Journeys with Jaye

A Tribute to Michael Miller

Once again this year, I signed up to take part in a blogging tribute to the victims of 9/11 as part of Project 2,996  This year my tribute is to Michael Miller.

Michael Miller, “lived his life in the present. He never boasted about his past and never went on and on about the future. He lived for now.”  If there’s one description that seems to sum up Michael, that was it.  On every tribute site, friends and family remember him as living each day to the fullest, and sharing that with everyone around him.

In high school, he excelled in track, and was recruited to play wide receiver for the University of Pennsylvania.  The team went on to win the Ivy League title during his Junior and Senior years.  He had much success in college, and became a bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald after graduating.  Whether it was delving into the excitement of life in New York City, riding his motorcycle, or skiing, Michael loved adventure.

Michael seemed to touch the lives of many around him.  One friend recalls how his recipe for banana bread was so good, she got it published in a cook book.  Another young friend recalls how Michael bought her chocolates during a trip to Rockefeller Center at Christmas.  She fondly remembers how he convinced her that the “magic chocolates,” when eaten, would cause the Christmas tree to light up.  Many others remember his competitive spirit, and would how he would cheerfully rise up to any challenge – especially if it had to do with sports.  In every story about Michael, people recalled how he always left them with a smile.

On the morning of September 11th, Michael was working in One World Trade Center.  In a few weeks, he was going to marry his fiance, Patricia Skic. They planned to elope and throw a small wedding party, because they were saving up to buy a house in the Hamptons.

At 8:46 that morning, Muslim terrorists steered American Airlines Flight 11 into the North tower.  Cantor Fitzgerald, where Michael worked, was located about 2-6 floors above the area of impact.  The company lost 658 of their employees that day (about 2/3 of their workforce).

His parents, Betty Ann and James H. Miller Jr., wrote of their son:

He was generous with his time and money, not only with his family, but everyone else in his life. The light in our lives has gone out, but Michael will live forever in our minds and hearts.

In memory of Michael Miller

Posted by jayernh under Uncategorized | Comments (6)