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While visiting the new 911 Memorial at Ground Zero with my family I randomly walked up to the wall of names and wrote down the name of your husband. Living across the country in Seattle at the time the events of 911 were merely a sad story we watched on the news. Today, I googled the name of your husband and was amazed to learn of his life and a bit about your family. The events of 911 now are forever changed in my mind. Learning a little bit about one person and one life has had a significant impact on how view the freedoms we so easily take for granted. Thanks for sharing your story - I plan on reading your book as soon as I return home.
Tod Murray
Gilbert, AZ
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Tod Murray
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
12/18/2011 -- 08:12 pm |
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I just finished reading a Widow's Walk. I could not put it down. I am trying to find a copy of your next book and I am looking forward to reading that also. I could not stop looking at the pictures. A glimpse of a life full of love! Thank you!
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Kathy Vieck
from Vincennes, IN, USA
10/11/2011 -- 11:10 am |
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Great information guysmuch appreciated particularly at what i'm seeking to accomplish.
http://www.o-poker.net/Oroom/
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Great information guysmuch appreciated particularly at what i'm seeking to accomplish.
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I read about 60 books a year and this is one of the best books I have ever read on any topic. And yes, like many others here, I cried in some places and laughed in other places. The raw dialogue and heartrending situations were hard to read and yet was hard to put down. I spent many late nights reading this book. Thanks for a great book and the courage to share your story with us. This book is definitely a 'reader'!
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anonymous
from USA
10/02/2011 -- 02:10 am |
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Marian,
I have just finished reading your magnificent book, 'A Widow's Walk', and like others have said, I did not want it to end. Your account of those horrific days was so articulate and heart-wrenching that I was often in tears. I feel like I know Dave, Aidan and yourself personally through your story. Thank you for such a wonderful read and I hope that you are in a place of happiness and peace.
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I just recently found your book 'A Widow's Walk' at my local library. It is not the first memoir of a 9/11 widow I have read however the way you spoke within the book is the first one to make me cry. I applaud your courage and strength through something I would probably never be able to get through. You are a true inspiration!!! Thank you for sharing it and I wish you and your very beautiful son all the peace and happiness you deserve!
Sincerely Cassandra
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Marian - you are the best - thank you for the courage you found or were given to write the book, which is irreverent and sacred at the same time - how is that possible? Mostly I feel it's about The Sacred reflected in your heart and your humanity - your swearing and rage and endless tears and laughter and friends with you all the way; the descriptions of the demons you have met are all a refreshing change from the mindless pulp I see inundating our culture.
I miss Dave and I never knew him or saw him 'til you showed me how good people can still be. I love the photo of you and Aidan. Thank you for letting me and all the rest of us share this. I truly hope you have places you know where you can rest and be silent and be nurtured no matter what.
Often I only feel that goodness when I sing in choir.
I can be so cynical and closed minded. Your standing up for dignity and courtesy is heartening - thank you.
You reached out to us all. And I hear you. I hear you. I do.
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Jon Tupper
from Cornwall on Hudson, NY, USA
09/25/2011 -- 11:09 pm |
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I stayed up until 2:30 this morning to finish your book, A WIDOW'S WALK. It was the most moving, poignant and heartbreaking story of your days as you muddled through the grief and stark reality of your courageous husband's death. I was so relieved when they finally found Dave's remains and cried as you and Aiden flung his ashes in the ocean and the ashes blew back on you to cover you. I really do believe that Dave sent signs back to you in ways like the rainbow and the flickering lights. I was especially interested in the story the firefighter told you about Dave's locker door always opening.
My husband of 45 years also had a dangerous career as a soldier in the United States Army. He left for his first tour of Viet Nam exactly two weeks after our wedding and served as a door gunner on a Huey. He came home for 2 years where he served at Ft. Sill, OK and then back to Viet Nam for another year's tour of duty in a combat zone. You made mention of the way the military notifies families of soldiers killed in action and I would shudder everytime I saw a green Army sedan drive down our street. Communication back then was not sophisticated like it is today and I did not hear his voice for a whole year. However, we wrote letters everyday for two years.
I am in no way comparing my anxieties and sadness to what you must still be going through. I admire your courage and strength especially in the way that you stood up for Dave's fellow firefighters. And in the way that you took such loving care of Aiden. As a retired teacher of 30 years, I was appalled at the reaction of his kindergarden teacher. What a jerk she was...no compassion for a precious little boy who was going through such trauma.
I just wanted to tell you that I am an avid reader and just happened to find your book on Amazon.com and could not put it down until I was finished.
I hope that your life and Aiden's life have been blessed with more friends and that you continue to enrich the lives of others through your civic activities and your burning desire to fight for firefighters.
Our next door neighbor's house caught on fire when we had a storm and a tree fell against the electrical box. My husband realized that our air conditioning was off and after checking our circuit breaker and our attic, he went outside where he saw flames shooting from their roof and the front of the house. He callled 911 while I ran barefoot and in my pajamas to alert our neighbors. I was absolutely amazed at the quick arrival of 5 firetrucks, a chief's SUV, an ambulance and even the Red Cross. It was about 2 in the morning and the wind was horrific. All that we could do was stand and watch the beautiful choreography of the firemen as each man knew exactly what to do. I have never seen a fire and I assumed that there would be chaos but it was as if they had done this many times. Some of the firemen were so very young but seemed so experienced. I have always admired policemen and firemen but after watching this fire being controlled, I called the Chief of the Fort Worth Fire Department to commend, as a citizen and neighbor, his men. I don't know how often they get 'attaboys' from the community, but I was so impressed by their actions, I just had to let their chief know how much safer I now felt after watching the men of Ft. Worth in action.
Your writing is awesome, inspiring, sad, funny, so many emotions packed into those 422 pages. I hated for the book to end. Our daughter who is 37 once told me that when you finish a really good book, it is like you have lost a good friend, that you really wanted the book to go on and on. That is how I felt about A WIDOW'S WALK. I hope that your lives have gained some sort of normalcy, but then what is normal? Aiden must be 15 by now and I wondered if he still looks like his Daddy who was a very handsome man. I thank you for allowing us to be a part of a very private and gut-wrenching time in your lives. You are very courageous and I admire you tremendously.
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Hi Marian,
I am sure you don't remember me, but my husband Craig and I took a childbirth education class in park slope with you and Dave when you were pregnant with Aiden, and I was pregnant with my son Robbie. I remember you went into labor with Aiden early. I remember it like it was yesterday. I have kept up with all of your advocacy, your work, and your website periodically. You are a most impressive person!! Unfortunately, Craig and I ourselves have endured a different kind of tragedy-Robbie died almost 6 years ago when he was 9 of sudden cardiac arrest, also in september. Just wanted to let you know that you, Aiden, and Dave are thought of by our family every year at this time. Wishing you only the best. Jill Levine
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Marian, I was a lifeguard with Dave for many years at Robert Moses, and will always remember him as an outstanding and upstanding guy. Today, like so many of us, I am thinking of him and all the others lost on that terrible day.
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Hello Marian,
On many days, but especially today, I am thinking of and remembering your husband Dave. On any given day, fireman are a part of a small select group who run toward danger while others are running away. I know God has a special place set aside just for hero's like Dave and the rest of the first responders on 9/11. My love is a fireman in Columbus Ohio and he and the rest of the city are honoring your husband and the rest of the FDNY today with heavy hearts.
God bless you and Aiden. Thank you for still sharing your story and giving the world a chace to know people like Dave, Aiden and you!!! We are so much better for it.
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Nancy Azeez
from Cincinnati, OH, USA
09/11/2011 -- 11:09 am |
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Ms. Marian Fontana,
I am thinking of you and your son on this day. I know how hard the past 10 years must have been for you, but just remember that you have a lot of people thinking and praying for you on this day.
Always,
Tiffany Piper
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Tiffany Piper
from Harrison Township, MI, USA
09/11/2011 -- 10:09 am |
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Dear Ms. Fontana,
I am thinking of you and your son, especially this week. I have been deeply moved by your story, first from seeing you on 'Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero' and then, later, reading your very fine memoir, 'A Widow's Walk.' Your courage is an inspiration and I can only begin to apprehend the depth of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers this week.
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Marian....just got back from the library with your A Widow's Walk book...want to read it for the second time. Thinking of you today and hope that you and your son are well. Looking forward to getting your new book. Dave is remembered, and because of your beautiful tellings, the love story you and he shared is remembered as well.
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Jessica
from Hammonton, NJ, US
09/10/2011 -- 03:09 pm |
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