On September 11, 2001, I was shocked, saddened and in disbelief at the events of the day. Just like every other American.
I did not know anyone involved in any of those events. Not even remotely. My post today, for 9/11, is written about one person who died in that tragedy, but it’s in memory of all the innocent victims.
In May of 2010, Motor Man and I went on vacation to the Cape Cod area with our friends, Bev and Bill. Bev and I were enamored by all the lighthouses along the coast. Whenever we spotted one at a distance, Bill and Motor Man would map out a way for us to get closer so we could take pictures.
One evening, after dinner, we were riding along a highway in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. We rounded a curve and suddenly, we were right beside a lighthouse. We soon learned that it was Nobska Point, built in 1876.
Bev and I walked across the highway, where we found this beautiful view.
And then…. we turned and saw this memorial.
And this bench.
It’s hard to describe the feelings we had at that moment. We realized that we were as close as either of us had ever been to anyone involved in the tragedies of 9/11.
When we returned home, I researched and discovered more about the area we had visited. It’s known as Neilie’s Point, and is a living memorial to Neilie Anne Heffernan Casey. Neilie was aboard Flight 11, on a business trip, when it crashed into the World Trade Center. Ironically, she was employed by TJ Maxx, one of Bev’s and my favorite places to shop.
I learned that this location was special to Neilie: it’s where she and her husband were engaged, and their wedding photos were taken at Nobska Lighthouse.
To learn more about Neilie’s memorial, click here.
Today, as we remember 9/11, I’ll be thinking especially of Neilie’s family and the beautiful location of her memorial.
these days of mine 
As a major fan of lighthouses myself, I remember seeing this one on a vacation many years ago. Before my days of enjoying capturing them on film though so I never painted it. I love the story of Neilie’s Point though – what a lovely tribute to a love forever captured in the poem on the stone….on a day of pausing to reflect, this is such a perfect story to share Dianna.
Pam
Todays date is a date everybody will remember, how could we not!! What a lovely memorial for this lady,, and what a lovely post. Thanks for sharing with us
Very moving memorial to all those who were lost 10 years ago.
That brought back memories and tears. Also, made our evening special and memorable. I know today Nellie’s point will be visited by her family. Wish we could be there.
Thank you for sharing this story. The memory of 9-11 is at ground zero, in a field in PA, the Pentagon and in the hearts of us all. Very moving.
This is a beautiful tribute and reminder of all those we lost on that tragic day.
Isn’t it amazing how people connected to the tragic events of that day seem to filter into our own psyches? I’m so glad you took the time to learn about this person, who although you never met, is now part of your world. Beautifully written!
These individual tributes bring such a tenderness to this remembrance. Thanks for this.
What a loving post… Thank you for bringing the unimaginably huge tragedy down to one person and her family.
Beautifully done, Dianna. Thank you, MJ
Wonderful story & pictures. Today will be a tearful day but a good reminder that our freedom sometimes comes at a cost…it is not to be taken for granted. I thank all those who keep us safe from attacks like this.
Such a fitting tribute for the day. I remember you telling me about her, but it’s very good to see more of her story …
Thank you for sharing this moving story. A great tragedy for so many. We pray nothing like it happens again.
What a lovely memory on this somber day. The love for those lost that day lives on in the hearts of those close to them.
What an absolutely beautiful story. Our church service was awesome today with special music and a sermon that was right on. Tears were shed by many.
Thank you for sharing such a touching and heartfelt blog.
This is a day for us to remember and pray for our country and our people.
So beautiful. I love the words created by magnetic poetry. Kudos to you for calling out Neilie’s story. I’m sure she’s smiling down on you today 🙂
Very touching. Thanks for sharing this, Dianna.
12 years have passed and it still (and always will) devastates me to think of the horrible tragedies of that day. My husband and I took the side trip to see the Nobska light 2 years ago – not knowing we’d come across the Neilie Point Memorial. Reading those words, knowing the love that sweet young woman inspired in so many family members and friends, was just like the view from the Point – breath-taking. May the memories of Neilie and all of the other victims of that day live on. Pray that no other day, from now until forever, will ever, ever be repeated. God bless us all…
Linda from Ottawa, ON Canada
Today I was at this place and came back to my hotel and decided to google Neilie’s Point. My experience today sort of echoed yours…my husband and son and I stood at the lighthouse and took photos of Martha’s Vineyard, which could be clearly seen today. Then we bounced across the street, taking in the lovely view of the choppy ocean waters and the birds sitting atop rocks. There was a young woman sitting on the bench and I noticed her attire…well-dressed and in very high heels. She was not breaking her gaze at the rock, and she was in tears. I walked over to my family and asked them to quiet down, then I walked back and read the words on the rock. I am hoping that the girl was not Neilie’s daughter and that we didn’t interrupt a Mother’s Day visit. You just never know. Thank you for your post.
Thank you for taking time to comment on this post. I think perhaps, unless you’ve discovered this memorial quite by accident, it’s not really possible to understand the feeling it invokes.
That’s so true. Blessings to you.
I was visiting Boston and came by the lighthouse and found the bench and stone. 8i did exactly like you did and researched on this 911 story. Glad we crossed our path through your post!