A Tribute to Asia Cottom
A couple of years ago, I took part in a blogging tribute to the victims of 9/11. It became something that I wanted to continue to do, even though the site has scaled back its yearly events. This year, my tribute is to Asia Cottom.
Asia was an 11 year old, just starting Middle School in Washington D.C. Just like any other kid, she loved Barbie, Tweety, and double dutch. But Asia was not typical, by any standards. She loved to read, and loved science, math, and computers, with the hope to become a pediatrician when she grew up. She had attended computer camp prior to starting Middle School, and looked forward to sharing her experience with her fellow students. She also loved her faith, and at her church, she served as an usher, a member of the dance group, and a singer in the church choir. On her own, she loved to study the Bible and wrote her own commentary to some of the more challenging passages.
On September 11, 2001, Asia Cottom boarded Flight 77, along with two of her classmates and three of her teachers. She and her classmates had been selected to fly from D.C. to the Channel Islands in Santa Barbara, to take part in National Geographic’s Sustainable Seas Expedition. The purpose was to study marine life, but there would be plenty of fun as well – kayaking, beach trips, and even the chance to swim with dolphins. This was a unique opportunity, and she was so excited about the trip that she spent time in advance, doing research on her computer. She couldn’t wait to learn, but she also couldn’t wait to get into the water. This was going to be an amazing experience.
35 minutes into the flight, Muslim terrorists hijacked the plane, and steered it into the Pentagon, killing all 64 passengers, crew, and another 125 victims in the building.
Her last project at school was to list her role models and best friends. For her heroes, she listed her parents. She listed her brother as one of her best friends. And on her list of great singers, she listed her mother. For Asia, family was at the top of her list.
On the evening of 9/11, Asia’s mother told her daughter’s teacher, “Mrs. Jones, my baby got her wings today.” The teacher replied, “We have to live right so we can get our wings when it is our time.”
In remembrance of Asia Cottom, age 11, of Washington D.C..
Posted by jayernh under Archive | Comments (2)
I am so so so sorry about Asia Cottom
she was too young to die
rest in peace
lots of love
Comment by Daniel Jacques — May 25, 2009 @ 7:19 am
I read earlier this morning about one of her teachers. The heartbreak is not just the overwhelming loss we suffered, but the children. The children we lost that day is simply unbearable. Thank you for remembering Asia.
Comment by Cathy — September 11, 2009 @ 1:05 pm