Photo credit: Michael Hnatov
Accession Number: C.2015.288.350
Dimensions: 4.375 in X 2.625 in
Dimensions (Metric): 11.1125 cm X 6.6675 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 11.1125 cm X 6.6675 cm
Source: Keith Piaseczny
Credit Line: Gift of Keith Piaseczny
Description
Prayer card created in memory of Jose Nicolas De Peña. The front of the card is an illustration of Saint Jude with text: "Keep Us in God's Love | as We Wait for | The Mercy of Jesus | (Jude, 21)." The back of the card features a photograph of De Peña with printed text: "Jose Nicolas De Peña | Nacio 23 de Marzo de 1959 | Murio 11 de Septiembre del 2001" followed by a poem printed in Spanish.
“Cuando tenga que dejarte por un corto tiempo, por favor no te entristezcas ni derrames lagrimas ni te abraces a tu pena través de los anos; por el contrario empieza de nuevo con valentía y con un sonrisa por mi memoria y en mi nombre vive tu vida y haz todas las cosas igual que antes. No alimentes tu soledad con días vacíos sino llena cada hora de manera útil. Extiende tu mano para confortar y te tendré cerca de mi; ¡y nunca, nunca tengas miedo de morir porque yo estaré esperándote en el cielo!”
Translated to English, the poem reads:
“When I have to leave you for a short time, please do not be sad or spill tears nor hold your grief through the years; on the contrary, begin anew with bravery and with a smile for my memory and in my name live your life and do all things just as before. Do not feed your loneliness with empty days but fill each hour in a useful way. Extend your hand to comfort and I will hold you close to me; and never, never be afraid to die because I will be waiting for you in heaven!”
Prayer card created in memory of Jose Nicolas De Peña. The front of the card is an illustration of Saint Jude with text: "Keep Us in God's Love | as We Wait for | The Mercy of Jesus | (Jude, 21)." The back of the card features a photograph of De Peña with printed text: "Jose Nicolas De Peña | Nacio 23 de Marzo de 1959 | Murio 11 de Septiembre del 2001" followed by a poem printed in Spanish.
“Cuando tenga que dejarte por un corto tiempo, por favor no te entristezcas ni derrames lagrimas ni te abraces a tu pena través de los anos; por el contrario empieza de nuevo con valentía y con un sonrisa por mi memoria y en mi nombre vive tu vida y haz todas las cosas igual que antes. No alimentes tu soledad con días vacíos sino llena cada hora de manera útil. Extiende tu mano para confortar y te tendré cerca de mi; ¡y nunca, nunca tengas miedo de morir porque yo estaré esperándote en el cielo!”
Translated to English, the poem reads:
“When I have to leave you for a short time, please do not be sad or spill tears nor hold your grief through the years; on the contrary, begin anew with bravery and with a smile for my memory and in my name live your life and do all things just as before. Do not feed your loneliness with empty days but fill each hour in a useful way. Extend your hand to comfort and I will hold you close to me; and never, never be afraid to die because I will be waiting for you in heaven!”
Historical Notes
Jose De Peña was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States in 1992, settling in New York City. He had two young children. Jose worked at Windows on the World. On September 11, he was at the restaurant on the 106th floor of the North Tower. Jose was 42 years old.
Jose De Peña was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States in 1992, settling in New York City. He had two young children. Jose worked at Windows on the World. On September 11, he was at the restaurant on the 106th floor of the North Tower. Jose was 42 years old.
