Always Stand Tall

Posted on by L.J. O'Neal

ALWAYS Stand Tall ...it's about LIVING and finding JOY.

ALWAYS STAND TALL -Giraffe Inspirational Poem in black and white. Hopefully inspiring JOY amidst turbulence. -by L.J. O'Neal
"ALWAYS Stand Tall" -WTC- Tribute Tapestry -by L.J. O'NEAL
"Always Stand Tall" in sync with the full stance of the giraffe, gazing on the African landscape. Hopefully it will uplift and inspire joy amidst turbulence. ~L.J. O'Neal

Memories of my 20th Wedding Anniversary Gift.

It was a surprise trip to New York City in June 2001 from my then, 18 year old daughter and 15 year old son. Of course, they HAD to tag along too! This family of former New Yorkers had an awesome time: jamming at Birdland®, shopping in the World Trade Center underground mall, feeling the summer breeze while relaxing on the Staten Island Ferry and treading all over lower and midtown Manhattan. Our kids accomplished their mission: Visit the city without calling anyone we knew and just ACT LIKE TOURISTS… and we did just that!

We stayed at Building 3 (Marriott Hotel). Totally unknown to any of us, that it was to collapse along with the Twin Towers, surrounding buildings and the Westfield World Trade Center underground mall –just 3 months later.

Side note

When I was single and also during the first couple of years of marriage, I loved working as a Temp in New York City because I got to know it well. Especially downtown, Lower Manhattan! It seemed like I was always assigned to the World Trade Center area. I usually ate my lunch outdoors seated on one of several cement stoops that were actually little retaining walls surrounding the borders of landscaping. My yummy meal consisted of a container of Dannon® Fruit-On-the-Bottom Cinnamon Apple yogurt; a small pack of Blue Diamond­® smoked almonds and a juicy, red delicious apple. So, along with everyone else seeking to escape the office even for a few brief moments, I was able to relax and become absorbed in one of my favorite NYC activities: people watching.

Learning to Cope

The collapse of the Twin Towers and the other World Trade Center buildings instilled within us some of the most horrific memories ever experienced. Ironically, most of the hilariously funny and awe-inspiring moments of my life were changed in just a few short minutes -when the world seemed to stop.

Remarkably, like the majority of mourners, I eventually learned to accept the shocking reality of September 11, 2001. As the healing continued, I started viewing life’s most seemingly insignificant moments from a place within me that brought a sense of inner peace and joy. Just like Lower Manhattan was amazingly rebuilt, I believe  that if each one of us also work hard to rebuild, cherish what was lost and create something that is intrinsic, thrilling and enduring, we can enjoy “JOY” again.

Marriott Hotel at 3 World Trade Center, New York in May, 2001. (Photo credit: David Ohmer)
Old World Trade Center Map

Sharing Wasn’t “Easy As Pie”

This poem was and still is my gift to my family, friends and now YOU. I’ve also applied my “Always Stand Tall” message to many of life’s challenges. Actually, the first product that I designed containing the poem was an heirloom quality 100% cotton woven wall tapestry that could also be used as an afghan. At the time, I wanted the recipient to feel comforted by its warmth. Unfortunately, before I had more than two produced, without any notice – the manufacturer that invented the process closed its doors. So only two of these specially woven treasures were ever produced! I was no way near joyful when this happened!  I thought that I’d never be able to find another manufacturer to produce heirloom quality pieces like my two precious tapestry throws. In spite of all the mass-produced “photo throws and blankets” that are currently sold throughout the globe, none have matched the high quality natural fibers that composed my original woven tapestry.

Always Stand Tall by L.J. O'Neal. Will post pic of original tapestry soon.

A Gift of Joy Donation

With the healing passage of time, I added ALWAYS Stand Tall to other designs to hopefully continue uplifting and inspiring joy amidst turbulence.  I safeguarded the two original ALWAYS Stand Tall tapestries for close to 20 years. Until the day that I finally decided to search for a good home for one, since I didn’t really need two. My niece, Lisa DiFilippo, teaches visual arts at Millennium High School on Broad Street in Lower Manhattan. Even though I knew about her awesome job as an art teacher…  I don’t know why it took me so long to ask about her school. When I finally did, she shared with me the history of the school and other riveting details. 

 

 

As part of Lower Manhattan’s revitalization after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Millennium High School was founded in 2002 with a grant from New Visions for Public Schools and other monetary donations. It opened in 2003 on floors 11,12 and 13 in an old skyscraper built in 1928 as the International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (ITT) headquarters.

What she said, resonated with me and I just had to gift her my treasured tapestry! She told me that the donation and especially its message was well-received and appreciated. At last: finding that one special home still makes me feel invigorated! 

Sharing  Continues

I’ve added this page on September 11, 2020 to introduce a new product line called, “ALWAYS Stand Tall™” that consists of my poetry and other LJOD inspirational expressions. The line of clothing, fashion accessories, home decor and office decor will be available shortly. LJOD products are manufactured in the USA. 

A portion of the proceeds of products that display the “ALWAYS Stand Tall™” WTC Tribute Poem is donated to the 9/11 Tribute Museum in New York City. Here a little information  about it from their website:

“The 9/11 Tribute Museum is a project of the September 11th Families’ Association which brings together those who want to learn about 9/11 with those who experienced it.”

Please remember: 

ALWAYS Stand Tall
...It’s about LIVING and FINDING JOY!

~L.J. O’Neal