Dr. Laura,
I was absolutely thrilled to see you will be interviewing Teresa Tomeo on your show today! I will be sure to tune in and to buy her book!
I met her approximately ten years ago when I was seventeen years old; it was in the months ensuing 9/11. A lady from my community (unfortunately I cannot remember her name and even how she was involved in the city) asked me to participate in a Remembrance Day event to honor what happened on September 11th. This particular woman had set everything up so key members of our city would speak at this gathering. I was a junior in high school and one of the leaders in our Christian club at school so I was invited to also make a speech. She also invited Mrs. Tomeo to speak.
Because it was a decade ago and I was a nervous teenager about to speak in front of hundreds of strangers while it was recorded on our local television station I hate to admit that much of what occurred has been lost to memory, but I do remember some things.
I remember clearly it was a bright, sunny, warm but breezy day in spring. The event was held out on our high school football field so the attendees could sit on the bleachers. I remember holding my speech that was printed on a few sheets of computer paper in trembling hands from both nervousness and excitement. And I also remember meeting Teresa Tomeo.
I did not know of her before that moment, but my memory easily brings out a professionally austere woman with understated prestige; yet, at the same time, had a friendly, warm and down-to-earth disposition. I remember greeting her and shaking her hand and the word 'powerful' came to mind. Not the kind of power that's dominating but the subtle kind that's telling of an earnest and competent spirit. I left our encounter rather liking her.
She carried with her a binder of her speech and she gave it with such authority yet humbleness that was touching.
My own speech was much briefer but described where I was and what I was thinking when I learned of the attack at the World Trade Center. I was sitting in math class and the classroom TV monitor came on to show what had happened and what currently was happening. It was horrifying and I will never forget that moment.
I just wanted you to know that having Teresa Tomeo as a guest on your show is a fine choice of a person, as I'm sure you're already completely aware.
Katherine
