Swede Joseph Chevalier

I didn't know Mr. Chevalier. Not directly. I have been keeping is prayer bracelet for the past year. Praying for him and his family everynight. Reading the words his loved ones posted for him meant a lot to me. I pray for you all. And I know that wherever Swede is today, he is looking down at you all with love.

I went to college with Swede. He was a close friend of my husband George. It is difficult to describe what a magnificent human being he was. Vibrant, passionate, funny, and so incredibly smart. There are so many who truly love and admire him still. I like to remember him on that summer day in 1997 when we went waterskiing on Lake Cayuga with a bunch of our friends. Swede kicked off his ski mid-way and went slalom - he was an awesome skiier. We skiied until the sun went down. He was so beautiful and young and strong and happy. Just hanging out with his girlfriend Melissa, and a bunch of his friends, enjoying the day. I will always remember that.
I send this with a prayer for his family, his friends, all those who loved him, and especially Melissa.
May your sorrow be less each day, and may we all be comforted in knowing that we were all so blessed to have had him in our lives.

I taught Swede at RCDS in the 1980's.
He was a wonderful boy, with a terrific sense of humor and a serious face that exploded into smile. His loss persoanlized the tragedy of 9/11 for me.
As I still teach Latin and work with young people everyday, I am reminded constantly, by his loss, of the preciousness and fragility of life.
Swede, Your life was a special gift to us all. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.