earth. While the terrible moments come back to our minds and beat on our hearts, it is always good to remember that Jesus is guarding all of us, making us stronger for tomorrow. Let's keep the beautiful memories of the billiant and happy person Joanna was in life. Her smile is still with us. Joanna, even though we didn't have the opportunity that hang out together, I know that day will come. Letter to God recojenos como la gallina recoge a sus pollitos. Danos fuerzas para soportar aquellas cosas que no podemos cambiar, las que nos hierren nuestros corazones. Danos el consuelo para seguir hacia el manana. Danos regocijo cuando deceamos llorar. llevamos en tus alas y en tu caminar. Danos paz en nuestros corazones y a nuestras mentes. Ensenanos a esperar en ti. Jesus tu eres nuestro mejor amigo Danos la sabiduria para seguir hacia adelante, Cuida de nosotros, de la familia de Joanna y de jay. Amen. 9/8/2002 1:38:17 PM Name: tony Email: papi43094@yahoo.com Comments: JO, IT HAS TAKING ME THIS LONG TO ACTUALLY GET THE CORAGE TO WRITE TO YOU,AND ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT I MISS YOU AND I CAN'T BELIVE THAT YOU'RE GONE.HOPEFULLY YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE ,THE PAST 5 YEARS HAS BEEN ROUGH FOR ME,I LOST MY FATHER,MY SON,YOU AND JONATHAN,I DON'T THINK I CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE,SO PLEASE WATCH OVER US ALONE WE EVERYBODY ELSE,YOU GUYS WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART, AND WILL NEVER FORGET ABOUT MY LOVE ONE. I'LL SEE YOU IN THE AFTER LIVE, I LOVE YOU ALL BYE TONY 9/9/2002 12:23:15 PM Name: Jeremy Christian Buzan Email: dante10137@hotmail.com Comments: Your pictures of Joanna remind me so much of my wife and her circle of friends. Joanna is the same age as my wife and I. I believe we all hope to have impact at some point in our lives. Please know that Joanna's life had some impact, at least for the two of us in Oregon. Although there is no way to share your loss, what empathy I have causes me to grieve with you. It could just as easily have been my wife. Please know that our prayers are with you and all who knew Joanna. I don't know what else to say. In His name, Jeremy Christian Buzan 9/9/2002 5:46:50 PM Name: Fifo and Carlos Email: vze269ny@verizon.net Comments: To Enrique and Lesbia and Junior, Just to let you know that you are always in our thoughts. We are here for you always. Love, Fifo, Carlos, Luis, Joey, and Carlynn 9/9/2002 10:41:10 PM Name: Megan Email: shine54507@hotmail.com Comments: Just wanted to let you know that I think of you every day... 9/10/2002 2:34:03 PM Name: EURIK PEREZ Email: eurikperez@hotmail.com Comments: I knew Jo for three years when we attended mott hall. she was and must still be the sweetest person to have ever existed. She is the only person I knew that was there that day. Now, because of her I will never forget that day. Eurik Perez 9/11/2002 9:11:28 AM Name: Sofia Bautista Pertuz Email: bronxwisdom@hotmail.com Comments: On this one year anniversary of the WTC tragedy I remember Joanna. She was so beautiful, not just in appearance, but in her heart and being. I am so glad I got a chance to know her and witness her positive energy. I know that positive energy is still alive in all of her family and friends. May she rest in peace. Love, Sofia 9/11/2002 9:49:16 AM Name: Lillian Robles Email: mamichula813@yahoo.com Comments: I met Jo only once through Jason. It was around the holidays at the Rosado Family Party and I will never forget her smile & how sweet she was to me, we sat and talked about 10 minutes and in the few minutes she left an imprint in my heart & mind. I had never met such a genuine person before. It warmed my heart to see Jo & Jason together. I can't remember the last time I saw two people more in Love with each other, his face just lit up when he looked at her. My prayers & thoughts go out to the Vidal Family and to my friend Jason. God Bless, Lillian 9/11/2002 10:12:34 AM Name: Iris Email: irispequena@hotmail.com Comments: Jason, I never had the chance to tell you how sorry I am for your great loss. On this day, I just wanted you to know that I thought of you and I wish you a peaceful day of remembrance. I thought I did not know anyone who lost their life on that dreadful day. Having met you, I now know someone who lost a big part of theirs. I send you a my deepest condolescences. 9/11/2002 10:14:37 AM Name: Maggie Espejo Email: mespejo710@aol.com Comments: Well I didnt really know Joanna personally but I was sometimes found around her. I attended Iona college also and knew some of her group of freinds. When I saw her picture it reminded me of her and how I wished to have gotten to know her. She seems full of spirit and has accomplished and come very far. JOanna will be in my prayers and I know she is the lil angel that is watching over her family now and forever........M.Espejo 9/11/2002 10:21:24 AM Name: BETSY SALCEDO Email: SESSY0006@AOL.COM Comments: WOW, I'VE WRITTEN SO MUCH ABOUT JOANNA THAT I RAN OUT OF THINGS TO SAY. TO THINK A PERSON I NEVER REALY MET IN PERSON COULD HAVE THIS AFFECT ON ME. I MET JUNIOR AND LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT JO, JASON, AND HER FAMILY. THIS DAY THAT WE GET TOGETHER FOR THE YEAR OF THE ATTACTS, I CRY. I CRY AS MUCH AS I DID ONE YEAR GO, AS MUCH AS I CRIED WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT JO, AS MUCH AS I DO EVERY TIME I REMEMBER, EVERY TIME I GET REMINDED, EVERYTIME I COME TO THIS SITE AND EVEN MORE I CRIED WHEN I HERD "JOAN VIDAL"'S NAME ANOUNCED TODAY IN THE ANNOUNCING OF THE VICTOMS OF THE WTC. IF IT HURTS SO MUCH TO ME, A PERSON WHO NEVER MET JO, BUT ONLY HERD BEAUTIFUL THINGS ABOUT HER, I CANT EVEN IMAGINE HOW HARD IT MUST HAVE BEEN TO HER FRENDS AND FAMILY. THIS IS WHY I KEEP YOU ALL IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS. AND JOANNA, I KEEP YOU SO CLOSE TO MY HEART AND MEMORIES. WE ALL MISS YOU VERY MUCH. WITH LOVE AND CARENESS. ....BETSY 9/11/2002 11:52:31 AM Name: Lisy Carrasquillo Email: borikua00@hotmail.com Comments: As I sit here today sept. 11 2002. One year from the day this devasting horrible horrific incident took place, I feel so much anger within. I feel life can sometimes be cruel and unfair. I feel pain deep down in my heart. A pain that goes beyond, no medication can help. Through my sister Emily I was able to meet this beautiful family I feel sad that I can't be there with them today. Jo was a beautiful person who touched my heart in her own special way. I wish I would of spent more time with her. I felt really close to her because my sister emily would always fill me in when they hung out, show me pictures and e-mails she would send etc,. So even when I didn't hang out with them I kind of knew what was going on. I will always remember her especially whenever I use or see a LIPGLOSS. Jo would take out her lipgloss in the Copa about 5 times in about 10 mins and ask me do you need. I thought that was cute. I miss her a whole lot. Jo's family is very special to me. The more I know them the clearer I see how jo became the beautiful smiley person she was. As hard as it is for me to accept her being gone, I will keep Jo and my other friend Angie Rosario who also died in this tragedy in my heart forever. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH. My prayers are with all of the Vidal Family. May lots of strenght be with you at this time of healing. Thank you Vidal family for making me feel part of your family with your kindness and thank you Thitha emily for bringing us together. I LOVE YOU ALL... LISY Friendship There's a miracle of friendship that dwells within the heart and you don't know how it happens or where it gets its start. But the happiness it brings you always gives a special lift, and you realize that friendship is one god's most perfect gift. JO AND THE MANY THAT WE LOST WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!! JO, SOMETIMES I WONDER WHAT KIND OF EVENTS ARE GOING ON UP THERE. I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING LOTS OF FUN.....LAST I HEARD YOU WERE SHOPPING AT MACY'S (YOUR STORE) AND THAT YOU WERE DOING FINE. KEEP SMILING :) 9/11/2002 12:05:24 PM Name: Nicky Tovar Email: nmtovar@launidadlatina.org Comments: A year ago today life took a drastic turn for all of us. There was an influx of emotions, pain, anger and vulnerability. From all of us that were in Manhattan to those from afar, we were all hurt, we were all affected. But none of us were as affected as those who knew Joanna Vidal. My best friend Jason lost his girlfriend that day and today I reflect on them and their relationship. I was there when Joanna stepped into Jason’s life, that joyful night in what at first seemed as another day in the city. Cupid hit Jason hard that day and as the days passed his love for her grew. Having been his roommate at the time, I can say that their relationship quickly grew; they were no longer individuals, but a couple, full of support, compassion, and love. It was enough to make anyone envious, both of them intelligent professionals with a sense of direction and a love for life. If there is anything Jo taught us was to live in the spirit of living life to the fullest, as if it were your last. To Jason, know that Jo knew how much you loved her; she clearly loved you just a much back. And to Jo’s parents, it was my pleasure having known her, a dear and sweet person, and the relationship she shared with my friend Jason. Kindly submitted, Nicky Tovar 9/11/2002 12:13:32 PM Name: Ryan Bliss Email: rbliss@yorktel.com Comments: I'm from VA, but work in Eatontown, NJ.. Never knew Joanna, but want to say that I'm very sorry for your loss on this terrible anniversary. Many tears have been shed by myself, my family, and all that I know..for Joanna, and all of the other victims of this horrible disaster. Know that she is smiling down from Heaven upon all of you forever and ever..... Sincerely, Ryan H. Bliss 9/11/2002 12:32:25 PM Name: Jessica Email: jema475@yahoo.com Comments: It has taken me a year to finally write something on this page. What do you say when words don't help the grief a family is feeling? I went to college with Joanna. She and I didn't get along for a while because of misunderstandings about someone, who in retrospect, wasn't even worth our time. Joanna and I found this out our senior year of college. We were thrust together in a few classes (we shared the same major) and it took the bigger person out of the both of us (Joanna) to say, "Hey, I'm sorry, I was wrong about you." I'm glad we had that conversation, and I'm glad that we got to speak. When we realized that it was all just misunderstandings, we laughed and thought about how stupid it was to have been so angry at one another. On graduation day, we found ourselves in the same classroom, saying, "Let's sit together for the ceremony." Unfortunately, it didn't happen, I was called away and when I returned, I had lost my space next to Joanna. I see that she went on to accomplish great things, and I'm happy to see that for the short amount of time she was here, she seemed to have lived life to the fullest. That's how it should be, and learning of Joanna's passing has taught me that much. I'm glad we had that "I'm sorry" talk and I'm glad we made amends. I pray that her family and her boyfriend find strength in each other to get through this time and I am sorry that something so tragic had to happen to Joanna, she seemed so full of joy and had her whole life ahead of her. It would have been nice to have gotten to know Joanna, I'm sure she would have made me a better person. 9/11/2002 12:46:41 PM Name: Gladys Santana Email: santanac@bellsouth.net Comments: Today I woke up to watch and listen to the memorials that were taking place to remember all of those "ANGELS" that went to heaven a year ago. I never met Joanna but my parents (Reinaldo & Gladys) were friends with her parents a very long time ago. My father found out about her passing last year and I remember when papi came back to Miami after visiting Joanna's father and told me to go to this site. I did, but did not know what to say. It has taken me a while to write this and to say that she is in my prayers, that today all I wanted was to hear her name been called out at the memorial... and I did! Tears have come out today for Jonanna as well as for all others that lost their lifes. Looking at the things others had said I can see that she is an extraordinary person ... and I say "is" because I am sure that she is around her family, friends and love ones because that is what angels do. May God be with you on this day and always! 9/11/2002 3:10:20 PM Name: Carlos Lopez Email: calopez1@msn.com Comments: Hi. I knew Joanna from Mott Hall. I moved to Florida right after High School and didn't keep in touch with many people. You never know how much you wish you would've until you no longer can. I keep remembering her smile and how she can always cheer you up. The images of her and Aminta in a talent show keep replaying in my head. I found out that she was in the tragedy a couple of months after it happened and I couldn't beleive it. Suddenly all the feelings you see on T.V became a reality. I'm glad I was lucky enough to know her. I will continue to pray for the Vidal family and all the were affected by the loss of such a wonderful person. 9/11/2002 3:32:02 PM Name: MIRIAM GALARZA Email: GFAM1334@MSN.COM Comments: MY FRIEND JUST POINTED OUT THAT I USED TO GO TO MOTT HALL/IS 223 ON 131ST W/JOHANNA. I DON'T REMEMBER TO MUCH ABOUT JOANNA EXCEPT THAT I THINK SHE USED TO HANG OUT WITH A GIRL NAMED VIVIAN. I AM VERY SORRY FOR HER FAMILIES' AND LOVED ONES LOSS. 9/11/2002 3:52:13 PM Name: Jose "Joey" Martinez Email: lanjunkie@earthlink.com Comments: Joanna and I attended Mott Hall together. During the last days of 8th grade we became special friends. There were a couple of instances after Mott Hall that we ran into each other and we tried to restart our friendship, but for some reason I did not make more of an effort. That will be a decision I will regret for the rest of my life. After reading all the wonderful things others have said about her, I now know I missed out on a wonderful person. I will always keep her in my memories as one of the few people that have touched me. She has taught me to appreciate the good people in my life, for they might not be here tomorrow. A lesson I wish I could have learned in other way. God bless her and her family. Joey. 9/11/2002 4:05:35 PM Name: Jeannette Email: QBBJanet@aol.com Comments: It's one year later and I still can't believe your gone. One day does not go by that I don't think of your beutiful smile. You will always remain in my memories and my heart. To Joanna's family...you are always in my prayers. 9/11/2002 4:09:35 PM Name: MARGARITA MARTINEZ Email: JROMAN1@NYCAP.RR.COM Comments: I really didnt know Joanna once she became an adult . We knew each other when we both went to Jean Martin's Dance School and to Elvis's Piano School. What I do remember about her is how nice she was and what a genuine person she was . I'm so sorry for your lost adn i wanted you to know that she has touched so many lives 9/11/2002 4:19:15 PM Name: Ivet Email: forcun@yahoo.com Comments: Encontré esta página por casualidad y me conmovió mucho lo que leí sobre Joanna. Que dios la tenga en su gloria. Les envio mis mejores deseos a sus familiares y amigos. 9/11/2002 4:36:15 PM Name: Pablo Martinez Email: gundam2771@yahoo.com Comments: Sup everyone, To those that don't know just who I am, My name is Pablo Martinez. My connection to Joanna was that of friendship and I admit we have never shared a deep moment between her and I, we would always say hi to each other whenever we see each other on the street. Joanna always give me a smile whenever we see each other. Joanna and I go back a ways. In other words she and I(along with my sister margie)used to take piano lessons as kids. I used to call her by her last name(the teacher used to call her that way first, and like a dummy I followed).The last time I've seen her was only about a few months ago or something like that. I don't have a lot to say about her and I'm very sorry that she had to go from this world under these horrorific circumstances and hope that whereever god have sent her she whould be happy to find out that she and her memory will not be left in vain. To those connected in some way to Joanna know that you will always have her in your most sincere thoughts. Goodbye Vidal, I'll never forget you. Pablo Martinez 9/11/02 9/11/2002 4:49:50 PM Name: Arlene Bishop Email: gotcoco@att.net Comments: It's been a year and it still hurts to think about what happen on 9/11. I look at Joanna's pictures and I still can't believe. I attended Iona College with Joanna and even though we were not close, I still feel sadness because her life was cut short by such a senseless act. I believe "Life" begins when we die. Our soul goes to Heaven and we start to live "Life" the way God intended us to live - no fears, no pain, no anger,no evil - just love, peace and happiness. And Joanna is starting her true journey - living "Life" the way God intended. 9/11/2002 8:26:01 PM Name: KENIA VICTORIA Email: victoria.kenia@codetel.net.do Comments: HACE YA UN ANO!!!!, PERO LO RECUERDO COMO SI HUBIERA SIDO HOY, SIENTO LA MISMA TRISTEZA QUE SENTI EL DIA QUE ME ENTERE QUE JOANNITA ESTABA DENTRO DE LAS VICTIMAS DEL 11/09. LESBIA, ENRIQUE Y JUNIOR MIS MAS SINCEROS CARINOS PARA USTEDES, QUE DIOS LES BENDIGA Y LES SIGA DANDO MUCHA FORTALEZA. USTEDES SABEN QUE SIEMPRE RECORDARE A MI QUERIDA AMIGA. KENIA VICTORIA 9/11/2002 9:03:47 PM Name: Mauricio Beltre Email: mauriciobeltre@hotmail.com Comments: Just would like to say I sympathize with you for the irrepairable loss of your dear Joanna. As a dominican who grew up in NYC, and as a human being, my heart goes out to you. Despite all the sorrow, don´t get caught up in hatred or vengence. That´s what those who use terror as a means to an end, want us to hold in our hearts. Another thing, I ask myself, if the US is such a great country, why are they hated so much? I guess alot of questions have ran through your minds too. Anyway, just want you to know you have a friend in D.R. and I´m so sorry for what happened. Love, mauricio 9/15/2002 1:44:41 PM Name: Danny Cintron Email: cintron513@yahoo.com Comments: I met Joanna at Iona college. I'll never forget her seemingly perpetual smile and beautiful, kind heart. She was always there to lend a hand or advice to those who needed it. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I found her by chance online one day...that was August, 2001. We had just begun to rekindle our friendship by emailing each other back and forth. I can remember her writing to me about her boyfriend and her family as well as friends we had in common. The last email I sent to her was on Friday, 9/7/01. She responded to it on 9/10/01, however due to the communications malfuntions on 9/11, I didn't recieve the email until 9/20....I had found out that Joanna was taken from us the day before. I remember the email saying that she would be working in the World Trade Center that week and she wasn't too happy about that. I remember how saddened I was by this news...its truly a loss to us all. In January I became a member of the FDNY, and I have to say that I feel as though Joanna, along with all of the other victims of that day are watching over us in some way. I found out about this website through a mutual friend of ours from Iona, and I'm glad I did. So to Joanna, I just want to say thank you for the short time you had with us, we're all better for having known you. To the entire Vidal family I send my condolensces. 9/25/2002 1:57:02 PM Name: Meybol Vidal Email: xmeybolx@hotmail.com Comments: Today I found this page. I have read everything on here. From top to bottom. God bless her soul, she appears to have been a wonderful person. To her family: I am also a Vidal, so it is a great loss on my end as well. I know she is watching over all of you. Kindest thoughts, Meybol Vidal xmeybolx@hotmail.com 10/17/2002 8:45:56 AM Name: Me, Jo...its Hu.. Email: hyanes@hotmail.com Comments: Thank you, darling, for still being there even after all these years.....you remained a source of strength for me and there is not a day that goes by that i miss you....not one.......your passing, Jo, has had a major impact in how i see and react towards friends, family, people i care for...your memories are still very much alive and i can feel you smiling down on us......thanks for your unconditional love.....thanks for helping to ease the pain.....thanks, jo 10/28/2002 11:53:29 PM Name: Raul Email: divinazo@aol.com Comments: To the only Sister I ever had, Happy Birthday.11/3/02 Love You and Miss You! 11/3/2002 12:51:56 AM Name: craig re Email: unionboy@aol.com Comments: My thoughts go out to you and your family. God bless joanna and your family. 11/28/2002 9:16:01 PM Name: Tomasita Ortiz aka Tommie Email: Comments: I knew Jo from Seward Park H.S. She was the kindest soul, and I hope she knows how much her friendship meant to me then, but especially how encouraging her words were during the last few days before we graduated (about 10 years ago now) and even more so on the last day I'd ever see her--Graduation Day '92. News of her passing hit hard and left me without words. I'm saddened that this is how we met again, but God has a special place for such genuinely beautiful people like Jo. My sincerest condolences to her family. 12/5/2002 9:05:46 AM Name: Kishani Email: radhikasb@hotmail.com Comments: I had a look at this beautiful website and tears started to roll down my cheeks. I'm so sorry Joanna that this happened to someone so beautiful as you. But sometimes in life, sad and unfair things happen to good people. But I believe it's God's plan...he needed you up there to be an angel watching over your loved-ones. I bet you're flying with the angels now... My heart-felt condolences to Vidal family. I may be a stranger to you but I feel your pain. Please take care and be strong because Joanna is watching over you. 12/10/2002 9:52:50 PM Name: Leyla X. Jimenez Email: lxjimenez@aol.com Comments: Well, this is not the way that I wanted to find bad news. It is 2003 and somehow I ended up on this website. Out of curiosity, I began reading the entries without realizing that the site was set as a memorial for a Joanna Vidal I knew. I met Joanna the year I worked at the Association and met her briefly right before she left for another position and I left to go back to school upstate. And even though I didn't know her that well, I can tell both from the pics and the heartfelt words that she is deeply missed and was a beautiful and vibrant young woman. I am shocked and sad that she is gone. My condolences go to the Vidal family. Joanna, I know you are amongst the angels. Que Dios te bendigan siempre. 1/15/2003 5:05:07 PM Name: Yvonne Castro-Jolley Email: yzcastro@aol.com Comments: When I first heard about Joanna I was in shock and immediately began to pray for her safe return. I met Joanna through her brother Enrique. Joanna and I weren't intimate friends but I can honestly say that each time she saw me, she would stop and say hi. Her smile could brighten anyone's day. I read all of the well wishes and I have to agree with another member of the Mott Hall family that once you were in, it was for life. Mott Hall was more than just a school. I was fortunant to have made so many wonderful friends who are family to me now. I love all of you and it is why I had to stop and give my hello's to Enrique and family. Regardless of where we are, we are together and so with that I will say that treat everyday as if it's your last and continue to love because it has the power to heal. Love you all, Yvonne and Family 1/19/2003 5:57:24 PM Name: Marilyn Bernard Email: mibgac@aol.com Comments: To the Vidal Family and to Joanna's Fiance, I am very sorry for your loss. As you can see by the date of my post it has taken quite some time for me to visit this site. I graduated from Mott Hall in 1988. I was told that Joanna had past by a fellow Mott Hall graduate. He told me about the site, but for some reason I never visited. Maybe it was denial. I did not want to say that I knew someone who was lost in that senseless tragedy. When I visited the site today, a part of me was hoping that when I saw the pictures I would not remember her, and that would mean that no one I knew was taken away. However, as the web page opened and I saw that smile there was no denying that I knew Joanna Vidal. Like Carlos Lopez who signed the guest book, I immediately remembered the talent show we had, which Joanna partcipated. I was in charge of organizing the show, although many of the students performing were nervous, tense, Joanna was always ready to go. I read the News Articles about her and I was very pleased to read of her great success, which we all knew she would have. Although we were not close friends, I do remember her because she was a wonderful person. One did not have to be a close friend in order to know her. I hope that you have all found some peace in reading the messages left about Joanna. She is a wonderful, memorable young woman. I feel blessed and priviledge to be able to say that I knew her for four years. She is one of a kind. May God bless you, and may He keep her safe and at peace for all eternity. 2/3/2003 1:42:29 PM Name: Juan Rodriguez Email: jrodriguez@dieselus.com Comments: I came upon this website by accident, searching for something so unimportant. I was suprised when I heard the music and even more surprised when I saw the number 9/11. I knew right alway that this was a tribute to someone who many people loved and who tragically is no longer with us. I continue to browse the photo albulm and began to feel so sad for this family who lost someone so especial to them. I felt a sudden urge to write something, but what can I possibly say? Tonight, I will say a prayer for Joanna Vidal. I hope her family finds peace and that their lost is never forgotten.. God bless... 2/23/2003 6:57:09 PM Name: christina Email: christinacastillo@yahoo.com Comments: I was thumbing through looking for strollers and found this site in memory for your daughter. She was a very beautiful girl and baby. Having a 20 year old myself I can't imagine the grief you are going through - except that I am sure one day you will feel her light once more. 3/20/2003 5:34:48 PM Name: Cindy Ramos Email: casujoe12@msn.com Comments: I never had the chance to meet you, but did get the chance to see that smile that everyone talked about. I hope that God is keeping you under his wings and that you will look over us forever. One day we will meet, and exchange those smiles. May your soul rest in peace. 3/24/2003 12:58:23 PM Name: millie Email: loizajl@aol.com Comments: when the war broke out last week flashbacks of septebber 11th 2001 came back to me and i started to cry. i started to remember the people that had died and the families affected and stories of horror that were told to me and how close it was to home friends lost loved ones, etc. Then i reflected on how fortunate i was to not lose anyone. my boyfriend is a police officer in the city and i did'nt see him for 7 days. Finally he came home and I'll i did was cry. he is still in therapy alomost 2 years later. I thanked god and prayed for those families that are still reminded of those days and all i could think of was how blessed i am to be alive. i will pray the families if the passed loved ones . for peace and strength in these times that they are reminded of sad times. my heartfelt prayers go out to you and yours in this difficult times. God bless 3/27/2003 5:30:23 PM Name: Liz Email: lscham2@yahoo.com Comments: I believe that Joanna and all the victims of 9 11 are dancing with God's angels. May they be with our troops who are fighting to save the world from another catastrophe. God's blessing and peace on Joanna's family and all families suffer from the results of terrorism. 4/3/2003 4:19:26 PM Name: wilma kelly Email: sorry dont have 1... Comments: hi im writing here becose i love 2 write on the comeputer......well i am 10 years old and i comeing from sweden and i am a girl ......so i wanna tell u who reading this that i got a .....well what i gonna say ..well me and my very very very very best friend always faiting but we dont wanna f 4/10/2003 5:17:32 AM Name: wilma kelly Email: sorry dont have 1..... Comments: hi....2 me was joanna ..well i dont know becose im was her becose im from sweden.....and i just wanna say that i care about u people bye...... 4/10/2003 5:23:26 AM Name: Marisol from texas Email: cmarisol@hotmail.com Comments: I dont know how this page came about but it truly touched my heart that this young and vibrant girl has such a wonderful and loving family. My thoughts and prayers have been with all the victims of 9/11. Alwyas remember that she will always be alive in spirit and the memories will last a lifetime. God Bless everyone who knew this angel and for bringing her life in pictures for the world to see her legacy prevail................Take care always and continue living she will always know that you love her. 4/14/2003 7:25:20 PM Name: Daniel Email: melgozadaniel@aol.com Comments: Well, First of all I don't know Joanna myself but I was searching the net and I came accross this page. I was really touched by what people had to say about her. I know that she is in a better place looking after everyone with that beautiful smile of hers. To her Family/Boyfriend I feel I came accross this page for a reason and that reason is for Joanna to speak to you trough myself and The LORD is with you be strong and have faith. 5/29/2003 1:01:27 PM Name: jose (rick ) Sanchez Email: sanchez9167@hotmail.com Comments: My feeling might be late but I was in Hawaii when the attacks occurd. I lost touch with everyone that worked with myself and Joanna. I worked with Joanna when she was at Bally's I was the trainer and she was the front desk reception. Joanne in my mind was probably the most sincere person I have ever met. She always had that smile that made you feel comfortable with her. She generally gave you a warm greeting. I was shocked to here this news. Me and Joanna spoke about so much. From career to relationships,she even told me she wanted to join the Marine Corp. My Sincere thoughts go to her family I regret that I never had the oppurtunity to meet them on the many times her mom and father came to pic her up from Bally's. 6/2/2003 9:30:56 PM Name: colleen madden Email: walcol@aol.com Comments: when i was a freshman at iona college and living in brescia hall, my very first friend was a really cool girl named joanna. she was such a strong,beautiful person and we were friends instanlty. she was so outgoing and thoughtful, for instance i said that i liked her slippers one day and when she went home for the weekend she brought me back a pair just like hers. joanna was like social director because if you knew her than she would introduce you to everyone. everyone who met her was just drawn to her because she was a great person. i lived on the other side of the dorms however i spent most of my time hanging out in joannas room because everyone hung out there. when you went to joannas room she would put on the music ,start dancing and everyone just was there because it was fun. i thought she had such a great personality, she would always say "whats up colleen girl" or "hey girl." i also remember that she was always laughing, or in a really good mood. i think she was such a strong,smart, and beautiful person. i feel blessed to say that this wonderful person i described was my friend, and i know that she touched so many lives forever. i know for her family and loved ones the pain of her loss and the reality of her not being there will never go away, i just pray that the pain will ease in time. i remember meeting joannas family several times when we were in the dorms, and i know how much she loved and cared for them. i thank god that i have such great memories of a dear friend that was taken from the world too soon. 6/12/2003 3:57:47 PM Name: Noelia Email: ngarcia23@aol.com Comments: While searching for a song I came accross this site. I have read the messages and looked at the pictures of Joanna. Even though I do not know her family and never met her, I believe she will be remembered as a very special person. God sends angels to this world to brighten the lives of others. She was one of those angels. Your daughter was a beautiful person. Voy a rezar para que Dios la tenga con El y que a uds les de la paz para que puedan seguir adelante como me imagino Joanna hubiese querido. 7/18/2003 10:06:33 AM Name: kevin ivey Email: Comments: I Like It 7/31/2003 9:51:13 AM Name: Diana Email: Comments: Two years ago, today, God sent for one of his angels to return home. Though i did not have the pleasure of knowing Joanna for long, the little i did know of her was immeasurable. She was spirited, energetic, and full of zest. She was a beautiful person inside and out and will be terribly missed. I pray for her and her family as I hold them all in my heart and prayers. I will never forget you Joanna. Descanse en paz. 9/11/2003 6:36:22 AM Name: Laura Email: Laura.Caicedo@morganstanley.com Comments: Joanna I know you're in heaven smiling down on your family and friends. I also attending Mott Hall but Joanna was a year or two older than me. I remember she was popular. My memory of her was in Spring show we had. She performed with two other friends "That's What Friends Are For" and it was very beautiful. God Bless :) 9/11/2003 9:12:46 AM Name: Gloria Email: nenaconsabor413@yahoo.com Comments: On this day of rememberance I sit here in front of my computer as names of the ones we lost are read on tv. I remember seeing Joanna's face in the newspaper as one of the missing. I immediately got flashbacks of her in my gym class at Seward Park H.S. I remember she was always able to do those darn tumble rolls that I couldn't do. I also remember, as everyone else, her smile. She laughed each time it was my turn to do a tumble roll and I would run to the back of the line so that I didn't have to do it. My condolences go out to her family and friends. This is a beautiful site....that will always be graced with Joanna's spirit. 9/11/2003 9:46:29 AM Name: Elizabeth Email: Bonbolongo@Yahoo.com Comments: I didn't have the honor of knowing Joanna personally, but I do actually feel like I did. I have heard so many nice things about her thru my sister-in-law Caroline who knew her. Two years have gone by, and to the mention of 9-11 immediately I think of Joanna and her Mom, who I have also saved a piece in my heart for even without knowing her. May Joanna rest in peace. To her family, God Bless you! 9/11/2003 5:44:33 PM Name: Nathaly Cruz Email: natti1521@aol.com Comments: Today, two years after the death of Joanna Vidal, her memory still lives with me. Every now and then, Icome to this site, I love to just admire her life. I didn't know her much, but of all the articles I read about her and reading what others say about her is enough to know of the value this woman had. I have a picture of Joanna and every day I look at it, it reminds me of how short life can be, and to appreciate every second of my life. Joanna is someone I can look up to, her accomplishments are astonishing, she was successful in her career and also was loved by everyone who knew her. She is an beautiful and admirable person. God Bless You Jo. 9/11/2003 9:09:35 PM Name: Kimairys Tineo Email: kititineo@optonline.net Comments: En este dia recordamos a Joanna y elevamos una plegaria al senor para que su alma siga descansando en paz y para que su familiares y todos los que la quisieron tengan consuelo y resignacion. Paz para su alma y para todos aquellos que se fueron a destiempo ese tragico dia. 9/11/2003 9:42:05 PM Name: JOSE PIMENTEL Email: JOSEPALOTE@AOL.COM Comments: VIDAL THIS IS JOSE YOUR OLD CLASSMATE FROM BCC, I HAVE LOOKED FOR YOU FOR TWO YEARS TO EXPRESS MY CONDOLENCES FOR THE DEATH OF YOUR DAUHGTER, I KNOW IT IS TWO YEARS TOO LATE, BUT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES . 9/18/2003 9:43:23 PM Name: MGBADA JOE,ABA,NAIJA Email: MGBADAJOE@ABA.COM Comments: I LOVE THIS PAGE. KEEP IT UP. 10/13/2003 8:58:52 AM Name: Raul De La Rosa Email: divinazo@aol.com Comments: Happy Birthday My Friend! I still love you!! Raul De La Rosa, Sr. 11/3/2003 10:59:46 AM Name: Email: Comments: happy birthday 11/3/2003 6:11:51 PM Name: larry Buggy Email: larbuggy@hotmail.com Comments: there are no words to say..I'm sorry is too simple 11/18/2003 4:24:45 PM Name: Larry Buggy Email: kilkennykatt@yahoo.com Comments: last week I was in New York. I visited ground Zero. Monique had told me about you. I imagined you working that morning.. I saw your name on the list of lost people. I wondered what you would be doing if those planes had not crashed. I though of the utter waste of it all. I was overcome with Emotion. I focused on you as one person I knew about who had died and who's face I saw in pics and whose name I knew. I said a silent prayer. Then I realised that instead of being dead that you are alive and immortal. I had travelled 3500miles to that site and you were the reality of what happened there, for me. I am told you touched many people in your own way. You did it again on Wed.31 Jan 2004. You touched me and made me understand the total enormity of what happened. Suddenly the utter violence and destruction was replaced by a peace within me. You said HELLO to me and thanked me for calling and thinking about you. You smiled. Now that I have met you , I will think about every day! 1/30/2004 12:22:28 PM Name: Isabel Botticello Email: Tinkerbell1994@bellsouth.net Comments: Sé que no hay palabras para aliviar su pena pero solo quiero que sepan que aunque no la conocí, por lo que he leído, se ve que es una maravillosa persona que tocó de una forma muy especial las personas que tuvieron el honor de compartir su vida terrenal. Ahora ella es un ángel que siempre vivirá en los recuerdos y que desde el cielo vela por el bienestar de todos sus seres queridos. Dios la tenga y guarde en su gloria y a sus familiares les de el consuelo y las seguridad de que algún día la volverán a ver. 3/1/2004 1:06:20 PM Name: ziani sabria Email: sziani@aol.com Comments: mourir c'est toujours triste,perdre un etre cher est un déchirement.....mais nous devons nous réjouir d'avoir connu ces etres exceptionnels au lieu de les pleurer....une inconnue qui compatie 3/24/2004 2:49:52 PM Name: Rick Cornish Email: rcornish@ptd.net Comments: Beautiful young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Take care and justice is soon upon those guilty. 3/27/2004 3:00:14 PM Name: Chris Rivera Email: notacare01@yahoo.com Comments: She will be in my thoughts and my heart forever. 3/29/2004 12:13:52 PM Name: Yanderi Yoguez Email: ysexima64@aol.com Comments: My intentions were to look for something other than what I came across. As I looked into this website, I felt sad and at the same time felt the loss of you as well.From what everyone says about you, you must have been a true angel. May your soul rest in peace. The day will come when we shall all meet once again. As to the family, just keep in mind she's looking over you and protecting you all from up above. 3/31/2004 1:59:19 PM Name: ziani sabria Email: sziani@aol.com Comments: Je n'ai pas connue joanna,mais elle par contre a connue une personne chere a mon coeur............... 4/1/2004 2:12:22 PM Name: Carolina Castillo Email: c_castillo@ml.com Comments: You've been on my mind and i just want to express the privlege i feel to have know you. I decided to attend graduate school at Iona, just like you and i think of you everytime i'm there. Although we weren't very close we had great respect and admiration for eachother....one i will never forget. You were a strong, beautiful, intelligent women---your life wasn't in vain! You were an inspiration to many and your memory will carry on in the hearts of many, including mine...forever! I love you... Caro 4/2/2004 1:09:27 PM Name: Jeremy Email: Comments: I'm from kansas, and don't know her, but this site really moved me. The pictures of her show that she lived a full life. May she rest 4/8/2004 4:50:44 PM Name: Legna Email: LegnaT@msn.com Comments: Out of three children I am the only girl. I had the misfortune of not having an older sister to look up to. But I had the fortune of having Joanna at least for a little part of my life. She was my role model, in silent of course. I just admired her from far away, and wished to be everything she was. A good sister, a great daughter, and above all a great person. I'm sorry I never had the chance to share this with her. As funny as it is I feel like I'm following her steps. At 22 years of age, I will be graduating in May 2005 with a Master in Corporate Communication and hope to find that job that will make me feel accomplished just like she did. Love Legna. 4/24/2004 3:47:31 PM Name: Evelyn Hernandez Email: Tashalgirl@yahoo.com Comments: It has been 3 years since my sis. Joanna has passed, it had took me this long to come into her website because it is still hard for me to except the truth that she is no longer with us. And to see her happy in those pictures and not in person has been really been ruff for me, but now i know that i dont have to worry cause i will see that beautiful smile in person one day. I grew up with Joanna and everytime i saw her the first thing out her mouth was "Hey what's up girl you working or going to school" she was always giving me advise always conserning about my future. She was and still is my inspiration she is what gets me going everyday and i have learn to give really good advise to others because of her. I have so much memories of us growing up, i wanted to go to ballet just cause she had gone to ballet school and she was the person that give me my first tutu for ballet , we were always playing tricks on people she was such a clown and i really miss her and she will always be in the Hernandez heart she is part of our family and she will never be forgotten. I just want Lesbie, Enrique and my brother JunJun to know that we will always be here for you guys no matter what. God bless . Love always Evelyn ( Da Basement ) 5/15/2004 11:52:43 AM Name: Tasha (Crazy Legz) Email: tashalgirl@yahoo.com Comments: I just want to say that Joanna will always have a place in my heart. God Bless Lesbia, Enrique and Junior. Love ya! 5/15/2004 11:58:11 AM Name: Email: Comments: I have never met Joanna, but through this website I can see what a beautiful person she was inside and out. I pray for all who knew Joanna to gain peace and understanding in all of this. God Bless your whole family. 9/6/2004 4:19:46 PM Name: Melissa Figueroa Email: meldiggy20@netscape.net Comments: Jason and Vidal Family, On this eve of Joannas passing, my prayers are with you and also with the many families that grieve during this time. May God continue to give you peace and shine His face on you. 9/10/2004 9:44:32 PM Name: Cindy DeLeon & Eladia,Jose,Michelle,Caryn Email: cindycuties@aol.com Comments: Dear Lesbia & family , just wanted to let you know that my prayers are with you tonight and i'll be thinking of you tomorrow and always..... Joanna, shine your smile upon you family tomorrow and give them strength. You are missed and loved by so many. Rest in Peace ..... 9/10/2004 10:25:53 PM Name: Larry Buggy Email: kilkennykatt@yahoo.com Comments: It is the 11th. of SEptember..Today at 1403, Istopped and thought about ..I said a prayer..and said Hello Joanna. 9/11/2004 12:25:41 PM Name: Theresa Email: tlowe1@entergy.com Comments: To the Vidals and Jason: My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you always. Joanna's spirit and memory live on in each of you. Love and God Bless. 9/12/2004 5:00:28 AM Name: Dery Carvache Email: dcarvache@cabrininy.org Comments: I was going through some of my photo albums with my son the other day & found a few pictures of Joanna. As tears formed in my eyes, I had to explain to my son that she was one of the many innocent soles that were lost on 9/11/01. Although Joanna & I lost touch many years ago, I have very fond memories of her beginning as far as the second grade all the way through our Mott Hall School days. Over the years we had various encounters at college functions & on occassion we would see one another on the A train or walking through the World Trade Center shopping area & only shared a smile or a hello but it was nice to see a familiar face in a mob of so many. As I read through the emails of her family & friends I found myself glad to have none such a great person who touched so many lives in a positive form. On the anniversary of her passing I would like to send my warmest thoughts & prayers to her family & friends. May God grant you all the strength & love you need during these difficult moments. 9/13/2004 10:45:25 AM Name: Rosa Maria Peralta Email: RosaPeralta@prodigy.net Comments: MI mas sincero pesame para toda la familia de Joanna y muy en especial para sus padres. No conoci personalmente a Joanna, pero vi las fotos de ella en esta pagina y su tia es mi amiga. No tengo palabras para expresarles cuanto siento mis sentimientos. Pero tengan presente que mis oraciones y mis deseos de paz y tranquilidad estaran siempre presentes. Dios los bendiga a todos y yo se que Joanna esta en el cielo orando por ustedes. Rosa 9/14/2004 12:06:26 AM Name: Rhay Rosario Email: rhay75@aol.com Comments: I never knew Joanna Personally but she would have been someone I would have liked to know. Sometimes things that happend to the people we love is out of our hands, but we still feel frustruated for not being able to prevent it. Joanna is now with GOD and in peace. Although to overcome the pain and the loss of Joanna's passing will never completely happen, always keep in mind that one day you will be reunited. I give the Vidal family my blessing and support spiritually and may god bless and give you strength. 9/16/2004 2:22:21 PM Name: Mariel Concepcion Email: mariel_concepcion@yahoo.com Comments: Joanna, Though I didn't personally know you, and merely knew of your existence from your brother, Enrique, whom I had a gushing little crush on when I met during our years at A. Philip Randolph High school, learning of your loss was definitely one I felt deep in me. You strike me as someone I would've loved to have known... I hope once you get a peak at this note from the Heavens and through the sky, you will know your story, your passing, and your living touched many lives, more than you could have ever imagined, including mine. I hope you and my sister, Tomiris Concepcion, who passed April 1, 1979 at age 11, have met and have established the friendship you and I didn't. I look forward to meeting the both of you when my turn comes. Mr. and Mrs. Vidal, I had the pleasure of meeting both of you one evening during the early months of 2004, when I visited your home in Yonkers with one of Enrique's friends. I have to say, Enrique and Joanna are very lucky to have what seemed as two loving and dedicated parents. I am positive Joanna is shining down on her family from up above. My deepest condolences. Enrique, We had a brief friendship throughout our adolescent years, where I grew fond of you and enjoyed the few more intimate moments we shared through conversations, giving me the opportunity to know more of you. A few days after Joanna died, you, Joanna's boyfriend, Ari, and I drove around downtown Manhattan, and I have to say, I felt the urge to hug you and let you know how sorry I really was you had to experience such a tremendous lose. I take this opportunity to let you know this, and that, though the phrase is so overrated, you can always count on me, for anything... God bless you all... Joanna, rest in peace... Mariel Concepcion (New York, NY ) September 18, 2004 9/17/2004 4:02:50 PM Name: shaji joseph Email: shajijosephp@hotmail.com Comments: I'm very very sorry for your loss. my name is shaji joseph indian citizen working in DUBAI.Stay strong and when your down always remember to smile and just think that Joanna is probably watching over you always and forever. rgrds shaji & family 9/21/2004 9:36:58 AM Name: Nobody Email: None Comments: Sorry for your loss and that you died. sorry 10/5/2004 6:57:18 PM Name: Email: Comments: Happy Birthday Jo.............. 11/3/2004 8:56:52 AM Name: Larissa Brea Email: larissabrea@hotmail.com Comments: Feliz Cumpleanos Joanna!!! 11/3/2004 5:50:58 PM Name: Email: Comments: Happy Birthday. 11/3/2004 5:57:10 PM Name: Stephanie Mitchell Email: Tasha202@excite.com Comments: Joanna, last night I thought about you and it brought a smile to my face. I almost forgot what a happy person you were, and how happy you made others. It fills my heart with joy to see that people still remember your kindness and beautiful smile after all this time. I want to thank your family for keeping this page going so whenever I want to see that smile I can always come here. I miss you girl. You were the big sister I never had, but always wanted. Love you. 11/9/2004 3:36:14 PM Name: Angel Email: sedine28@hotmail.com Comments: Me atrevo a escribir por que intento ponerme poner en su lugar y es bn dificil pero Dios es poderoso y el tiene una razon para todo no es solo darnos amor sino para muchas cosas ahi una explicacion y para eso esta Dios que es la razon principal espero que Dios los proteja 11/18/2004 12:51:39 AM Name: okeshia clark Email: okshia.i.clark@us.army.mil Comments: sorry for the lost and you look like a very sweet young lady Sgt juan vidal let me see this website and this is a very nice and considered thing your boyfriend did my condolences to you and your family 1/22/2005 1:48:51 PM Name: Cristal V. Email: shortylove207@msn.com Comments: I am very sorry for the lost of johanna is very sad to see a young and intelligent woman die, q descanses en paz y q tus padres amigos y seres queridos sean fuerte y el dolor de no tenerte cerca se alivie por q es muy fuerte. yo personalmente soy de inwood heights y te admiro mucho , q descanses en paz siempre. 2/2/2005 11:14:32 PM Name: Kristi Miller Email: kristikm2000@yahoo.com Comments: Joanna Vidal was a BEAUTIFUL woman and I am so glad I got to read about her here on this site. It breaks my heart that her life was cut short. I will always remember Joanna always, even if I didn't know her. I will keep her in my thoughts forever!!!!!!! God Bless you and all of your loved ones Kristi 2/4/2005 6:08:08 PM Name: Larry Buggy Email: kilkennykatt@yahoo.com Comments: On Jan 22 I returned to South Manhattan. I had my Granson, Brandon, with me. I told him about you and about the horror of 9/11. He too will remember you forever. Your name is still on that railing memorial. You are still remmbered. 2/21/2005 2:19:19 PM Name: norma pichirilo Email: npichi@bellsouth.com Comments: Apesar del tiempo querida prima siempre te recordaremos como en los buenos tiempo junto a tus padre y hermanos, por todo esto no crean querida familia que los hemos olvidado. los quiere siempre. los primos NORMA Y PICHI Desde MIAMI. 3/7/2005 1:09:02 PM Name: Taylor Email: pontera2@aol.com Comments: I didn't know Joanna, but can see that she was a very special person.I came upon the website mistakedly and was impressed with how many people were affected by her untilmely demise on that unfortunate day, 9/11. She was too young,bright,caring,considerate and beautiful to say goodbye to. My prayers are with the Vidal family and her friends. She is definitley an angel. 3/13/2005 9:48:13 AM Name: Julissa Trinidad Email: jtrinidad@mail.com Comments: Joanna, I know it has been a long time since you have left, but everyday I pray for your soul and your family. te adoro. Julie 4/16/2005 8:51:02 PM Name: Allan F. Amaya Email: amaya.allan@verizon.net Comments: I come once again to reflect upon the life of someone so dear to so many and I find it fitting to dedicate and share Poe’s own reflection on the meaning of life through this sweet and short poem. To you Joanna. Retorno una vez más para recapacitar sobre la vida de un ser tan querido para muchos y encuentro apropiado dedicar y compartir las propias reflexiones del poeta norteamericano Edgar Allan Poe sobre el significado de la vida mediante este dulce y breve poema. Para ti Joanna. A DREAM WITHIN A DREAM by Edgar Allan Poe (1827) Take this kiss upon the brow! And, in parting from you now, Thus much let me avow- You are not wrong, who deem That my days have been a dream; Yet if hope has flown away In a night, or in a day, In a vision, or in none, Is it therefore the less gone? All that we see or seem Is but a dream within a dream. I stand amid the roar Of a surf-tormented shore, And I hold within my hand Grains of the golden sand- How few! yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep, While I weep–while I weep! O God! can I not grasp Them with a tighter clasp? O God! can I not save One from the pitiless wave? Is all that we see or seem But a dream within a dream? TRADUCCIÓN AL CASTELLANO «UN SUEÑO» de Edgar Allan Poe ¡Recibe en la frente este beso! Y, por librarme de un peso antes de partir, confieso que acertaste si creías que han sido un sueño mis días; ¿Pero es acaso menos grave que la esperanza se acabe de noche o a pleno sol, con o sin una visión? Hasta nuestro último empeño es sólo un sueño dentro de un sueño. Frente a la mar rugiente que castiga esta rompiente tengo en la palma apretada granos de arena dorada. ¡Son pocos! Y en un momento se me escurren y yo siento surgir en mí este lamento: ¡Oh Dios! ¿Por qué no puedo retenerlos en mis dedos? ¡Oh Dios! ¡Si yo pudiera salvar uno de la marea! ¿Hasta nuestro último empeño es sólo un sueño dentro de un sueño? Versión de: Carlos Arturo Torres 4/18/2005 11:18:34 PM Name: In toilet Email: mortgages@gmail.com Comments: It is nice to see a website with an active board and such a wide range of opinions. Very interesting reading for all who visit. A guy who helps people <a href="http://www.nations-mortgages.net/mortgage-refinance.htm">Refinance</a> existing <a href="http://www.nations-mortgages.net">Mortgages</a> and <a href="http://www.nations-mortgages.net/mortgage-loan.htm">Mortgage Loans</a>. 5/3/2005 9:46:05 AM Name: GEORGE M. TORRES Email: JOELMTORRES@HOTMAIL.COM Comments: 5/8/2005 1:37:20 AM Name: Edgar Berrios Email: edgarberrios@realtyagent.com Comments: I never met Joanna. I was serching the net for information on September 11 and this page came on. I took the time to read people thoughts on her; know her from her friends and family. I have seen her photos. And i must admit that i cried a lot. Before "meeting" Joanna; S-11 was a political, criminal history act. Now i start to deep in the emotional human tragedy it really was. Now more than ever i beleive that terrorism must be erradicated. How many lives will have an incomplete world because of Joannas absence. Multiply that for over 800. To the family my eternal love and gratitude for sharing such a beautifull life with the world. To the friends, when you need strenght think of her, in her last minute she was not concerned with her pain, but with lacking the time for telling all of you that she loved you all. And to her love, i hope that life can bless you again with some one so wonderfull. Edgar Berrios Bayamon PR 6/4/2005 5:09:18 PM Name: Larry Buggy Email: kilkennykatt@yahoo.com Comments: On Monday 23 May I was in Manhattan.I called to Ground Zero and said hello...your spirit still draws me from across the Atlantic... 6/5/2005 2:00:39 PM Name: Yolanda Becerril-Calderon Email: Sexyspanfly@verizon.net Comments: It's hard to beliieve that it's going on 4 years now that your light here on earth has dimmed. I still see your light in the sun and in the moonlight amongst the heavens and above the stars for you still shine brightly. I still recall your smile and your laughter. I miss you very much and I've missed you even before you passes. I pray every day that I will get a chance in heaven to tell you how you helped change my life with your kind words of advice. I had a dream the other night we were at "streets" with Jeanette and Amanda and you and I had on the same shirt and you gave me back my highschool ring. I never changed it back, it reminds me of you. Whenever I think of you I look at it. God bless you Joanna, you, Amanda and Jeanette made my last years at CNR worthwhile. I remember all the fun and good times we had. I have four beautiful children now and a truck. I named my truck Joanna, because she is going places just like you always were. I also took your advice and I married Angel. You were right I would still be waiting if I didn't accept him. 10 years strong. You are my guardian Angel. I pray for you everyday. I have one picture of you that I treasure with all my heart, I hope you like the roses and the candle I lit in your honor yesterday. I promised to do this everytime I dream of you. I hope I've done a good job of keeping my promise. It's hard to visit your sights. I had more couragetoday than any other day. Thank you.....Yolanda 6/21/2005 8:50:53 AM Name: Lorena Email: figura81@yahoo.com Comments: 7/15/2005 9:52:14 AM Name: Jeannie Sotomayor Email: jeannieandrea@hotmail.com Comments: As soon as this week began, thoughts of the upcoming anniversary have flooded my mind. I have visited Joanna's site a number of times and have great memories of our Mott Hall days. I witnessed the tragedy from my office window and I will never forget it. Life is so precious and so short. Time does fly by and I can't believe it's been four years. It seems as though it just happened. 9/9/2005 4:39:54 PM Name: Mark Pearson Email: mark.pearson30@btinternet.com Comments: On this sad day, I think about Joanna even though I never knew here. God bless you darling. 9/11/2005 1:00:01 PM Name: Larry Email: kilkennykatt@yahoo.com Comments: You are still remembered 9/11/2005 2:55:36 PM Name: Hu Email: hyanes@hotmail.com Comments: Hey.....We love you more than ever and miss you terribly. Love you, Jo. 9/11/2005 3:52:13 PM Name: Adrien Email: Comments: Joanna I know you’re up there with our Lord and I can only imagine your happiness right now. You are dearly missed but I will see you again one day. Adrien J Rodriguez Seward Park H.S. 9/11/2005 10:24:15 PM Name: AFM Email: Comments: I only know of Joanna through a family member yet I find myself thinking about her and her family on Sept 11th for the last four years. Looking at her pictures one can see that she was beautiful and seemed so full of life, her smile was captivating. I can't begin to imagine the loss being felt by her family but hope they can take comfort in knowing that she is in a better place. God bless you all. 9/11/2005 11:01:32 PM Name: Me Email: =) Comments: Joanna, Eventhough I have never had the honor of meeting you I can see through all the kinds words said about you, that you were such a beautiful person. I pray for your family to find peace in your passing. God Bless You and your Family. 9/12/2005 8:20:00 AM Name: Darío Mateo Gómez Email: kalondi@sbcglobal.net Comments: Enrique, mi mas sentido pésame por la muerte de tu querida hija. Aún recuerdo que perdiste una hermana tambien a temprana edad al igual que yo cuando vivíamos en el Barrio en La Romana. Apenas me acabo de enterar a través de un familiar que envió un correo y conocía a Joanna. Extiendo mis condolencias a toda tu familia, siempre los recuerdo. 9/20/2005 11:00:51 PM Name: Robert (Veniero)Zerilli Email: robertz1894@aol.com Comments: Hello everyone, I did not know Joanna but I did just have the pleasure of meeting Joanna's Mother & Father tonite in front of my Pastry shop here in the "East Village". Joanna's father told me about her untimely passing four years ago and it touched me deeply. Our conversation all started over riding motorcycles. I just came back from my 4300 mile trip on my Harley-Davidson and Joanna's father explained to me his fondness for riding. Well we all know how one thing leads to another and I started talking about possibly setting up some sort of memorial ride for Jody Lane ( a women who also had an untimley death) and Joanna's father said if I want to do it then don't have any regrets just do it! Well after hearing about his loss and realizing that we are all somehow connected in this fragile world of ours I thought YES!! I will try and organize this memorial motorcycle run. Jodie also lost her life at a very tender young age of 30 years. You might remember it was all over the newspapers about a year and a half ago when she was walking her dogs and tragically stepped on an electrified portion of a manhole cover in the street. She was getting her Ph.D. at Columbia's Teachers College. PEOPLE NEED TO REMEMBER OTHER BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!!! I have a young daughter named Katrina who just turned Twenty this past August 29th. I feel that a parent should never have to mourn the loss of any child and it just makes me realize how lucky we are to spend the time we have with them while they are alive. ALWAYS CHERISH the MOMENTS you have with THEM. My daughter was going to Rhode Island's school of Design but was not happy there so she transfered out and moved all the way to Oakland, CA (California College of Arts.) She is happy there now but I don't get to see her as much now. I realize this could change year to year but I also realize that I have to let her live her own life so she can turn out to be a brite, happy, confident young lady like Joanna & Jodie. I'm sure if I met Joanna she would have been all the the beautiful things and more and I know that because I happened to meet her parents on this a beautiful early fall evening in the East Village and when I hear them tell me they sre married for over 30 years that speaks major volumes. I myself have been married Twenty years and I could not imagine being with anyone else. I wish the best for you two and I hope that we will meet again. Never Forget! Ciao, God Bless! Robert F. Zerilli Veniero's Pasticceria & Caffe 342 E. 11th Street New York, NY, 10003 (212)-674-7070 9/24/2005 11:07:50 PM Name: Linnea Email: Comments: I've stumbled upon this webpage by accident and I couldnt help but notice Joanna's smile. She seemed nice. Good luck in the furture. /Linnea Sweden 9/26/2005 1:24:02 PM Name: Antonio R. Lora (Spank) Email: spank149@yahoo.com Comments: It's been 4 years to date and I still can't believe you are gone. We had on and off contact after College, but I will always remember the times We joked with our friends and the advices You gave me to get through. You are still a truly good friend and will always be in mind remembering your words. Spank 10/5/2005 5:51:40 PM Name: Yvonne Email: yvonne27@verizon.net.do Comments: Please accept my deep condolences regarding your daughter's loss. Although I never knew her, I can only imagine what a wonderful person she was. You must cherish every memory that you have of Joanna and always remember all the wonderful times that you shared together. Joanna is in a better place, and I am sure that she is whatching over all of her family. God bless. 10/17/2005 10:29:16 PM Name: emchy Email: not needed Comments: i thinks its propa sad an all! :(:( n i love ya song! ya gal wa propa pretty! am sorry for ya loss 10/23/2005 12:15:40 PM Name: emchy Email: not needed Comments: i thinks its propa sad an all! :(:( n i love ya song! ya gal wa propa pretty! am sorry for ya loss 10/23/2005 12:16:09 PM Name: Julissa Email: Jtrinidad@mail.com Comments: Your birthday is coming and I think of you every day, but especially on your birthday--How I wish you could hear me sing to you. Happy birthday Joanna--you are always on my mind. 10/31/2005 10:22:28 PM Name: Julissa Email: Jtrinidad@mail.com Comments: Your birthday is coming and I think of you every day, but especially on your birthday--How I wish you could hear me sing to you. Happy birthday Joanna--you are always on my mind. 10/31/2005 10:33:52 PM Name: micayla burrows Email: Comments: as i look for the rose by bette midle this page comes up woth this beautiful girl that i relize has died. I learn later that this girl has died from 9-11. n right now at this very molment i have a tear dripping down my face. I read all the great things people have said about her and i read the articles about her and i have to say she was generally an amazing and inspiring leader. n i never met her n i never knew her but i love her. n although it is a little late to be saying this i am sorry for your loss i say that to her friends her family and anybody who has read thease pages. ni just say to you i love you also. 9-11 is a tragety that no amount of time or money can fix. ~ a 13 year old from nashua NH 11/1/2005 6:14:49 PM Name: Ross Murphy Email: Rossmurphyohyer@hotmail.com Comments: Sorry for your loss she had a smile of an angel 11/3/2005 3:45:47 AM Name: Email: Comments: Happy Birthday Joanna. I wish I would have had the chance to meet you. You seem like such a beautiful person. Im sure I would have loved you. 11/3/2005 1:47:10 PM Name: Jess Email: cheeky_munky23@hotmail.co.uk Comments: I was on windows media and i was looking up Enrique Iglesias: Hero and this website came up. I read about your comments about Joanna and eventhough I didn't have the pleasure of knowing her I feel like she was a wondefull person that did not deserve to die. The September 11th attacks are something that I feel very strongly against and I feel so sad for anyone who was involved in them (with actually being there or having friends or family there). Fortuneately I didn't had family or friends there but I still feel so sad about what happened. As I'm from England it may seem that it didn't effect our country directly but it actually did. People like myself feel completely torn apart about what happened and it wasn't fair. I know I'm only 14 and as I haven't known any people personally who were there then you are probablly thinking 'You don't know anything about it' and I know I don't know half the pain that you have been in but I just wanted to say that eventhough I didn't know Joanna my thoughts will be with her and you forever. Love Jess xxxxx 11/7/2005 2:11:23 AM Name: andrea Email: tha_angelic_one@mixedrace.com Comments: I've lost lots of people in my life and it never gets easier im very sorry about your loss but we all know their angels watching over us im sorry 11/7/2005 11:17:19 AM Name: Lisa Email: Comments: Even though I never meet Joanna, I understand the pain that you have gone and are still going through I myself lost someone on 9/11/01. It is not easy but we must keep are heads up and think about the good times we had with are loved ones. I would just like to wish Joanna a Belated Happy Birthday, and to her family I'm sorry for your lost. Keep safe, Joanna and eveyone else that passed away that day will always be in my heart. 11/9/2005 5:24:25 PM Name: eve Email: - Comments: this is such a beautiful memory. This is so touching. Joanna was obviously very well loved. May she rest in peace. Although I never knew her, I can see how amazing and beautiful she was. My greatest sympathies to such a wonderful spirit and her family. 11/13/2005 1:57:17 PM Name: Carl Chadbourne Email: IceColdFantaLemon@Gmail.com Comments: Well this website is truely great and Joanna sounds like a perfect girl. Its a shame that she had only had very little time on this earth... she deserves alot more and theres not enuf people like joanna who really appreciate friends but most importantly, family. I only came across this website by accident but reading it has made me appreciate how short life really is and its made me change my mind about my whole life. I might only be 16 living in the UK but if this happened to a member of my family i dont no what i would do. The same if it was my girlfriend or my friends. I can now see my life wouldnt be what it is now without them so thankyou. -Carl- (Peterborough, England) 11/14/2005 10:52:15 AM Name: Fabiola Henriquez Email: laromana11374@walla.com Comments: Mi Nena adorada, hoy he sentido un abrumante deseo de conversar contigo, de comer helado y pizza contigo, y de que me dieras uno de esos abrazos especiales tuyos que siempre tuvíste sólo para mi. Tu Fabo no deja de pensar en tí nunca. Por favor, acepta de nuevo un humilde tributo de tu Tía que te adorara siempre. EN LA MUERTE DE UNA ROSA Jaime Marcano Montañés Fuiste un sueño de luz, sólo un latido Del corazón sutil de la belleza. La vida de una flor es un suspiro De la naturaleza. Volaste hacia mi vida, dulce encanto, Con las alas de un perfume soñoliento. Fijaste tu presencia inmaculada Muy dentro de mi sueño. Para mi ser no has muerto, rosa mía Sembraste en mis pupilas tu mirada, Y al cosechar la siembra ¡Hoy miro con los ojos de tu alma! I love you my Nena 'Ciosa, 'til I see you again. Fabiola 11/18/2005 11:25:00 PM Name: Ninja Email: Comments: hello joanna, I saw your photo on this side and afterwards your death date. My heart was fulfilled non pain and wrong. You were still like that young. My brother is also only 30, I could actually cry. On this day very many humans, too many died!! But straight young humans to die had do to each Men on this earth much pain. All lost the someone, wish I much luck and strength for the remainder of their life. You are now an angel, you siehtst me write and are surely agitated. Man should these terrorists locking up, but which would already use that. Nothing. I wish much strength on its life way to your family and wish them still another beautiful life. This day, which will always remain 11 September 2001 in each heart of humans in this world, will become each year thousands candles will burn, only for the deceased, who are now protection gel. With completely dear greeting Ninja 11/19/2005 1:33:59 PM Name: shaina Email: shainabrocha@hotmail.com Comments: I typed in on windows media hero- enrique and I clicked one of them and then this site came up. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, she sounds like a very nice person, I hope that the rest of your life brings you much joy. I don't really know what else to say as I'm only 13 in less than a month. 11/19/2005 6:33:30 PM Name: Erin Myers Email: erin_renee69@yahoo.com Comments: I was searching for the song "The Rose" on Windows Media player and this website was one of the results. I sit here at work listening to the song while tears run down my face. I didn't know Joanna but her friends and family are in my prayers tonight. God Bless. 11/22/2005 9:27:01 PM Name: BIG .....D Email: Comments: IF THIS SITE ISNT A TRAP THEN ITS A VERY SWEET THING YOUV DONE FOR YOUR DAUGHTER AND I FEEL VERY SORY FOR YOU . SHE SEEMED A GREAT PERSON 11/25/2005 1:54:18 AM Name: Lisa O'Brien Email: sweetphoenix8@hotmail.com Comments: Although i did not know Joanna. I'm sorry to hear of your loss in such a tragic and terriable way on the day of the attack on the twin towers, seeing her pictures and comments on here she sounds like a great angel that would brighten up anyone's day. The day the attack happened i couldn't believe it happened but as each year goes by i am sure Joanna is at peace and not in pain, it was a day i will never forget as it touched me dearly and also mourned for those that did not survive and the family's too. Joanna may you rest in peace, God bless. 11/26/2005 2:22:35 PM Name: Maria Email: curran_maria@yahoo.co.in Comments: Well....i dont know where to begin from..i was just wanting to listen to Enrique Iglesis song-Hero..when i came upon this site...i dont know why but my heart just wanted to read on and when i saw Joanns picture it really touched my heart...and i kept thinking what was the purpose behind it..and as i read along i had tears in my eyes and i am still crying as i type along..i know it is too late to be saying this..but i am truly sorry for your loss & i pray that God would bless you all that loved her..Maria..INDIA 11/27/2005 12:24:38 PM Name: Anonymous Email: lawgrl801@hotmail.com Comments: I knew Joanna from college. We knew each other well. Very well. We had something in common and I'll keep that in my heart and memory. Where people thought I was just a stupid, naive girl, Joanna saw past all that and gave me the benefit of the doubt. She saw me as a person with feelings and intelligence, and gave me that respect. It took a while for this to happen, but it did and I will always be grateful for that. I always remembered thinking that she was just this incredible person with such incredible understanding. It's taken a while for me to write because I'm not sure of what I would have said when I found out about this tragedy. She made me re-evaluate my life once I saw all that she had achieved in so short a time. I recently got married and just in reading her guestbook realized that Joanna never got the chance to experience that. She'll never have the chance to experience the joy of having a family; it's these thoughts that strike me with a profound sadness at the senselessness of Joanna's passing. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt apologies to her boyfriend. Sometimes in these types of tragedies, the people you share intimate moments with go unnoticed. I'm sure this may not have been the case for you, but she built a life with you and you both shared thoughts and feelings that no one else would ever or could ever understand and you'll never feel those things again! I know that even if you have moved on, Joanna will always be a part of your soul. My deepest and utmost apologies to her mother and father and brother, who feel the pain of losing an angel. You had a lifetime with Joanna and it was sadly cut short. The pain you feel is unimaginable. This is a beautiful tribute and a beautiful site. May she rest in peace and watch over you all. 12/2/2005 11:57:19 AM Name: Jolene Email: jolene_b22@hotmail.com Comments: I hope that u know that she is in a better place 12/3/2005 1:36:31 PM Name: Max Norton Email: sirmaxalot_fbi@hotmail.com Comments: I never knew you Joanna Vidal, I never saw you in person. But I can surely tell that you are a beautiful person both inside and out even tho I never met you, and from the words of your freinds on how they feel about you, it sounds like you trully are an angel and will be missed emensley. I am an Australian,I know whats it feels like to have my own country under attack, and to all those families that have lost someone close from such tragic events,i send my heart felt condolnences take care and have a merry christmas Max Norton- Brisbane Australia 12/4/2005 4:39:41 AM Name: amy-lou Email: hooksy_amy@hotmail.com Comments: hia, you not know me but i would just like to say that i am extremely sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you...xXx 12/5/2005 9:58:35 AM Name: Rozelle Branch Email: rozelle_branch@hotmail.com Comments: After finishing a pretty tough exam today i sat infront of my computer to listen to some music, my intention was to listen to Enrique Iglesias's Hero, meanwhile this window poped open.Its amazing how i found myself( for the last hour) reading all of the messages posted, absolutely no one had anything bad to say about Joanna,furthermore she seem to be a friendly kind ,caring and intelligent person.Just reading about her gives me hope that there really are good people out there and she was one of them,I'm glad i came across this page, it has given me so much hope for so many things and hope to live life to the fullest as she did. You seemed to have been a beautiful person Joanna, may you rest in peace.To your parents and family you will be forever in my prays and thoughts 12/5/2005 7:10:56 PM Name: Providence Chola Email: cholaprovidence@yahoo.com Comments: As a believer in God,I have come to accept that man was destined to die.But sometimes I ask myself questions like " Why did this person have to die at such a tender age?" Most of the times I feel pity for such people. But just put everything in the hands of God the creator of the universe and its contents. May Joana's sole rest in peace. But I know that her spirit continues to live. To family members I say "have strength and trust in God". PROVIDENCE 12/6/2005 9:17:08 AM Name: Blanca Susana Lezo Villanueva Email: veronica999@bellsouth.net Comments: I relly dindn't know joanna but what I had read she was a hopeful person and caring.Lo unico que les puedo ofreser es mi mas grande pesame porque yo pienso que es muy duro perder a halguien que amas con todo el corazon.Yo tengo apenas 14 anos pero entiendo el sufrimiento que deben de tener porque es muy duro perder a una persona como era joanna...Cuando estaba leyendo las cosas que hacia joanna ,coo siempre sonreir y tambien cuando decia que la vida es muy corta y ay que vivirla al maximo me puse a pensary llegue ala conclusion que yo no vivo la vida haci.Me di cuenta que siempre tienes que vivir cada segundo y cada minuto de tu vida como si fuera el ultimo. YO SE QUE NADA DE LO QUE PUDAN DECIRLE BA A AREGLAR EL DOLOR QUE TIENEN PERO PIENSEN QUE DESDE DONDE ESTE JOANNA LES ESTARA DICIENDO QUE SEAN FELIZES Y QUE NUNCA SE DEN POR BENCIDOS.... 12/8/2005 8:27:05 PM Name: anon Email: anon Comments: the only reason this site came up was as i was trying to listn to 'Hero' by Enrique Inglesias. I read the main page, and i found it moving... i am usually a prson who is reasonably unemotional.... but that made me think 12/12/2005 12:54:47 PM Name: Email: Comments: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10) I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3) Many times we must endure hardships to be brought closer to God. God bless Joanna. She was wonderful. 12/15/2005 1:48:19 PM Name: georgie negron Email: ne Comments: may god be wit yall 12/29/2005 9:49:10 AM Name: Brandon Email: bfornes@hotmail.com Comments: I just stumbled across this memorial site b/c if I had known about it, I would've definitely holla'd sooner. See, I met Joanna in Iona College, freshman year, 92'. We became good friends and a bunch of us spent countless hrs. just hanging tough. Although we eventually lost contact, I never forgot nor will ever forget those memories. My heart goes out to the whole Vidal family. Joanna, till we meet again, my friend... 12/29/2005 2:30:34 PM Name: Me Email: Comments: I just felt like passing through to read new entries from those who love you. There are so many people who have such wonderful things to say about you. I enjoy reading about you and how precious and beautiful you were.(and always will be) Im saddened that I never had the honor of meeting you. God Bless you Joanna and everyone who who knew you. 12/30/2005 2:58:52 PM 1/6/2006 1:57:44 PM Name: PAUL THOMPSON Email: PTHOMPSON19762000@YAHOO.CO.UK Comments: HI, I JUST FELT I HAD TO WRITE SOMETHING AFTER READING SO MANY MOVING TRIBUTES PAID TO WHAT SEEMS LIKE SUCH A WARM, LOVING PERSON, I LIKE MANY OTHERS DID NOT KNOW HER BUT WAS LOOKING FOR BETTE MIDLER'S SONG THE ROSE. ME AND MY WIFE BOTH THINK THAT THE ROSE AND WIND BENEATH MY WINGS ARE BOTH VERY FITTING SONGS FOR JOANNA. I LIVE IN ENGLAND AND I WRITE/COMPOSE MUSIC. 1/6/2006 3:52:00 PM Name: Carmen Email: Zujailar74@aol.com Comments: HI Joanna, sorry that I have not prayed for you lately, I pray that you are happy and provide guidance to your loved ones. God Bless you always. Carmen 1/18/2006 10:16:01 AM Name: me Email: mine Comments: Hello Joanna. Just stopping by to look at your page and read the beautiful entries those who love you have left. I have to say that Im very disappointed. I really wish someone could clean up this site. Its such a wonderful site, with so many beautiful things said about you. Its a shame that there have been so many people trying to solicite on your page. I just want all of those people to know that this page is to honor you and your life. They should have respect and not put nonsense on your page. God Bless you and Your Family!! 2/5/2006 7:20:40 PM Name: Karin Email: mausi3452@sms.at Comments: On the photos Joanna Vidal looks really lovely and pretty. It's horrible what happend on that date. And what happend to the family of Joanna Vidal, the pain to lose such a wonderful person must be horror! Today I will pray to god for that family! wishes Karin 2/9/2006 1:10:33 PM Name: Mark Coffell Email: markcoffell2224@hotmail.co.uk Comments: I go onto this page nearly every day. However I fell, I always refer back to Joanna, and try to live my life the way Joanna did. She was a wonderful human being, and I am sure that you were all proud of her. Joanna will stay in my heart, as she will in evryone's that knew her. I said a prayer for you all in church, and I am sure that she is smiling over all of you. x x x mark coffell 2/18/2006 8:11:47 AM Name: hannah aged 13 Email: hazology@hotmail.com Comments: im very sorry about joannas death she was beautiful and she wil be looking down on you,its such a tragedy that someting like this could happen my thought are with you,love hannah xx 2/28/2006 9:10:36 AM Name: sadaf Email: Comments: ive seen how the terror attacts divasted everyone in america but just as america, england been hurt too. I had the advantage of coming from london to go and see the divastaion but I have never heard a story so emotionally strong and affected. im unfortunate to not meeting joanna 3/12/2006 9:36:44 AM Name: marmstrong Email: smucker-22@hotmail.com Comments: im sorry for your loss... r.i.p feel better..but remember joanna will be always with you...foreverr.. 3/14/2006 8:24:16 PM Name: Email: Comments: I entered this site by accident however the website really moved me, I just wanted to share my thoughts really nad let you know what was going through my mind. Obviously, I heard of what happened, but hearing it from such a personal point of view from people that have lost a loved one due to this made me realise that we have to live every day as if it was our last because we will never know how long we are going to get-like you said in the poem-we will never know how long our dash will show. I just wanted to say how truly sorry I am for your loss-Joanna sounds like an amazing inspiration. I cant imagine what you are going through-but this will make you stronger and she will always be in your hearts and in your minds. This website is beautifull, it made me realise that love is what matters, Love is maybe all that matters. Stay Strong, she will always be with you. 5/1/2006 12:05:54 PM Name: Email: Comments: I came across this site whilst looking for a song the content moved me more than anything else I have ever seen or read; I wanted to say how truly sorry I am; I cannot imagine losing someone i loved as much as you clearly loved, and still love Joanna. Joanna sounds like a beautiful person inside and out; she seems like a true inspiration. This site made me realise that love is what matters. 5/1/2006 12:27:02 PM Name: me Email: me Comments: Hello Joanna. I know we have never met but I have written you before. I think its sad what has happened to your guestbook. There are so many people posting crap on here. They should be ashamed to do that on a site that celebrates the life of wonderful person. I know I have never had the chance to meet you... but I can see what a wonderful person you were. Your family was blessed to have you in their lives and Im sure they think of you each day. God Bless you and Your Family. 5/16/2006 3:41:44 PM Name: anonymous Email: anonymous Comments: Joanna ...I havent had the chance to meet you. I randomly fell on your web site and all i can say is may you rest in peace. You were an amazing person...everyone loved! You have agreat family and frriends here that care so much about u..and will never forget u make heaven an even beautifuler place with u! Thank you for being such an amazing person and putting a smile on so many peoples faces...people like u no longer exist or are very rare to find...Someday I hope to be a person like u...You are aan inspiration...my hero:) 5/23/2006 4:14:04 PM Name: Miranda Email: midnightrayne99@yahoo.ca Comments: I am not sure how i got here actually but i am glad that i did. Joanna is very beautiful. My prayers are with her and your family. 8/3/2006 4:17:04 PM Name: Michael Free Email: Comments: God bless! 5/29/2007 3:32:09 PM Name: julissa Email: Jtrinidad@mail.com Comments: Joanna, I just want you to know that I pray for you everyday, specially when I look at your picture. Believe it or not you change my life for better. I hope you know how much I care for you. besos, Julissa 7/4/2007 9:18:35 AM Name: anon Email: Comments: I heard of this website some years back and actually found it. Now is the anniversary of a melancholy day. I went to RPI with Jason and I am so sorry for the loss of this lady. I will never forget her and I never met her. No one deserves this. I am truly sorry. 9/11/2007 1:20:38 AM Name: Anonymous Email: Comments: I come to this website and think about what I would say. How can you express pain and sorrow for countless of lives that were affected by such an event? I express it through hope and looking for ways to prevent this in the future. I wish someone could show me the way to stop these events, I wish someone could stop these events, ... Its so difficult to express the feelings that thinking about this bring up. I hope that you can guide us with your light towards the path of understanding. 9/11/2007 9:47:06 AM Name: Shari Email: sharal_707@hotmail.com Comments: Hey Jo, It's Sept. 11 2007, 9:34am and I'm just thinking what could we have done to made it different that day, six years ago. I miss you now just as much as back then, even more really. We all try to be stong, like I am sure you want us to be, but believe me you were the strong one, we just appear to be it. Even though your empty space is filled with such good memories, we still feel it and always will, but it will always be full of the love you left behind also, and that is the complexity of it all; you're no longer with us yet you will remain in our hearts until our time comes to departed and join you. You'll always be love and remembered. Lov you, your cousin, your friend, your sister. 9/11/2007 9:50:02 AM Name: Ann Email: veniss27@hotmail.com Comments: May the Lord have you in his house, and may you continue to give strength, love and courage to all those knew you..............God Bless you and your family. 9/11/2007 10:49:43 AM Name: Wanda Montoya (Herrera) Email: wmontoyao6@hotmail.com Comments: Crazy that after so many years I see her picture on HI5 a friend posted a blog to remember her yesterday 9/11/07. even tho I personally did not know her I did see her from time to time and from what everyone says she was a loving and caring girl. the lord be with her and her family and everyone that lost their life on 9/11. Glod Bless! Wanda Herrera 9/12/2007 9:40:25 AM Name: JAY SCHWITZMAN Email: SCHWITZMAN@AOL.COM Comments: I recently had dinner with Enrique Vidal and spoke to him about my 6 year old daughter. He gave me advice on father daughter relationships and how I should treasure the time I have with my daughter. Later that evening I learned that Enrique lost his daughter in 9-11. The next day I told my wife and she told me about this web site because she had written her thoughts in this memorial website. I logged on and saw the pictures of Joanna. What a beautiful child! What a senseless loss. My heart goes out to the Vidal family. I hope that everyone that reads this will treasure the ones they love. 10/28/2007 9:21:55 PM Name: Stephanie Email: Tasha202@excite.com Comments: Hey Jo, I woke up today and you popped in my head. I remember when I began working as an intern and the ABCNY, you were one of the first people to introduce yourself to me. And then one weekend when I came home for a break from school, Shamon said she saw you and you wanted to have lunch with us. I am so sorry that I kept putting it off. I guess I just thought that we would have more time, I was wrong. I just wanted to let you know that I love you and I miss you. And to the vidal family you will always be in my prayers. 1/27/2008 10:12:54 PM Name: Ralph Gonzalez Email: emminentfront@yahoo.com Comments: I did not know Ms Vidal, but i had a friend who also perished in 9/11. Que dios la bendiga............... 2/4/2008 6:58:40 PM Name: Chris Conchado Email: stewgetsin@aol.com Comments: I went to Iona College with Joanna. I met her in speach class. It was my favorite class largly because of her. It was a very interactive class so I really got to see the true side of her. Everything that everyone has said an written about her is true. She was as near a perfect person that God has ever created. All you had to do was see that smile that was always on her face and it allowed you to look right into her heart abd soul. She was 100% good. I think about her alot, especially around this time of year. Her memory makes me smile, we had alot of laughs together. I went to the Kensiko Damn today and saw her name on the 911 monument and broke down. It didn't matter who was around, the tears just fell. On my way to the damn I asked myself how would I describe her. Then i saw what was enscribed about her on the memorial. It was almost to the word as to what I had thought of. It was nice to see that my thoughts weren't just of my own. And every year on this day i watch the ceramonies on t.v. and wait for them to say her name. It was my absolute honor to have met Joanna and to have been able to call her my friend. Joanna,,, you are missed more than you could have ever known. I know I will see that smile on the other side. Bye for now angle. 9/11/2008 1:40:58 PM Name: RAUL Email: rdelarosa@univision.net Comments: Joanna - mi hermana, sabes que siempre esta en mi pensamiento. your friend for life - Raul De La Rosa 9/11/2008 6:56:37 PM Name: Hu.... Email: Comments: Happy Birthday, my angel! Always in our thoughts. Always. 11/3/2008 4:19:56 PM Name: julissa Trinidad Email: jjt323@gmail.com Comments: I know if would have been your b-day on Nov. 3rd, just know that I prayed for you and I hope that where ever you are you are fine. besos, Julissa 11/7/2008 5:19:32 PM Name: Anon Email: Comments: We will never forget. 9/10/2009 9:26:38 PM Name: Email: Comments: Our thoughts are with you and your family. 9/10/2009 10:22:59 PM Name: Tracy Email: trobinson72@hotmail.com Comments: Remembering Joanna Vidal. I miss your beautiful smile. Just know that you will never be forgotten. 9/11/2009 11:33:47 AM Name: Crystal Correa Email: crystalanncorrea@yahoo.com Comments: In memory of all the wonderful people who were lost on this day 8 years ago. I didn't know Joanna personally but I know her brother. I know that she must have been an amazing person and it's a shame that such a wonderful person was lost. May she rest in peace and may God be with her family always. Name: Jared Email: jaredkotz@gmail.com Comments: I think of her and the others every day. I will never understand. 9/11/2009 4:39:00 PM Name: Julissa Trinidad Email: jjt323@gmail.com Comments: Joanna, I will never forget you-- I want your family to know that you are always in my hear. I cannot believe that it has been 8 years, it seems like yesterday. I can see your smile in my mind and I hope you are smiling at the sight of God's presence. Besos, Julissa 9/11/2009 11:00:42 PM Name: Raul Email: rdelarosa7@comcast.net Comments: Un ano mas y siempre pienso en ti. Hoy le ensene una foto a mi hijo de ti que nacio en Enero del 2002 y le explique de nuestra amistad. I miss you!! - Raul 9/11/2009 11:04:21 PM Name: Carlos Delarosa Email: cdelarosa44@gmail.com Comments: Joanna, although another year’s gone by since you left us never be forgotten. Tony. 9/12/2009 5:51:23 AM Name: Email: Comments: Happy Birthday... You will never be forgotten.MRC 11/3/2009 8:31:30 PM Name: Frank Lombardo Email: frank.lombardo816@gmail.com Comments: This is a shame.I am very sorry for your loss.Seemed like she had a million things going for her.She wasnt a six figure earning executive in the towers.She was just a girl.This taking down of the twin towers was U.S.conspiracy.I truly believe this.Again,Im sorry.Truly I am 12/8/2009 6:36:12 PM Name: JLA Email: Comments: Haven't visited in awhile - RIP 7/24/2010 9:20:53 PM Name: fatimahenriquez perez(cuchita) Email: fatimahenriquez@hotmail.com Comments: hola lesbia, nunca es tarde, siempre he estado contigo desde aquel dia fatal, le pido a Dios cada dia por ti y familia, talvez no hice sufuciente por comunicarme pero siempre te pienso, desde lo mas profundo de mi corazon y en recuerdo de nuestra amistad de siempre un fuerte abrazo a ti y a Enrique, espero se encuentren bien escribeme cuando te sea posible, inmenzo cariño de siempre. 8/21/2010 12:12:12 PM Name: Julissa Email: jjt323@gmail.com Comments: Wow, I just cannot believe that it has been almost nine years that you are gone. I hope that God has made very beautiful a place in heaven for you. I pray for you every time that I can and wish you were here we all of us!!!! Besos, Julissa 9/3/2010 2:18:10 PM Name: maritza pagan Email: sweetmari148@yahoo.com Comments: still remembering you in this somber day,will never forget the smiles every morning when you came in to work and i was there to greet you and the same smiles when you left from work from risk waters group you are an angel joanna vidal god bless you and your family, and may the good lord keep them strong. 9/11/2010 8:46:32 AM Name: Araina Email: araina.sepulveda@gmail.com Comments: I will always remember the days when we all played on the front stoop of 22 and we had no worries. I will never forget your sweet smile and beautiful personality. 9/11/2010 10:16:24 AM Name: Pablo Email: dyckmancapricorn@yahoo.com Comments: 9 years have passed now, Your memory still reminds I miss you vidal. 9/11/2010 11:06:27 AM Name: Carlos Lopez Email: calopez_1@verizon.net Comments: You'd be surprised how often you are brought into my thoughts. RIP Joanna. 9/11/2010 12:10:58 PM Name: Patricia Montes de Oca Email: goldifofi@hotmail.com Comments: Joannita hermosa: El tiempo ha pasado, pero los recuerdos de tu vida maravillosa, de tu legado, perduran. Y es que fuiste un rayo de luz y de alegria para todos. Segura estoy de que estas muy feliz y siempre velando por todos tus seres queridos que dejaste a destiempo. Gracias, Dios! por el privilegio de haberte conocido. Un abrazo y beso muy fuerte y sincero para ti. 9/11/2010 12:24:42 PM Name: Fabiola Henriquez Email: laromana11374@gmail.com Comments: I love you, Mi Nena, I miss dearly you every second of every day, and am proud and privileged to have shared your portion of space-time. 9/11/2010 4:59:02 PM Name: Yolanda Calderon Email: Dr.Calderon130@aol.com Comments: We all miss you very much. We know that you are happy in your new life for you are an Angel, just like you were here on earth walking among us. Now to further bless us with your presence, and thankfully we are to god you are our Angel in Heaven watching over us. So how is it up there? Is it all you thought it would be and more? Im sure it is, and that you fit right in. Heaven is a beautiful place and I am certain that you are shining brightly like the stars we see at night. Rest in peace Joanna. "I met you as a stranger, I took you as a friend, I hope we meet in Heaven where friendship never ends!!" God bless your soul! Sr. y Sra. Vidal, y Su hijo Jr.; Yo se que no hay palabras que pueda darles aliento solamente dios lo puede hacer. Joanna era una muchacha fabulosa que nos captivo a todos. Den les muchas gracias a dios por eso, porque lo que ella demonstro en esta vida fue solamente lo que ustedes sembraron en ella. Yo le doy gracias a dios por haberla puesta en mi camino, como se que muchas personas lo sienten igual. Le pido mucho a dios que les brinde paz y amor y que nunca pierdan las esperanzas, porque en la proxima vida estaran reunidos con su hija en el cielo al frente de el trono de dios. No entendemos porque estas cosas suceden, pero el nos da aliento, fuerza y su amor para seguir. Yo se que un dia el le explicarar que el la llamo ese dia, porque la necesitaba y ustedes lo entenderan en ese momento. Adelante siempre, porque eso es lo que ella quiere!! Dios me los bendiga a todos! Amen!! xo -Yolanda Joanna- We love you very much!! CNR/IONA friends forever! 9/11/2010 5:30:52 PM Name: Fatima Henriquez Perez Email: fatimahenriquez@hotmail.com Comments: Aun transcurrido este tiempo se que no hay palabras para darle aliento, solo Dios lo puede hacer, no conoci a Joanna pero solo de ver sus fotos se que fue una maravillosa persona y sobre todo una hija muy especial, Dios de seguro la tiene en su gloria, que bendiga su memoria, por eso le ruego a Dios que le llene de paz y fortaleza y no permita que pierdan la fe y que hayan podido seguir adelante, desde lo mas profundo de mi corazon y de toda mi familia un fuerte abrazo 9/12/2010 12:56:07 AM Name: Julissa Trinidad Email: jjt323@gmail.com Comments: Happy Early Birthday Joanna. You are my angel and my hero. besos, to the Vidal Family. 11/2/2010 7:51:45 PM Name: Fatima Henriquez Perez Email: fatimahenriquez@hotmail.com Comments: hoy como ayer junto a ustedes, bendito sea el nombre de jesus JUSTICIA JUSTICIA 5/2/2011 12:08:00 AM Name: Erika Perez Email: Comments: I think of you today as I often do. You will never be forgotten 5/2/2011 8:35:24 PM Name: maritza pagan Email: sweetmari148@yahoo.com Comments: thinking of u always joanna, justice has been done and it will continue to be done in the name of the father,the son,and the holy ghost rest in peace sweet angel. 5/3/2011 7:22:05 PM Name: Julissa Email: Jjt323@gmail.com Comments: As I look back, I just do not understand why you left this world. Believe I always have you and your family in my thought. I hope that if your family do something for your 10 year anniversary they will contact me and invite me. I know you are an angel, my angel forever!!!! 8/7/2011 11:34:46 PM Name: Tony Downing Email: Diesel21a@aol.com Comments: I've known Joanna since high school we became really close friends. I still have all the LETTERS and PICTURES she use to send me when she was living at 22 Post Ave and taking vacations in D.R. I always use to joke around with Jo and tell her every time she would get a new job she would get a new hair color. The one thing that never changed was her beautiful smile and her attractive personality. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her and how she changed my life. Thank you for being a friend and I know your in heaven smiling down at us, like the angel you are. 9/10/2011 4:32:56 PM Name: Carlos Liriano Email: cliriano0621@yahoo.com Comments: My thoughts and prayers are with you Enrique and the Vidal family. Always keep the fond memories of her in your heart and in your mind; and in doing so, she will live on forever. God bless! 9/11/2011 11:40:56 AM Name: Jacobson Email: jbathelmy@yahoo.com Comments: Truly One of the most kindest people I have ever met. The day I met her, she took a memorable picture of her brother Enrique and I at our graduation back in 2001. Later that summer seeing her again at a bbq, it was if I had always known her. She made everyting count. God Bless her spirit always!! 9/11/2011 11:51:46 AM Name: Kat Email: kathleenb03@yahoo.com Comments: It's hard to believe that ten years have past already. My thoughts and prayers to the Vidal family. Your daughter was special on all levels. I truly miss her and think of her. She meant so much to me and was a part of many fond memories. She's an angel in heaven now. 9/11/2011 12:13:25 PM Name: Julissa Trinidad Email: Jjt323@gmail.com Comments: Thank you so much to the Vidal family for inviting me yesterday. Your daughter was an angel on earth and now in heaven. Because of Joanna I became a teacher ten years ago and I know she will never be forgotten!!!! 9/11/2011 12:31:04 PM Name: Yvonne Castro Email: zenia79@msn.com Comments: Even though you were my friends big sister, I say with all honesty that you were one of the sweetest people I've come across. It made this much harder to bare with. There wasn't one time when we'd come across each other that you didn't stop to talk or just say hi. You had the ability to make people feel special with that big smile of yours. I learned from you, never to be too busy to say hello, or give my love ones my time. 9/11/2011 1:36:44 PM Name: Terrence Aybar Email: mrparker12@gmail.com Comments: Love you, girlie. Forever and always. 9/11/2011 2:16:56 PM Name: GISELA SANCHEZ Email: giselakiajef@hotmail.com Comments: Recordarte es vivir el presente mi pequeña Johanna, dulce sobrina. Ese hermoso poema impregna en mi corazón cada vez que recuerdo tu sonrisa tu mirada tierna de ángel. Me dijiste con apenas 9 años de edad. Eres dulce como la miel, así era tu mi linda Johanna. te despide con un bello sueño y un fuerte abrazo de felicitación por tu excelente exposición, que engañada me dejaste. te quiero tu tía Gisela luz de sanación a la familia vidal 9/11/2011 3:47:24 PM Name: Anjelica Victoria Email: Comments: Cant ever come visit this page without tears rolling down my face. I cant believe its been 10 years already cuz! words cant express how much i miss you! i love you forever and you are always in my heart even after my last breath. :'( 9/11/2011 4:47:26 PM Name: Julio (Yuri) Fernandez Email: jfernandez09@si.rr.com Comments: I love you, Cous. I think of you, often and like so many of us, I miss you much. Look after your family... and for those of us who can always use a Guardian Angel, Thank You for looking out for us.. Te quiero, amor. 9/11/2011 6:32:11 PM Name: Michele Email: micheleb8@aol.com Comments: Joanna, I can't believe it been 10 years, I miss you more than words can't even express. I was looking at an email that you wrote back to me after not seen each other for a while. "this is so weird that you emailed me but i wasn't here and yet we still saw each other..it was destiny:)" It truly explain our friendship it was just destiny!! Will always have you in my thoughts and heart! 9/11/2011 11:11:36 PM Name: Michelle Sarrazin Email: wmsgreggs@aol.com Comments: You were my best friend's roommate. That fact alone, before I even met you, put you on the "I can't stand her list". As soon as I met you I loved your aura and couldn't fight it...we were going to be cool. Then I got to know you..your beautiful smile and laugh and the infamous "Di que" that followed everything you said! Lol I miss you dearly...I adored you and had so much fun every time you were around. When everyone was cursing me out, including my best friend, for getting sick in your dorm room, you held me and took care of me. You will always me missed..."You go girl!" another one of my favorite sayings from you') 9/11/2011 11:33:39 PM Name: Rosalia Email: rivera_rosalia3@yahoo.com Comments: May you rest in eternal peace Joanna, my fellow CNR sister. I will never forget you and all those who perished on that day. God bless you and may He hold you in all his glory. God bless your family and may the sands of time continue to heal them and all else who lost someone. 9/12/2011 11:02:42 AM Name: PATRICIA MdO Email: goldifofi@hotmail.com Comments: Te recordaremos siempre, Joannita querida. 9/15/2011 8:58:17 PM Name: JLA Email: Comments: Just stopping by in remembrance!!! RIP....... 5/10/2012 3:45:47 AM Name: Fabiola Henriquez Email: laromana11374@gmail.com Comments: For my beautiful and sunny niece, Joanna Vidal. Nena Mia, nearly eleven years ago a group of people, for reasons alien to us, succeeded in wresting your physical presence from our midst. However, they did not, and never could succeed in wrenching your beautiful spirit from our hearts. You remain steadfastly alive and vibrant in our souls, and we, your family, strive each and every day to live our lives in honor of, and as a testament to, the life you lived with wisdom beyond your years, and with such elegance and grace. God Bless and Godspeed, Nena Linda, we love and miss you each and every day. Para mi sobrina hermosa y radiante, Joanna Vidal. Nena Mía, hace casi once años que un grupo de personas, por causas ajenas a nosotros, logró arrancar tu presencia física de nuestro entorno. Sin embargo, no pudo y nunca podría triunfar en borrar tu hermoso espíritu de nuestros corazones. Permaneces firmemente viva y palpitante en nuestras almas, y nosotros, tu familia, luchamos cada día para vivir nuestras vidas en honor a, y como un testimonio de la vida viviste con sabiduría más allá de tus años y con tanta gracia y elegancia. Dios te bendiga y te guarde, Nena Linda, te amamos y te extrañamos cada día. 7/11/2012 12:30:43 PM Name: Fabiola Henriquez Email: laromana11374@gmail.com Comments: As another year without my precious little girl, Joanna, is coming to a close, I find myself reminiscing about what made her special. Among other things, it was her ability to make others feel like they were the greatest ever. Case in point, she used to love to have me sing the theme from Love Story to her (she claimed she'd never heard it sung better, Andy Williams sang this, for cryin' out loud!). Now, I know for a fact that I can't sing to save my life, but she loved to have me sing for her. That's how I know she LOVED me, she asked me to sing, and then sat through the experience enthralled that her Fabo was singing for her, go figure. "Where do I begin, to tell the story of how great a love can be, the sweet love story that is older than the sea, the simple truth about the love she brings to me, where do I start? With her first hello, she gave new meaning to this empty world of mine, there’d never be another love another time, she came into my life and made the living fine, she fills may heart. She fills my heart with very special things, with angel songs with wild imaginings, she fills my soul with so much love that anywhere I go, I’m never lonely, with her along who could be lonely, I reach for her hand its always there. How long does it last, can love be measured by the hours in a day? I have no answers now but this much I can say, I know I’ll need her till the stars all burn away and she’ll be there…. How long does it last, can love be measured by the hours in a day, I have no answers now but this much I can say, I know I’ll need her till the stars all burn away and she’ll be there……" 9/12/2012 12:29:17 PM Name: Fabiola Henriquez Email: laromana11374@gmail.com Comments: Thirty-eight years ago today I became the happiest thirteen year old on the face of this earth, why? Because you came into my life and brought with you a series of wonderful firsts. You were my first niece, my sister's first child, both sets of grandparents' first grandchild, and so on. You were a ray of sunshine from the day you were born, and became one of the most amazing human beings I have ever had the honor of knowing. I often wonder what our lives would be like if you were still with us today. Happy Birthday, Joanna. I love you and there is not a day that goes by that my heart doesn't miss you. I look at Alex and Junior's kids and know how much you would've enjoyed (read "spoiled")them; and I wonder what your children would've been like. I Love You, Jo. 11/3/2012 8:43:29 AM Name: julissa Trinidad Email: jtrinidad@mail.com Comments: Hola Joanna, As I evolve and get older, I often think of you and how much you are missed. I will never forget you!!! You were an inspiration to all of us. so many memories, but they are not enough!!! 2/13/2013 9:13:57 PM Name: Leyla Email: leylaxjimenez@gmail.com Comments: Every anniversary, I wonder how your family has carried on all these years. You are so loved and adored by all as I see from the beautiful sentiments left here.. and from the very brief time I knew you at the NYC Bar you seemed to be such a cool girl. And then you moved on. It just goes to show how everyone can have an impact on someone else, no matter how small. But thank God, it looks like you must have lived such a full life before you left this world. And you left so many beautiful memories behind. I hope on this day, or maybe one day, your family can look at your life with smiles and not sadness. You are in a wonderful place and I know you are your family's guardian angel. RIP 9/11/2013 8:20:30 AM Name: Raul Email: rdelarosa7@comcast.net Comments: Miss you! 9/11/2013 9:12:12 AM Name: Stephanie Mitchell Email: smitchell0614@yahoo.com Comments: Every year I watch the 9/11 tributes and reminisce about the first time I met you. I was only 16 and I was working my first internship at the ABNY. You were one of the most friendly, kindhearted and funniest people I ever met. You had such an infectious smile and bubbly personality. You gave me advice on life and boys. I didn't get to speak to you much after we both left but I am thankful for knowing you and having you touch my life. I love you. May God continue to watch over your family. 9/11/2013 10:25:04 AM Name: Julissa Linares Email: mitzymarie@gmail.com Comments: Dear cousin, You were and will always be one of a kind, when I think about you I can only see your smile, you were truly special, and always made us feel apreciated. I didnt know about this site, and its amazing to see how much people loved you and still love you, and all I can say is that you gave us love. I thank God I had the opportunity to spend sometime with you when you used to come to DR because you never forgot to come and visit your family, we were always happy to know you were here. You will always be in our hearts. Julissa 9/11/2013 10:28:40 PM Name: Julissa Email: Jjt323@gmail.com Comments: Happy Birthday Joanna. Your light still shines bright. J 11/3/2014 6:02:24 AM Name: Julissa Email: Jjt323@gmail.com Comments: Happy Birthday Joanna. Your light still shines bright. J 11/3/2014 6:03:05 AM Name: Julissa Email: Jjt323@gmail.com Comments: You will always be in our hearts. May God Bless your family and continue to give them strength. Amen. 9/11/2015 9:04:51 PM Name: Maximo A Duran Email: Maxmad99@hotmail.com Comments: We still remember. 9/10/2016 10:09:13 PM Name: Fabiola Henriquez Email: Comments: FIFTEEN YEARS, I can't believe it's been fifteen years, the pain feels like it was just yesterday, yet it seems like forever since we lost you. How on earth is it that those of us who had the privilege of sharing your portion of space-time, who loved and cherished you, had hopes and dreams for you...how have we been able to survive with the huge, gaping hole that was ripped into our hearts fifteen years ago today? I miss the sound of your voice, the warmth of your smile, the joy with which you lived, the genuine quality of your heart, your unconditional love. Our lives are all the poorer for having lost you, but so very richly blessed for having been entrusted with nurturing your spirit for the twenty six years God chose to share you with us. We miss you every day, Jo. Until I see you again, I'll continue to look for you in every ray of sunshine, in every drop of rain, in the bright blue of the cloudless sky, in the kaleidoscope of color of the flowers in Spring, in the crispness of the Autumn air, in the purity of falling snow, in the smiles & innocence of the babies you should've been here to enjoy, Ava, Olivia, Adrian and Xavier. 💔💔💔💔 9/11/2016 8:16:09 AM Name: Patricia MdO Email: Comments: Difícil olvidarte. Siempre serás un hermoso recuerdo. Dios te guarde! 9/12/2017 10:08:17 PM Name: Fabiola Henriquez Email: LaRomana11374@gmail.com Comments: Seventeen years, Baby Girl, missing you like day one. Loving you like the day I was told you existed. Rest easy, til we’re together again, then, we light up heaven. 9/10/2018 7:23:30 AM Name: Maximo Duran Email: maxmad99@hotmail.com Comments: Remembering and Honoring you. 9/11/2018 10:39:43 PM For comments or questions contact the webmaster at jason_p_torres@yahoo.com |