Healing the Hero's Heart

Back up

2011-03-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

My email for the website is working again.

Blessings,

Sue Okenyi

9/11 Patch Project and Bus Tour - March 21, 2011

2011-03-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Again,

For anyone interested, a touching memorial on wheels is traveling the United States. The tour is called "Manhattan to Manhattan" - Manhattan Beach California to Manhattan New York. Craig Freeman is a retired Oxnard Fire Captain who founded Firecareers.com. He is working in conjunction with the 9/11 Patch Project to bring awareness to the 10th anniversary of 9/11. A day that will live in infamy for whom many are still suffering the long term effects of the health problems. The Tour will stop in at the California Memorial on the Pelco by Schneider Electric campus. It will be there from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. Please come and show support.

Regards,

Sue Okenyi

Email Alert

2011-03-15T20:41:00.001-07:00

Hello,

I have been having trouble lately with my website email. For the interim please contact me at sueokenyi@sbcglobal.net. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Regards,

Sue Okenyi

September 11, 2010

2010-09-11T23:42:00.001-07:00

To all who endured this time 9 years ago, to all who lost loved ones and friends, and to all that worked Ground Zero, you are held in my heart. May God continue to pour out His Holy Spirit upon you and bring healing and peace to your lives. In Jesus Name! Amen.

Health Issues for the 9/11 First Responders and EMS

2010-04-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

My heart is grieved for the many First Responders and EMS still suffering since 9/11. Right now I want to pray for them.

Heavenly Father,

We lift up every person suffering from the effects of 9/11/2001. We lift up before you every illness, every respiratory problem, every bit of depression. To the spirit of infirmity we command you to shrivel and die. Leave the bodies of God's people now. Go back to the pit of hell from which you came. Your assignment is done. Spirit of depression, leave! Now in the name of Jesus.

Holy Spirit come. Pour out on your children. Comforter, come sooth their hearts. Heavenly Father bring restoration in the name of your Son Jesus.

We thank you and praise you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Eight Years

2009-09-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

Keeping all those personally effected by the attacks of 9/11/2001 in my thoughts and prayers during this time of remembrance. May you continue to heal and bring blessings to those around you. In that way we defeat the purpose of those who would do us harm. Love and blessings.

Sue

Clarification of Recognition of 9/11's Fallen Heroes at the National September Eleventh Memorial and Museum

2009-07-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

In some of the developements for the National September Eleventh Museum and Memorial being built near Ground Zero, concerns arose that the fallen members would not be properly recognized, their department and rank not recognized. A little more than a year ago I personally met a representative of the committee for this Memorial. What I learned is there are so many details being addressed to make it a fitting memorial for all and a learning experience for future generations. With the recent concerns raise, The National September Eleventh Museum and Memorial has issued this clarification. I received permission to post it here. I believe this is a fitting response and shows they will properly recognize each member of each agency and their rank will be known and their company or precinct also recognized. Further contact information is included. Please read.

Dear FDNY families and friends,

I am writing at the request of members of the FDNY who have asked for clarification on how the names will be arranged at the National September 11 Memorial. While I would hope this would go without saying, I want to personally express that honoring the memory of the FDNY and other first responders at the Memorial and preserving the history of their rescue and response efforts within the Museum are core to our mission.

The purpose of this letter is to express clearly how First Responders are being recognized on the Memorial and what steps have been taken in light of the valid concerns of members of the first responder community. I am fully aware that the decision not to include ranks of first responders continues to be an issue for many families of first responders and those that either have served or actively serve today. At that same time, it would be a disservice not to reiterate what is being done in light of these concerns.

It's important to note that prior to the final December 2006 decision, the names on the 9/11 Memorial were going to be listed randomly - in no discernable order, with no headings or delineations. The final arrangement (arrived at in Dec. 2006) reflects a compromise that strikes a balance between the initial Memorial design that won the Memorial competition and the opinions voiced by family members of first responders.

The steps that have been taken are to:

· List the names of all first responders together following an inscribed "FIRST RESPONDERS" heading

· List the names of all members of a particular first responder agency together following inscribed agency headings - e.g., "FDNY" will be on the Memorial

· List the names of all members of specific units together following specific inscribed unit headings - e.g., "LADDER 10" will be on the Memorial, and all of its members listed together

In recognition of the heroism first responders displayed, knowingly going into harm's way to help save so many people on 9/11, a dedicated section of the Memorial will list their names together under these headings. In addition, the units will be arranged in such a way that will allow the names FDNY victims who were related or shared close friendships with colleagues to be listed side by side.

As mentioned, I am aware that this final decision on the names arrangement does not satisfy everyone, and that some continue to believe the arrangement should be handled in other ways, whether that be alphabetically instead of by agency and units, or to add victims' ranks and titles to the inscriptions. As reflected by the many different treatments employed at other memorials across the country, there is no right answer to the difficult question of how to do this. Interestingly, the largest national memorial that lists individuals in the United States is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C.; that memorial does not include ranks of the soldiers who fought and died in that war. Many memorials to fire fighters do not list ranks, including the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. also does not list ranks. I will say anecdotally that the concern most often voiced about the original names arrangement was that first responders should be listed together, within their agencies and units, and as I hope everyone now understands the final decision on the arrangement rightly and appropriately addresses that.

I also want to express again that the story of each and every member of the FDNY who perished on 9/11 will be a crucial and integral part of the Museum, including within a special Memorial exhibition that will individually honor their lives through photographs, audio recordings, and personal mementoes. Information about each of the victims will include rank, age, employer, and any other information provided to us by family members or friends. You can find more information about the Memorial Exhibition and how to participate in its creation on our website at http://newmuseumme.national911memorial.org/.

Please feel free to contact the Memorial staff with any questions
1-877-671-1636 or memorial@sept11mm.org - we will respond with answers to your questions.

Warm regards,

Joe

Joseph Daniels
President/CEO
National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center
212-312-8800
http://www.national911memorial.org/

National Fire Fighter Archive

2009-06-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

I met Laura Yanes at the Firehouse World Expo. She has established the National Fire Fighter Archive photographing fire fighters so they have this memory for their families. It started with one photograph of one fire fighter in New York just prior to 9/11 when she was just taking a class in photography and was learning how to use her camera. Now she has photographed thousands of the FDNY and many many others. I urge you to go to her site www.firefighterarchive.com and check out her work and support her. Regards.

Update

2009-05-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

I attended the Fresno Fire Chief Foundation - Epicurian Delights Fundraiser yesterday. I was able to sell some books for the cause. I'm quite happy about that. A couple connections made let me know I'm still on the right path with this book. A fire fighter originally from Dallas spoke with me for quite a while. He helped me man my table and encouraged me to get some refreshments. He touched me though. He told me he would not be able to read my book. He told me he couldn't look at photos, etc. That means he is one that has seen too much. Guys like him I won't forget and will keep them all in my prayers always.

Heroes of Every Kind

2009-04-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

The other day I was in a Toastmaster's meeting. A lady gave a speech on how 9/11 changed her life. She spent years in the airline industry. When 9/11 hit, she was a flight attendant for a company that few private/corporate jets. She often met notable people. When 9/11 hit, she was called upon to do tasks she never thought she would. Places she was flown accompanying FEMA, CIA and FBI personnel. The flight attendants and even the pilot was not allowed to know where they were going at times. They would only be given coordinates. Just fly these people here. She said they were trained to deal with terrorists and the policies for dealing with terrorists had been around so long the terrorists knew them well. They knew how flight attendents would react in certain situations. She said they new about Bin Laden. They had been tracking him for five years. And right after 9/11, suddenly flight attendants were calling in sick. No wonder right? Any way as she described the things she went through those early days after the attacks, it became clear that all her expert training had kicked in. In Toastmasters we are asked to always write comments for speakers. For her I wrote, my belief is God knew who He place in what positions to help guide, keep calm and assist in certain processes. Her training and God given abilities kicked in. Just like Captain Sully's did as he landed the plane in the Hudson.

Updates

2009-04-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't written anything in a while. I'm not used to keeping up blogs. I attended the Firehouse World Expo in San Diego in February. It was low attendance. The basic thing was meeting people though. I met two FDNY members there. One had just been honored as Rescuer of the Year. He was overwhelmed by my display, my posters and memorial memorabilia I had with me. I gave him and his friend the last two hero medals I had. I also met John White. Founder of Fire Fighters For Christ. It was such a pleasure to meet him! I believe I made a few other good connections.

I recently had one speaking engagement - a woman's church group. The same week I had several visitors. I had the opportunity to host a couple Ireland fire fighters - members of Fire Fighters For Christ - at Pelco and give them a tour of the memorial and museum. The weekend following, I had visitors from New York. A gentleman who is FDNY retired and his wife. Local fire fighters helped me honor them. Learning their story more deeply really tugged at the heart strings. The Brownie Lady also came and helped make the time so special. Then she and I hit up some of the local fire houses and did what she does best. Showing love and appreciation to our local bravest.

And that is what I have been up to. May you all stay safe and may God richly bless you.

Time to get back to work promoting.

Firehouse World Expo - San Diego - Feb 17-19

2009-01-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

Just letting everyone know I'm preparing to exhibit at the Firehouse World Expo in San Diego in a few weeks. I'm excited about it and hoping this will open up some doors and lead me to some great contacts.

Who is a Hero

2009-01-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

As those who are in the Fresno/Clovis area have seen, there have been many changes at Pelco. Today I gave what will probably be my last "kiddie tour". It was kindergarten and first graders. They are shown only the museum, memorial and security office. Today one of the little girls was accompanied by her father. When we were in the museum and the video started, he moved to the hallway out of site of the video. I saw him looking at displays. I walked over to him and he started talking to me. He is in the military. He did not tell me what branch but said his job is to load explosives. He told me the video was very hard for him to watch. He has done 9 tours! "People have forgotten" He told me. "People have forgotten what happened. After 9/11 there was a unity we don't see now." As the tour continued, I stole moments away to find a way to honor him, to look for one of the hero medals Pelco gave to the fire and police from New York. I was successful in finding one. When I tried to give it to this most deserving and obviously weary service member, he refused. "I was just doing my job. I'm no hero. (I have heard this so many times from those that are the only ones this title could apply to). I have just done my part. I'm not one of the fire fighters."My partner with the tour has been also deeply involved with our memorial. Between he and I , we were able to convince him to accept this small token. He thanked me that there is someone that understands and remembers. I've not been the same since I met him. Pray for him and the rest of our service members for all they have seen and faced and need to process. And pray for their continued efforts. I also pray for all fire, police and EMS workers. You do so much.

In remembrance - John Costelloe

2008-12-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

Sad news. On December 18, 2008. John Costelloe took his own life. I never knew him, but he was a dear friend of a dear friend. And for my friend I'm posting this. He was 47 years old. He was FDNY Retired. He was an actor, member of the Screen Actors Guild. He appeared in Shazaam, Die Hard 2 and The Soprano's amongst many other projects. And I know he was a good friend to my friend. John you have left many behind that love and miss you. Rest in peace.

Letter from Clovis Fire

2008-12-23T22:22:00.000-08:00

In Remembrance

2008-10-31T23:09:00.001-07:00

In loving remembrance of Gerald Titmus - Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. He past away yesterday at the age of 45 following a brief illness. I had the awesome opportunity of meeting Gerald when he came to the United States as a member of Fire Fighters For Christ. Our local members asked me to host them at Pelco where I work and give them a tour of our Memorial. Gerald was full of antics. He was endearing. He was actually a police officer for a number of years. He faced terrorists and had many attempts on his life. He was President of the Northern Ireland chapter of Fire Fighters For Christ. He was recently made Chaplain of the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and received his Class As. He never got to wear them. Gerald, well done.

2008-10-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Check this out. It was created by a friend of mine.

My God keep you safe and may you fully rely on Him who is more than able.

God Bless,

Sue

http://www.youtube.com/911Remembered

Commonality

2008-10-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Today I had an article come out in Valley Virtue Magazine. This is a local magazine for women. Now I've run the gammit as far as local publicity - tv interviews, news paper, one radio interview and now a magazine. Hoping for the more national exposure hopefully coming soon.

Anyway, over this first year since the book came out, the greatest support I've gained so far is from those connected with the military. When I wrote the book, I had no idea that connection would come about. I have been told of the common thread between fire fighters, police and the military. I'm glad I've been able to produce something so far people have said is valuable that strikes a cord with members of all areas of service. God Bless you all.

2008-09-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

It's 9/11 again. As one that has written a book on the subject, this day comes harder every year. In the beginning I was so far removed. But I've gotten to know too many too deeply. Two people in particular that I wrote about are having a much harder time coping this year. I'm hoping this is just a difficult hurdle in their healing - a necessary time for them to come to terms with all they have been through. I can only hope. I'm no psychiatrist or psychologist. I've just been given the opportunity to interact with so many personally effected and get to know them and become friends. This has been a difficult year.
And here I am. Someone who "wasn't there" that day - didn't know anyone there prior to that dreadful day. But now my life is so effected. Even though I lost no one, didn't know anyone and wasn't there that day - the 9/11 tragedy has become a part of my daily life. But tonight when I was at Pelco and we were preparing for tomorrow's observance ceremony, I looked around and saw so much to be thankful for. Out of this tragic time, so many friendships grew. I knew no fire fighters or police officers personally prior to the tragedy. But now they are a part of my daily life. That is a blessing. I got hugs tonight from our City Fire Chief Randy Bruegman, Port Authority Chief from New York Anthony Whitaker teased me and gave me hug, Andy Isolano who is FDNY - Retired, now living here in California smiled and waved as soon as he saw me and I received many more hugs from our local first responders.
Also there were local families there who lost sons in this war. I sat with them for a time fumbling for the right words to say. Tomorrow they will each be presented a flag. I am thankful for a place like Pelco that still takes the time to honor them.
I expect the morning to be a lot like tonight however I know I will be more teary eyed thinking of my friends that I know are still struggling. And yet I believe it a blessing to be able to weep with them.
This has not been a very structured blog. Not any real point given. Just talking. I hope everyone will remember the victims and heroes of 9/11 tonight and tomorrow.

God Bless

September 11 Again

2008-09-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when we again remember the attacks that fateful day seven years ago. My heart goes out to all who were personally effected. My prayers are with you.

Love,

Sue

Central Valley Blue Star Moms

2008-08-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

2008-08-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful letter from the Blue Star Moms:

Central California Blue Star Moms

2008-07-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Just want to let you know I will be speaking at the monthly meeting of the Central California Blue Star Moms. These ladies have my thanks and admiration for all they do. I also have a magazine article pending and a couple other prospects in the works. Stay tuned.

Keep in prayer all our fire fighters fighting these California wildfires. This has been an ugly year already. Being able to see the smoke in our air as we do and knowing what we are breathing in, I can only imagine what our fire fighters and the civilians leaving close to the fires are experiencing.

Please feel free to leave me a comment on this very blog site.

Medal Day 2008

2008-06-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone.

Check this out. Congratulations to Neil Malone! Much deserved.

http://home.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/medal_day/2008/fire/pdf/25.pdf

Welcome

2008-05-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog page for www.healingtheherosheart.com. With this blog I hope to keep in better touch with those that view my site. I will post news of upcoming events here that are very close and cannot otherwise be posted on the “upcoming events” page on my website. I will also leave news and other thoughts there.

Also, it is a place where you can write to me. Let me know your thoughts about the book, ask me questions, let me know what you do, etc. If you don’t want such communication posted but want to contact me, there is my contact page as well.

For now I would like you to go to my links page and click on “Ride For Chris.” Jonathan, a Fresno City Fire Fighter is biking for Leukemia research in memory of Fresno County Fire Fighter Chris Johnson. Chris succumbed to Leukemia less than a year ago. He remained as active as possible in the fire department for as long as he could. He had a heart of gold. I hope you will support Jonathan in his goal .

God Bless,

Sue