It was a morning like this that my husband Jack called and said he would be coming home late because there was a fire at the twin towers and was heading to the scene. Little did they know at that time what was about to ensue. I waited what seems like years for him to call and say he was OK. Countless phone calls from friends and family wondering if I had heard from Jack and as time when on my panic rose.

Finally, after hearing he was OK, I could relax and tell my boys that Daddy would be home soon. It wasn't until later on that Jack told me his partner Carlos Lillo approached him and said, "Hey Jack do you mind if I take this one? My wife works in the towers."

Jack stayed back and let him respond to the call. Carlos was killed in the collapse, his wife made it out of the tower safe. God Bless America and our heroes.

(Submitted by: Erin Cummings Tims)


Carlos “Rey” Lillo was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and came to New York City when he was 14-years-old. On 9/11, Lillo, 37, had worked at Mount Sinai Queens for 17 years, and from several photographs taken on 9/11 he was captured rescuing victims.
Lillo’s family believes that he must have lost his life when he returned to one of the World Trade Center towers to continue helping others just before it fell. His body would never be recovered, and the only thing left of him from that day is the photos of him helping others. His mother and sister cherish those last photos of him helping people too injured to help themselves.
“We recognized him in several of the published pictures from the keychain with the Puerto Rican flag that he always carried with him. I am sure that he wanted us to see it so that we could feel proud of the humanitarian work he was doing,” said Rodríguez, while holding onto the last images of her brave son.




Carlos mother remember her son today in tears; and told how a few weeks before 9/11 her son said to her that when his day to die comes, he hope it was doing what he most love to do; his job of helping and saving lives.
Many lives were lost that day, may God have them all in heaven buy his side.
Amen.