In loving memory of my friend and former classmate at Boston University, Lisa Frost, who lost her life at 22 when United Airlines Flight 175 slammed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
On September 11th, 2001, I was starting my senior year of college attending Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. It was a beautiful Tuesday morning – clear skies full of sunshine and a nice warm breeze. On my walk to Nutrition Sciences that morning I stopped at student food court to grab a Starbucks for class.
That was the last normal thing that took place on September 11th, 2001. From the minute I walked in the door, I knew something wasn’t right. Crowds and crowds of students were huddled around the television screens throughout the building. A normally loud building was suddenly silent as everyone was glued to the television.
When I whispered to someone asking what was going on all I heard was “The World Trade Towers have fallen down.” To be 100% honest: at that moment, I wasn’t even sure what they were talking about as I was more familiar with the much smaller world trade tower in Boston than the twin towers in NYC.
Class went on as normal. I remember the professor acknowledging the crisis but stating that she wanted to continue on as normal as possible. In hindsight, I’m glad she gave us the gift of a few more normal hours.
The rest of the day is a bit of a blur until I received the phone call I will never forget from my friend and fellow hospitality student, Estee. When I picked up the phone she blurted “Lisa was on the 2nd plane. Lisa was on the 2nd plane that hit the World Trade Center.”
I collapsed on my bed in my apartment located on the 17th floor of a building overlooking the Boston skyline. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Immediately I recalled the email Lisa sent me just days prior with the sentence “I will email you when I get to California on Tuesday.”
Lisa never got to California on Tuesday. Lisa’s parents never got to greet her at the airport. Lisa’s boyfriend never got to welcome her back. Lisa’s best friend never got a roommate in the apartment they had leased for the new year in San Francisco.
Lisa Frost was 22 years old when she boarded the plane to move back home after graduating from Boston University with a dual major in Hospitality Administration and Communications. She was the speaker of her class and one year ahead of me. She was my mentor in every shape of the word. In fact, when I was speaker of my class the following year her parents came to show support.
Lisa embodied enthusiasm, hard work and warmth. Her smile lit up every room she entered. She was incredibly smart, hugely talented and highly motivated.
I think of Lisa all year round. She would have been in her mid-30’s by now and I know she would be doing tremendous things with her life. I miss her every day.
To read more about Lisa, here are a few obituaries:
Rancho Family Honors Daughter Lost on 9/11, Remembering Lisa Frost and On 9/11, a Father’s Reminder of His Daughter
I would like to add that I think it is amazing that Lisa’s airline miles card was found.
Isn’t it amazing? So incredible that it didn’t melt.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. What a loving tribute to your Lisa. I’m sending you hugs and prayers on this most difficult day.
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words- it means a lot.
I was at BU that day too – perhaps around some of the same TVs. While I never met Lisa, I was the advisor to her best friend that you mentioned. That day, I stepped out of my role as an advisor to be a triage counselor, hand holder, and literal shoulder to cry on. I attended a couple memorial gatherings that month for Lisa. This is a beautiful piece and really brought me right back to it all. As I did then, I still now offer my condolences to all who knew her. There is no doubt a bright and shining light was put out far too soon 14 years ago today.
Wow!! What a small world! Thank you so much for sharing your story and letting me know. It is comforting to know how many others remember Lisa as well.
Thanks for writing this. Lisa was one of my first friends freshman year (same floor Warren Towers). I still remember seeing her name across the ticker on Sept. 12 and the shock and horror I felt. It crushes me to think of all of the amazing things we lost that she would have achieved because of how caring, driven, and passionate Lisa was.
Hugs and Prayers to you, her family, Jan, and so many of the rest of us who were blessed to have known her and been touched by her.
Oh my goodness that is crazy Jesse that you met at Warren Towers. Thank you so much for writing – it is comforting to hear from others who knew Lisa.
It makes me so sad to read this, but I know it’s so important to remember the lives of those lost that day, and send extra love to those who loved them Thank you for sharing her story, and allowing all of us to support you. xx Sending you warmth and light today.
I appreciate your kind thoughts Caroline – thank you so much for reading Lisa’s story.
This is the first time I’ve seen this, Liz. I am so sorry. Lisa memory lives on through you–what a wonderful gift to her.
Thank you so much for reading Carrie.
I’m so sorry for your loss, your tribute brought tears to my eyes. What a good friend she had in you to remember and play tribute to her in your heart and on your page xoxo
Thank you so much for reading.
Sending hugs and comfort on this hard time of the year. Thank you for writing all that you do 🙂
Thank you so much Rachel.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. What a wonderful friend you are to remember her this way. I’ll never forget that day. Never.
Thank you so much for reading Shawn. xo
Just reading this for the first time. I have no idea how I missed it last year. I am so sorry for your loss. This is devastating. I still get choked up at least once every year on this day.
I so appreciate you reading Jennifer – thank you friend!
God rest Lisa’s soul and God help her parents. Never to enjoy her and her future children. We must never forget how it happened and who did it & it isn’t over. not by a long shot.
Love you.
Thank you for this story about your friend.
I was living in South Florida on 9/11/01, and remember everything about that day – including how beautiful the weather was.
Have you noticed that everyone remarks first about how beautiful the weather was that day? And everyone describes the weather that day as beautiful and glorious.
I can’t help but wonder if God created that glorious weather to welcome home all of those souls.
You’re right – everyone always talks about how beautiful the day was that Tuesday morning. When you live in Boston, beautiful September days are not taken for granted. I will never forget the weather!!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, Liz. Beautiful post about a beautiful person. Such a tragic day to remember.
Thank you so much for reading Lauren!! xo
So sad to read, i’m sure she was a wonderufl person and it’s very hard to think that even one person is like a whole world to another, and when we think of the huge number of victims, 3000, it’s something that we will never truely understnad. It’s always and still is looks like a strange nightmare that day to eveyone around the world..
Hugs from Israel
Thank you so much for reading Michal – your words mean a lot!
Your story brought me to tears. I don’t think I’ve known anyone before who was so directly affected by that event. My heart goes out to you and to all her other friends and family. As I have been reading this, the heavens are crying heavily for Lisa, too, even here in the usually dry desert.
I really appreciate you reading this post – thank you so much for helping me carry on Lisa’s legacy!
What a wonderful tribute to your friend, Liz. I will keep her family in my thoughts this week, as well as all the other families affected by Sep 11th. Sending big hugs.
Thank you so much for your words Amelia!!
So very sad. I’m sorry for your friend and all that died that day. I think about very often with sadness. This world is in bad shape. Take care, Liz.
Thank you for reading Liz!
Beautiful tribute to your friend. Big Hugs to you!
Thank you so much for reading!
I can only say thank you. Thank you for helping us all remember.
Thank you so much for reading Carrian..xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing– such a beautiful way to remember your friend.
I appreciate you reading Anne!
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing. It’s so hard to believe that it’s already been 12 years.
Thank you so much for reading Ashley!!
Your story gave me the chills. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to Lisa!
Such a beautiful post. I still cry every year and my heart still breaks remembering that horrible, horrible day. I may not have lost anyone I knew in this terrible tragedy, but I certainly will not forget 9/11 or the stories I read about that day.
Thank you so much for reading, Laura. I know it is such a hard day for so many of us but writing about her helps me keep her memory alive.
What a beautiful tribute to your friend. Sounds like Lisa was a wonderful person and great friend.
Thank you so much for reading Lauren.
Such a touching post Liz… I just know she’s smiling down on you everyday. Thank you for sharing this story with us xo
Thank you Laurie – that means a lot.
I’m so sorry for your loss and that of Lisa’s family, Liz!! Thanks for telling us about her! Our prayers are with you all!! Corry
Thank you so much for your kind words Corry!
It’s hard to forget the tragedy that happened years ago and impossible to when someone loved was lost in those moments. Thanks for keeping her memory alive and sharing your story
Thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate you reading!
This made me cry, Liz. I am so sorry for you and all the “Lisas” and families and friends who continue to suffer due to the events of that day.
I think about the families all the time, too, Christina. Thank you for reading.
Thank you for sharing Lisa’s story with us…very touching and well done. Hugs!
Thank you so much for reading.
Chills. I am so sorry for your loss Liz – this is a beautiful tribute.
Thank you so much for reading Alyssa…gives me chills too.
A beautiful tribute, beautiful friend. I’m so sorry for your loss, her family’s loss, our country’s loss. I know Lisa is looking down and smiling at you every day Liz!
xo
Thank you friend..your comment brought tears to my eyes.
Thanks so much for sharing your story – it really is a lovely tribute to your friend. Today is hard for so many people, and sometimes it’s good to remember that these national tragedies really do impact people personally.
Thank you for reading Megan. It is always a hard day but I feel it’s important to never forget about my friend. xo
For 12 years I’ve been gripped by the individual stories of loss caused by this tragedy. I can’t wrap my head around the enormity of the collective pain. I’m so sorry this touched you so personally but thanks for sharing your story. Its how we all keep their memories alive.
Thank you for your kind words Bonnette. It is a very emotional time and writing my story helps with the pain. Thank you for reading.
So very sad. Watching the reading of the names on TV, still amazed at how many good people were lost that day.
I agree…it is hard to grasp. Thank you for reading.
Liz, what a beautiful post. As we remember the tragedy of 9/11, it is through these posts that we remember the story. That the human spirit will not go quietly into the dark. I think Lisa is smiling down at you and thanking you for sharing her story and passion for life. <3
Thank you so much for reading Lauren – I appreciate your sweet words. xo
Such a lovely tribute to a beautiful girl. Many hugs to you today, Liz.
Thank you for reading Jessica.
It sounds as though Lisa made a great impact in her short life. I’m so sorry for your loss, Liz. Thank you for sharing your story.
She certainly did. As every year goes by, I can’t believe she was only 22. Thank you for reading Dara.
Beautifully written and wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing, Liz. Sending warm thoughts and a hug your way today!
Thank you so much for reading Kelli.
Oh Liz, this gave me goosebumps throughout the entire post and brought me to tears. I’m so sorry and what a beautiful tribute and remembrance for your friend. *hugs tightly* xoxo
Thank you for reading Julie – it is never an easy day but I hope writing about her keeps her memory alive.
What a thoughtful piece, Liz. I am sending my biggest hug to you. Thank you for sharing her story.
Thank you so much for reading Megan. xo
This is such an honest and heartfelt tribute to your friend. Thank you for sharing — hugs, friend!
Thank you for reading Stephanie – I appreciate it.
Thanks for sharing, Liz. I’m so sorry this tragedy hits so close for you.
Thank you for your kind words Gina.
Beautiful post, Liz. Thinking of you today
Thank you for reading Angie.
<3
Wow, so sorry Liz. It was already a tragedy, but even more so when you think of what so many of these talented people would be doing with their lives now. Thanks for remembering your friend.
That’s exactly what I think about all the time – what she would be doing with her life right now, how many kids she would have, etc. etc. Counting my blessings.
Thank you for sharing your story, Liz, and for giving life through your words to Lisa. Thank you.
Thank you for reading Kristen – your words mean a lot.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Liz. This is a beautiful story and I’m so glad you shared it with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words.. 🙂
So sorry you lost someone so dear to you….thanks for sharing you story.
Thank you for reading…I’m happy you are going to cheer me up today. 🙂 xo
What a lovely tribute to your friend. xo
Thank you for reading… xo