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Brooke Rosenbaum Date of Birth: December 27, 1969 Department: International Settlements Position: Manager ON SEPTEMBER 11th, OVER 5,000 OF US LOST A LOVED ONE… FOR BROOKE DAVID ROSENBAUM HE LEFT BEHIND A GRIEVING FATHER, MOTHER, STEPMOTHER AND MANY, TOO MANY TO COUNT, FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES… BROOKE WAS PRECEEDED IN DEATH BY HIS BROTHER PETER IN 1998. WE HAD ALMOST BECOME ADJUSTED TO PETER’S UNTIMELY DEATH, MOSTLY WITH BROOKE’S HELP AND NOW BROOKE IS GONE. BROOKE GRADUATED SUNY ALBANY WITH HIS MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY. HE WAS KIND OF A QUIET CHILD BUT AS HE APPROACHED ADULTHOOD HE BLOSSOMED. BROOKE WAS OUTGOING AND A JOY TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM. BROOKE WAS MY BEST FRIEND AND I BELIEVE I WAS ONE OF HIS. HE WAS GIVEN TO US AS A GIFT 31 YEARS AGO AND ON SEPTEMBER 11TH HE HAD TO GO, HIS JOB HERE WAS DONE. IF HIS JOB WAS TO BE KIND, CONSIDERATE, EMPATHETIC, SWEET, SUPPORTIVE IN ALL WAYS AND AN ALL AROUND “GOOD GUY”, WELL, HE ACCOMPLISHED ALL THAT AND THEN SOME. BROOKE LOVED MUSIC, MOVIES AND ABOVE ALL WAS AN AVID VORACIOUS READER, SOMETIMES COMPLETEING TWO BOOKS A WEEK. BROOKE WAS ALSO, AS THEY SAY, “PARTY HOST EXTRAORDINAIRE”. BROOKE, I KNOW YOU ARE STILL WITH ALL OF US, I CAN STILL HEAR YOUR LAUGH, HEAR YOU SPEAK AND ON OCCASSION SEE YOU IN MY MIND. WE ALL LOVE YOU BROOKE AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU OR YOUR BROTHER, KNOW THAT IN YOUR SPIRIT. BE HAPPY AND KNOW WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER ONE DAY. YOU ARE MISSED SO VERY MUCH BY ALL WHOSE LIFE YOU TOUCHED EVEN IN THE SMALLEST WAY. A BRIGHT LIGHT FULL OF LOVE WAS EXTINGUISHED SEPTEMBER 11TH AND THAT LIGHT, FULL OF LOVE WAS BROOKE DAVID ROSENBAUM.
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Tributes
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Brooke was a truly great human being. I am a better person for simply having known him. He had the rare ability to truly listen to people, something not enough of us do. He was wise beyond his years. He is gone Far Too Soon and in my Heart he will live forever.
ODE TO BROOKIE BOY
To live in the hearts of your loved ones is to never die. As Peter does, so does our beloved Brooke. But for now, our love for him hangs in our hearts like a big brass bell. With a heavy iron pendulum, which most of the time hangs straight down; still, solemn and quiet, but at times it swings radically to and fro. Crashing hard against our chests, making us feel out of control. Making us lash out at the loving people and things that make us happy. But we really know down deep in our souls that what happened is part of some large plan that we’re not privy to understand until we meet our loved ones again.
Brooke as you stand before your God, hold your head up high; proudly knowing that you lived a life of caring, compassion, and understanding, not normally found in today’s harsh, rushing world. Yes, you lived nobly with good will toward all you knew and loved. By having seen the bright and shining life you lead and the example you set, we will be able to go on, until one day we meet again.
For Dorothy, with all our love, Ken & Marcia Smith
Brooke, a quiet child, a grown man with a dry sense of humor and a heart larger than most. A special son to mother, stepmom and most of all, a beloved son of Marty, his Dad, who draws strength from memories of days gone by, with Brooke at his side. They say only the good die young, God has taken our best.
A loss of a child can never be expressed with words. Only the aching hearts of the parents can express that pain that only they can feel. We can only imagine the horror of it all. My heart goes out to Dorothy who was Brooke’s mother and the other mother who cries every day, Brooke’s stepmother “Fern”, who had the privilege of loving a beautiful boy who was then raised to become a loving man. The loss that ALL these parents are enduring is heart wrenching. I know Brooke is with the Lord because Fern could have not kept in so close to her heart without the love Marty & Fern shared for this child. I also know that Brooke is looking down from above and telling those he loved to move on. I know that both brothers are together. May the Lord’s light help these wonderful parents get through the lifetime of healing ahead.
I only knew Brooke for a short time, but in that time he made me feel as if I had known him all of my life. Once we realized our tastes in books, music and movies were very similar (although I do not believe there is anyone in this world who had the same taste in movies as Brooke), we were swapping all three two or three times a week. His kindness was evident from the first week he started at Cantor. From the Friday morning bagel platter to drinks at the Irridesence shows to any random concert information that he thought I might be interested in, he seemed to always have other people’s needs in mind before his own. I will always miss Brooke and wish our friendship had lasted much longer than it did. My most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will never, ever be forgotten. Rest well buddy.
Brookie Babes, That’s what I called U here & that’s what I still call U now. All those Knicks games & all those beers & chicken wings. Thanks!
The Iridesence music & the phone conversations.
Again Thanks! What a short journey but ever lasting memories. It goes too fast, time ticks regardless. So I state that I’m grateful for meeting U, opening up to U & more importantly sharing with U & your family. Say Hi to Peter & I look forward to having another dinner & playing a board game with all of us. Your physical
departure is a temporary seperation. Love & Blessings – Your spiritual brother, Marty
Brooke was compassionate, humble, generous, and tolerant. He was beloved on earth by his family and friends, who now cradle his kind and gentle spirit in their broken hearts.
We live to observe the achievements of our nieces and nephews and you excelled as a son, a brother, a nephew and a cousin. We admired your maturity, poise, thoughtfulness and self-confidence. You achieved and often surpassed the schedule we together established for your professional development – we were most proud of that. We admired your growth as a family member and as a professional, taking on increasingly responsible roles in each, always purposeful in and sensitive to all you undertook. Our respect for you was the pride felt by those who saw your promise, recognized your potential and imagined your future. We had very clear thoughts about where you were headed.
The road has risen with you and the wind is now at your back; the sun now shines warmly and the rain falls softly upon your face; and until we meet again, we know you’re in a better place.
Love,
Jack and Pauline
Hey Brooke,
I never got to say thank you for keeping my spirits up the night of the snowstorm when we had to stay at the marriot in the city. I remember we went to that bar and we talked all night long. I had already known you were a great person, but it showed through even more that night. I was so upset, I just wanted to go home and instead you dragged me to this bar with the rest of the gang and I had a great time. You are a wonderful person and I’m sure you are a wonderful floating spirit in heaven. Until I see you again, be well and take care of everyone else up there with you, as I am sure you will.
Love christina
Brook, I don’t know you but I know of you through your stepmother, and the pain she and your father have in their hearts now that you are gone. May you rest in peace, and may they know that they are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Brooke was what all of us hope for in a son, a brother, a neighbor, a co-worker, a friend. In my case, he was a cousin. He was a delight to talk to — engaging, knowledgeable, friendly, witty, wise beyond his years.
He also gracefully managed one of life’s supreme challenges: balancing sensitivity and toughness. He dealt with a terribly crushing blow — the loss of his older brother Peter — by helping assuage the pain of others who also loved Peter. He knew his mother relished getting together with her siblings and cousins, so he threw a holiday party every December, inviting into his neat, orderly apartment a crowd of unruly relations.
I’ll think about Brooke during the holidays. I’ll think about him when listening to the radio and hearing about the Knicks, his favorite team. I’ll think about him when I hear certain metal-pop songs, which he loved. At breakfast I’ll remember his quirky childhood diet of frozen french fries. At any time at all I’m apt to remember how his toothy, sheepish grin could light up a room. What I have left now of Brooke is memories. I’ll cherish them for the rest of my life.
When I started working for Cantor Fitzgerald 2 years ago, I had the honor of having Brooke as my supervisor. He and I sat right next to eachother. One of the first things I realized about Brooke was his dedication to his job. I was tremendously impressed with his knowledge of the business and also just with everyday life. I knew this was the kind of work ethic I wanted to have. He had the patience to teach me everything there was to know about my position. During that time he and I became a team and developed a great friendship.
Brooke proved to be a very understanding and caring person. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, give his time to listen or crack one of his sarcastic jokes to make you laugh. Brooke’s sense of humor was a quality that could light up a room and something I looked forward to everyday.
I could go on for hours about the special qualities that Brooke had and that will never be forgotten. He will always be in my heart and I miss him dearly.
Dorothy – Please know that you are in my everyday thoughts and that I am here for you with anything you need.
Hi Dude, It’s hard to find the words to express how I feel, but perhaps just knowing that you’re with our Lord in heaven will help somehow to ease the sorrow. Your thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity will never be forgotten and I will cherish your friendship for ever.
P.S We (NY KNICKS) will not make the Playoff this year. I will take good care of Dorothy (my wife).
In a diverse family with no shortage of vociferous or strong-willed characters, Brooke stood out as quietly unassuming, with a light touch and a caring way. He never had an unpleasant thing to say about anybody, and, even more remarkable, you never got the impression that he was biting his tongue.
Famously particular about food, he went out of his way to bring me cannolis from Queens because he knew I couldn’t get good ones where I live. At a family outing in a restaurant once, I forgot his picky palate and urged him to try an entree. He hated it but gave a big, game grin just because he didn’t want to hurt my feelings.
I miss Brooke’s grin and gentle manner. How I wish we could have had more time with this bright, sensitive young man.
Since there can be no closure to this nightmare I feel compeled to write the following. I would first like to extend my heart felt gratitude to everyone who has written a tribute thus far. You have enforced what I already knew about Brooke, that he was an incredible young man. He has left us with a whole in our hearts, so please indulge me as I write this open letter to him in the hope that somehow he will hear it.
Dear Brooke:
We never got to say goodbye, however I am comforted to know in my heart that I will see you again one day.
Thank you for your great sense of humor. For calling everday and making believe you were someone else and calling me Ditzy every time I fell for it. Thank you for letting me lean on you when times were really hard in 1998. For telling me I could count on you and meaning it. It should have been the other way around. Thanks for telling your Dad on his 60th Birthday, that you would not be the man you were had it not been for him. The speech you gave that night floored both of us. Please know that your father is hurting more than I could ever put into words, which is the reason he has not come to this page. But then, I think you know that. Thanks for trying so hard as a little boy to accept everything that was flung at you. Finally, thanks for giving me more love and respect then I could have hoped for.
I will miss you and love you all the days of my life.
Fern (AKA Ditzy)
Hey Tiny Tot…
Here we are now, more than 6 months into this unbelieveably horrific nightmare and yet I feel that both you and your brother Peter are with me at ALL times.
I know that both of you and my friends and your family are the glue that keeps me together on a day to day basis.
I KNOW as sure as I am sitting here that you both know how much you are missed, in my life and all those that knew you and even just knew about you.
The days are long and the nights especially lonely but I know you are there, I even felt your touch on several occaisions and dream about you both so be good, (are you both smiling??!!) look after and help your dad and stepmom as well as I know you are looking after helping me.
The day cannot come soon enough when we are all together again remembering the many many good times we had and reliving them which I do on a continual basis…
“Ice In A Bucket” and “Can you spell diabetes Mom?”
All my love to you both….
Yo” Momma
Brooke – We hardly knew you. We thought there were years ahead for us to spend time with you and get to know you better, and now that you are gone, we realize that we hardly knew you. We loved, admired and respected you, and honor you now because of your untimely death. The void you left in your family can never be filled. Your brother Peter’s sudden death saddened us all, but we never thought we would miss you in the same way, so soon. We knew you as a nephew, as a loving son and brother, as a generous and compassionate young adult; and most of all, as a young man we were pleased to know, and proud to have as part of our family. We knew you were very bright, and thought you a little shy, and really wanted to know you better.
When we visited you in New York many years ago, you and Peter were very young and Kathleen was two years old. You made up a little song about her that delighted all of us, and we sang it to her for years. You were overjoyed because you had a new cousin and all three of you literally bounced around for hours. Family is the most important part of our lives and you were a vital part of our family, and we loved you. We are sad beyond telling, that we hardly knew you and that your days with us are over.
When we first met at Republic NY Securities 8 years ago we hit it off right away. We had the same tastes in music, books, humor..we had a lot of fun exploring Manhattan together and seeing some great bands…thank you. We renewed our friendship when you started working at Cantor. We would have discussions nearly every day about music, the Mets, the new Steven King novel, our families (I finally met your Mom and she IS great!)I miss you and I can only begin to imagine the pain your family feels…my prayers are with them.
I’m sure we will meet again, until then I’ll “send a smile over to you”
Brooke-
You will live on forever in our memories, our pictures, and in our dreams. I’m glad we had the chance to become close friends, and I wish I could thank you for all the great things you did for me and the whole crew. I’ll save you a seat at my wedding! I know you’ll be there. I’ll see you in the next one….
rick
I just want to say “hi” since i still can’t say goodbye.
Sorry we did not have B & B on your birthday, but Rick bought a bottle for New Years and made sure we had a “salud” on your name.”Dude” you are always around.
PS
I fixed your bathroom and the dinnig room since you hated them so much.
Talk to you later.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Brooke in person, but we became fast friends who called each other every morning just to say good morning. I was frantic after hearing of the towers and all the lines were down. When I finally heard of Brooke’s passing I cried and was given the rest of the day off. We were friends who never met but worked, joked and laughed together on the phone. I miss your laughter Brooke. Rest in peace.
HEY SWEETIE PIE,
YOU ARE STILL MISSED BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS… ALTHOUGH I THINK YOU KNOW THAT !!! YOUR BROTHER TOO !!! JANA, MARTY AND CHRISTINA ARE STILL IN CONTACT!! MARTY COMES ONCE A MONTH OCCASIONALLY TWICE, WHAT A BLESSING THAT IS, ALL OF THEM, WITHOUT THEM I WOULD BE HAVING A MUCH TOUGHER TIME… WE TALK ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BROTHER LAUGH ABOUT YOU BOTH AND JUST HAVE A GOOD TIME, EVERY TIME, CELEBRATING YOUR LIFE.. I AM GOING TO BE GIVING A SPEECH ABOUT “SURVIVAL” BEFORE AN AUDIENCE AS SOON AS I AM READY. MANY PEOPLE THINK I HAVE A MESSAGE THAT NEEDS TO BE HEARD.. I KNOW YOU AND YOUR BROTHER ARE BEHIND ME 100%.. IT IS STILL HARD AT NIGHT, I STILL SOMETIMES WANT TO CALL YOU OR YOUR BROTHER, THAT MESSAGE, THAT I CAN NO LONGER DO THAT, IS A HARD ONE FOR MY HEART TO ACKNOWLEDGE. MY HEAD KNOWS THAT I CANNOT BUT MY HEART IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY..
BOTH OF YOU REMEMBER THAT YOU WERE AND ARE STILL LOVED SO MUCH, SO VERY MUCH ….
WE WILL BE TOGETHER ONE DAY…
YO’ MOMMA
AS THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR DEATH APPROACHES THE PAIN WHICH IS ALWAYS PRESENT IN OUR HEARTS COMES TO THE FOREFRONT.
THE PAIN IS INDELIBLE AND IMBEDDED VERY DEEP IN OUR HEARTS.
KNOW THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND WE WILL NEVER STOP LOVING YOU – NOT JUST ON THIS ANNIVERSARY BUT ALWAYS.
Hey Brooke, Peter,
We have just passed the second anniversary of September 11th, what a strange word to describe it.. Not an anniversary that I weould choose to celebrate. Who ever would celebrate the untimely deaths of so many people ?
Now if we were to say we were celebrating the lives of those lost and your life, Which is MY ultimate goal, to celebrate your life and your brother’s, two incredible human beings who left their mark on the world, who will NEVER be forgotten, now that’s a celebration.
I know you both watch everything I do. Just wish I knew what it is you guys were thinking of what it is I am doing and trying to do… I am doing the things I am doing as a celebration of both your lives and to make the world a better place to live in.. I know I can accompplish this with you guys helping me.
Know that in the hearts and souls of those who really loved you that you BOTH will live on forever and that the messages that you both are sending no matter how subtle they are are being recieved and understood by those of us who are open to receiving them. We know what an effort it is for you to do that and that you are both there, never forget that, in the music, in the thoughts, in the butterflies and in the rainbows that I love so much, and in the eyes and words of your friends.
Sending Love, Hugs, & Kisses, and Joy
Yo’ Momma
Brooke, just so there can be no misunderstanding the definitin of the word Anniversary in Websters Dictionary is as follows:annus, year
the yearly return of an event.
No where in this definition is the word celebration.
Having raised you for 10 years of my life there could be no celebration only a deep scar on my heart which no one, not your friends or anyone else can take away. We love you and miss you very much.
Hey Brookie Babes-
Woke up this morning with you on my mind. I decided to visit this site again and post another tribute. I would like to take the time to thank you so very much for all of the signs that you and your brother, Peter, have shown your mom and me. I will admit that sometimes it is almost unbelievable how things fall off the wall and lights blink like crazy when your mom and I are speaking about you and Peter. The signs reassure us that all is well. It brings a smile to my heart and I see how it comforts your mom as well. I have kept a journal of all of the “signs” you and your brother have provided. I am so very grateful for all of the energy you guys exert to manifest these validations. I also want to thank you for those great dreams you have given me. I never knew the impact your life would have had in mine. I am also deeply touched by the incredible love and support I have recieved from your mom. She is now my M.O.M. (Marty’s Other Mother)as well. I send you and Peter a great big hug and kiss. I love both you guys! Thanks again for helping me be there for our mother.
You guys are missed but NEVER forgotten!
HEY GUYS,
TRIED TO WRITE BEFORE BUT IT GOT “EATEN UP !!”
IT WAS JUST PAST BOTH YOUR BIRTHDAYS… LONELY LONELY TIMES FOR ME, NOT ALONE, PEOPLE ALL AROUND BUT YOU GUYS KNOW WHAT I MEAN… WE WERE THERE AND MET WITH YOUR “GUYS” JANUARY 16TH… AT CLUB 31… WHAT A BALL !!! WAITRESS CAME OVER TO HUG ME( IT AMAZED ME SHE REMEMBERED WHO I WAS !!!!) WE TALKED AND HAD A SHOT FOR YOU, ACTUALLY A “DOUBLE SHOT” SHE SENT IT OVER !! I HAD CRANBERRY JUICE!!! THEY REMEMBERED I DON’T DRINK !!! I KNOW YOU SAW US AT GROUND ZERO SATURDAY … SO, WHAT’S WITH YOUR BALLOON PETER ??!!!!
AT TIMES THE LOSS IS OVERWHELMING BUT YOU MUST KNOW THAT THE SHARP EDGES, WHILE NOT TOTALLY GONE, NOR EVER WILL BE, ARE SOFTENING A BIT.. JUST ABOUT FORGIVEN ALL THE PEOPLE I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER FORGIVE FOR THEIR SELF CENTERED INSENSETIVITY, MOSTLY IN OUR ENCHANTING FAMILY.
WE WILL BE GOING UP AGAIN IN SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS AND THIS TIME AS ALL OTHERS WE WILL BE GOING TO
“YOUR PLACES” PETER’S TOO ! WE PASSED YOUR APT. PETER !!!!
SO, NEVER, EVER FORGET HOW MUCH BOTH OF YOU ARE MISSED AND ALWAYS WILL BE TILL WE ALL MEET AGAIN.. “PRINCE” IS PICKING UP SOME OF THE SLACK, I KNOW, WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT YOU GUYS SENT HIM FOR ME TO LOVE….
MUCH MUCH LOVE, HUGS, KISSES AND “PINCHES” FOR YOU SHORTY….
YO’ MOMMA
Hey Guys,
We were there, we had that most important meeting. I know you were both with us simply because of the way things worked out and the feelings we ALL had while we were there. I know in my heart that it will all be alright now.
The love, emotional support, calls and hugs I am STILL receiving from my friends and even more importantly YOUR friends really does help soften the edges of this ongoing nightmare. I know you guys are behind all of that as well. Have “let go” of all of the negative things and people that were and are related to this situation totally and turned it all over to the only person that can take it away.
It will all be the way it is supposed to be as you guys know and are working to help manifest. So never forget how much you are BOTH loved and missed, and again, keep sending those messages, we get every single one of them, all of us.
Love, hugs, And “pinches” Brooke and “Stereo Nails” Peter…
Yo’ Momma
Hey Guys,
Newcomer there now… Uncle Bill Passed away last Wednesday I know you are all together now, you guys, Aunt Pauline, Dara And now Uncle Bill. Seems like more of you there than here…
Just wish people HERE would realize just how short life really is and how very precious as well… All the seconds, minutes and hours add up to our lives.. Good bad or indifferent, they are the sum of our lives.`
Wrote something last summer or fall I would like to share with you…
“Always choose to let your soul flourish and grow in the face of adversity rather than let it wither and die”
You guys now know that there is always a choice in everything we do… Nothing is ever handed to us witout a choice being involved. Sometimes we make the right choice and sometimes not. But what most people forget is that when making the wrong choice, almost always there is time to go back to correct it, make it right.
So for you WUB, you are with a great group, we will all be together one day in joy and peace, keep an eye on my guys if you can. Hope you had that chat with Grandpa Pat.
Much love, so much love hugs and kisses,
Sister in law, Aunt and most umportant Yo’ Momma
Hey Guys,
Newcomer there now… Uncle Bill Passed away last Wednesday I know you are all together now, you guys, Aunt Pauline, Dara And now Uncle Bill. Seems like more of you there than here…
Just wish people HERE would realize just how short life really is and how very precious as well… All the seconds, minutes and hours add up to our lives.. Good bad or indifferent, they are the sum of our lives.`
Wrote something last summer or fall I would like to share with you…
“Always choose to let your soul flourish and grow in the face of adversity rather than let it wither and die”
You guys now know that there is always a choice in everything we do… Nothing is ever handed to us witout a choice being involved. Sometimes we make the right choice and sometimes not. But what most people forget is that when making the wrong choice, almost always there is time to go back to correct it, make it right.
So for you WUB, you are with a great group, we will all be together one day in joy and peace, keep an eye on my guys if you can. Hope you had that chat with Grandpa Pat.
Much love, so much love hugs and kisses,
Sister in law, Aunt and most umportant Yo’ Momma
Dear Brooke,
The third anniversary of your demise is quickly approaching, and for us it only seems like yesterday. The pain does not subside and our hearts are still broken beyond repair. People seem to think it gets easier with time and can’t understand how sometimes its harder because with time sometimes you realize more what you had and have lost. What makes this even harder is the media as of late with reports that this whole Disaster could have been averted and that tell tale signs were ignored. The anger I have in me aimed at the last 2 administrations is unbelievable. Sometimes I don’t even know what to do with this anger and it makes me miss you all the more if that is possible. Know that I say a prayer for you every morning of my life and that we miss you and love you more than words can say. Rest in Peace Baby.
Hi Brooke,
I have tried to write before but somehow it must have been eaten up so I’m trying again. It’s almost 3 years and you are weighing heavy on my mind and heart.I thought time heals all wounds but in this case that doesn’t seem to hold true. With time I seem to miss you more.
With the release of the 9/11 Reports I have such rage and ire that I don’t know where to put it..
It seems the last two administrations could have averted this tragedy and didn’t. I think I blame Mr. Clinton the most but I guess that this is now water under the bridge as nothing can bring you back, although I would move heaven and earth if it were possible to do so.
I pray for your soul every morning of my life, and I want you to know you will always be in our hearts and that we will never ever forget.
Rest in peace Baby.. You are very loved.
I JUST PLAIN MISS YOU BOTH, WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE IT ANYMORE.
THE FACT THAT I AM STILL MOVING FOREWARD IS SIMPLY A TESTAMENT TO MY VOW, TO YOU BOTH, TO “GO ON” NO MATTER HOW HARD IT GETS, NO MATTER WHAT OBSTACLES ARE THROWN AT ME, TO HONOR BOTH OF YOU…
KNOW, ALWAYS KNOW, HOW MUCH YOU WERE AND STILL ARE LOVED, HONESTLY LOVED, NO MATTER WHAT.
YO’ MOMMA
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAYS…. IT GETS HARDER GUYS, CONTRARY TO WHAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO KEEP TELLING ME… THAT LONGING TO HUG YOU BOTH AND KISS YOU BOTH. BOTH OF YOUR BIRTHDAYS SEEMED TO BE HARDER THIS YEAR, AGAIN, CONTRARY TO WHAT THEY “ALL” SAY BROOKE, YOURS A TAD WORSE, I GUESS BECAUSE THAT WOUND IS STILL SO NEW, SO BEYONG REASON STILL OPEN AND WEEPING.
THERE ARE GOOD DAYS, AND THERE ARE BAD DAYS.. I AM, AND WILL CONTINUE TO GO ON, FOR YOU GUYS.. IT HAS BECOME A POINT OF HONOR NOW.
YOU KNOW, I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS AS I KNOW I WILL ONE DAY, TO HUG YOU BOTH, TO KISS YOU BOTH AT LEAST A MILLION TIMES FOR ALL THE ONES I MISSED !!
TO PINCH YOU BROOKE, TO CLICK NAIS IN YOUR EAR PETER !! I PROMISE TO LET YOU PINCH ME BACK THIS TIME BROOKE AND TO LET YOU CLICK NAILS BACK AT ME IN MY EAR PETER! I HOPE WE WILL NOT HAVE FORGOTTEN THOSE SIMPLE LITTLE THINGS WHEN WE EVOLVE, THOSE LITTLE THINGS THAT SUSTAIN ME NOW, THOSE TWO AND MANY MORE LITTLE THINGS WE ALWAYS DID WHEN WE WERE TOGETHER. REMEMBER “BEPPER” BROOKE ? I LAUGH TO MYSELF WHEN I REMEMBER THAT ONE.. REMEMBER THE WATER BED EXPLODING PETER ? THAT ONE WASN’T QUITE AS FUNNY WHEN WE WERE CLEANING IT UP AS IT IS NOW !! HOW ABOUT “LOVE DEVOTION AND SURRENDER” WITH THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS? THE FOOT THROUGH THE WALL !!! THRE ARE SO MANY MORE.. AGAIN, THOSE AND HONOR ARE WHAT SUSTAIN ME NOW…
LOVE “GOOLA” (REMEMBER THAT ONE?!) SO MUCH,
YO’ MOMMA
My Dearest Stepson:
Another year has passed, and its time for me to write you whats on my mind and in my heart. I know on September 11th I won’t be able to think straight so I write you now. It was 4 years ago, but to me it still seems like yesterday. Although I would like to blot that memory from my mind it is impossible. I remember each second of that day, and I don’t suppose that memory will ever fade. I miss you more than ever which goes whithout saying.
Your father and I went to ground zero last October for the first time. We couldn’t bring ourselves to go before that, and I can never even put into words what it felt like. I asked the representative who took us down there to bring us right in front of the North Tower and I will never begin to express the pain. Pain of which there is no equal to. We left your picture in the family room with a letter from your Dad and I. Please know how much you are loved.
Your three parents are putting together a scholorship at Alabany in the names of you and your brother that hopefully will live on for a very long time, that your names not be forgotten.
Your mothers idea, and a very good one.
Please know how much you are missed and loved by us.
As always in our hearts you live forever.
Dear Brooke,
Well, your case came to a culmination yesterday and if nothing else the Melancholoy was dramatic.
It was a type of closure I guess I really didn’t want. In hindsight, after giving thought about the Scholorship your mother created which at first we had thought a good idea, it came to us that with your Morality you probably would not have liked the idea and would much rather have seen the person you loved so much Elsa, get the benefit of those funds, but whats done is done, so if it helps you to rest in peace know she will be left in our wills.
In ending I just want you to know that I am so proud that you grew to be the man I rasised you to be.
Hey Guys,
Thinking, as always at this time of year, about you and your brother and trying, still, to understand it all. Perhaps I never will and that is O.K. too. This time of year from September 11th to February 15th is STILL so very hard.
Found those tributes you wrote that time you were here with Richard Leviton about everyone at the party we had and read them again and got a laugh and tears as well.. I re-read them every time I come up on them they are so very precious to all of us…
Hopefully Ken will find your first book you wrote he says he has it on Disk and is searching for it and when he finds it he will print it out for me. I remember reading it and it was so beautiful and I remember that I cried at the end “Mush” thay I am !!
There are STILL days here that Something will come up and I say I have to call Brooke or Peter and tell them. Wonder if that part ever gets better?
I got the Mothers day balloon you guys sent and it will be in the book. People cannot believe it, the way it happened, nor could I in the beginning. And just to facilitate that belief I will carry it with me on tour.
Was talking to head Secretary at work and she figured out that your brother would have been 39 this year… Please, how can that be??? I am not nearly old enough to have a 39 year old son or a 37 year old son for that matter !!!!!!!
I miss you guys more than even both of you, in your enlightened state, can imagine.. I am sure that both of you know, really know about all of that now..Who does and who doesn’t and never did.
I send my lawyer Knick Tickets every year and he and his sons go in your memory for me and have the fun we used to have don’t know if they scream themselves horse though as you did !!!!!!
Love, all my love to both of you…
Yo’ Momma
Dear Brooke,
I really, hope you were listenting closely this past 9/11 when Elsa called some names (carried your picture) and mentioned how much your farther and I miss you. Afterall this year was for spouses and significant others and she cetainly was a significant other.
But I know that you know how much you were loved by us. We also know how much that love was returned and that means the world. The pain never ends and as time goes on you are missed more and more by us.
You are in our hearts forever. We both love and miss you tons, but then again you always knew that.
Hey you,
Its me again. We all miss you!! Tara and Rich got married.I set up the christmas tree, an artificial one this time.My aunt Lucia died last week.Please take care of her, Aunt Elba and Dad.They will be happy to see you. they liked you very much.I miss you. Can’t move out of the house yet.Your presesnce is still there.
Talk to you soon…
Brooke,
It’s me again. Had to write.
They say losing a loved one grows easier with time, but when its a Child it doesn’t. It gets harder because you’re missed more and more.
A couple of weeks ago I had to take Dad back to St. Francis Hospital. Everywhere I looked I saw you so it was sort of a double whammy. Worrying about him, but seeing you everywhere. I would not have made it through the first time without you sitting, holding my hand and trying to make me laugh. God you were such a great person.
It all came rushing back. I looked at the seats that we sat in and the phone you used since you couldn’t use your cell phone in a Heart Hospital.
I remembered how I had to get you off the phone. You were calling Elsa, and kept telling her you would be seeing her soon.
Brooke, I miss you and hope you hear me when I talk to you. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and maybe do things a little better, or a little differently, but all I want you to know is that I really loved you. I just wish I had told you more. My heart still aches…..
Brooke,
I never stop thinking about you. On Saturday my father went to join you. This past Wednesday your dad and I saw my father in the Hospital and I found myself screaming into my fathers unconcious
kiss Brooke for me when you see him and take care of him. I think he heard me, and I know he would kiss you without being told. I put a deck of cards in my fathers coffin because you know how he was with cards, and I thought maybe the two of you could start a poker game up there. I know I asked you all last week to show him the ropes and to greet him.
I know how we nick named him nononono and I know you are with him right now. Pretty soon I guess will all be together again. I miss you, as I pine for my farther. I love both of you so much!
6 Years – My How they fly.
You are missed more that anyone could know.
In looking back over all your tributes, I failed to see one thing that deserves mentioning.
The fireman who had done his shift was on his way home in the battery tunnel when he heard the news.
He couldn’t turn around so he ran through the tunnel with 70lbs of gear on his back to try and get you and others out– Oh, if he only had. But he met his demise instead. To him I would like to say Rest in Peace and Thank You. Also to the other first reponders who got thousands of people out, some of them made it some didn’t. To those who did, thank you for trying – to those who didn’t Rest in Peace. Please know you guys will always remain in my heart and have my ever lasting gratitude.
To my Brooke, please know that your dad and I love you and always will. Till we all meet again,
Fern and Dad
6 YEARS – MY HOW THEY FLY
MISSING YOU MORE THAN YOU COULD REALIZE!
IT OCCURED TO ME WHILE LOOKING BACK AT YOUR TRIBUTES, THAT WE NEVER STOPED TO THANK THE FIREMAN THAT WAS OFF DUTY – HEARD WHAT WAS HAPPENING – COULDN’T GET OUT OF THE BATTERY TUNNEL, SO HE PROCEEDED TO RUN BACK WITH 70LBS OF GEAR ON HIS BACK TO TRY TO GET YOU AN OTHERS OUT OF THAT BUILDING, OH BOY DO I WISH HE HAD SUCCEED-BUT HE WENT BACK ONLY TO MEET HIS DEMISE. I WANT TO TELL HIS FAMILY THANK YOU FOR THEIR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND MAY BE REST IN PEACE, ALONG WITH THE OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS WHO TRIED AND DIDN’T MAKE IT. MAY THEY ALL REST IN PEACE AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF THEM.
BROOKE, YOU ARE LOVED BY YOUR DAD AND MYSELF MORE THAN ANY INDIVIDUAL IN THE WORLD COULD BE LOVED.
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN……
6 years – wow how they fly.
It’s as if 1 day has passed and not 6 years.
The pain never leaves, and you are missed more than we can verbalize.
Know that your Dad and I love you and always will.
May the fireman who ran through the Battery Tunnel to try to save you and others, and all the first responders who didn’t make it Rest in Peace and to their familes Thank you for the Ultimate of Sacrafices.
Hey Guys,
Know you could not help but see the laughs and the tears that happened at the cemetary Sept 11th. I know you guys made that happen because I needed to know that you both felt how I was feeling and how I felt at that moment and knew that was just what we needed.
Consciously I know you know exactly what I am feeling and when I am feeling it and what I need to relieve some of the constant pain like the lady at the vet whose dog participated in the search on September 11th. What A blessing that was to both of us, for me to thank her personally and for her to get to know me (we are friends now) Things like that are the things that keep my head up and the smiles on my face.
It is just things like that that tell me that you are both there and watching everything and know what I am thinking now and always did think.. That’s why I am so very “good” now!!! That had to make you both laugh!!! As if I ever could be !!!!! O.K. I’m as good as I can be !!!!
P.J., Raven, Your birthday is coming and then yours Brooke, sad very very sad days for me simply and totally because I cannot hug and kiss you both on that day and tell you how very much you both meant, and still, to this day mean to to me and how much you both taught me, even after you were both gone… I am, however, confident that had I known the precise days you would be leaving me I would not have done anything different. You both knew then and certainly do now how much you were honestly loved, warts and all and I was blessed to know how you felt and finding that out later unexpectidly was reinforced after you were both gone by your friends. The hearing, after you were both gone, how you felt, what you told your friends about the situation was so totally unexpected and maybe appreciated even more because you shared that, so personal and sad a feeling, with them.
So, on today, Sunday I just want to tell you both…
LOVE YOU “GOOLA” To use “your” word, the one you made up for us… Thank you for that “word” and everything else you left for me and are still “giving” me….
Yo’ Momma
DECEMBER 27, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN, WE MISS AND LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.
DAD AND FERN….
Hey guys,
Thank goodness my visit to cemetry Feb. 15th ws not a do over of the last one!!!! It is very calming and peaceful to be there. I was thinking while looking up at the beautiful clear sky, only a mother who gives birth to a child can fell that searing separation upon the death of a child, as if part of her left and will never return, the lonliness of that finality. Oh, Other people feel pain but not the same. I am blessed still to have so very many people in my life that genuinly care.
Jana is getting married Brooke ! On your birthday!!! She asked me if it would be alright with me and I said I could think of no finer a day and in this way share it with you and Peter. Remember Petr what I told you about Jana!!!!
Love you both so very very much but you already know that from our talks….
“Yo” momma
Having raised you for at least half the years you had on Earth, I have memories that could never be taken away. I got to see you blossom into manhood and have the privilege of your sense of humor and your competitive nature. You knew where home was, and so did we. I know your childhood was not the easiest, but I think we made up for it in later life. Just want you to know that no one who could miss you more or love you more….
Your step-mom and your dad!
9/11/08 is on its way here again.. I find myself thinking, I have to write just one more time in this space reserved for those innocent people who did nothing more than go
to their jobs, and conduct business or whatever else brought them to their doom that
day. Brooke’s father often told me we are not supposed to question Gods wisdom
and my father told me that it’s written when we come into this world and when
we leave, and that we are only visitors here. Why these individuals decided
that they had to fly planes into buildings holding thousands of innocent people,
I know not, and I am glad that I don’t understand for if I did I would be as
Sick and warped as they are. The ironic part is that they said they did this atrocity
In the name of their God.
But in any event through the last 7 years I’ve been wracked with pain and
In my own way writing letters to Brooke hoping he saw or heard my inner
Most feelings. I think its time to no longer write Brooke Letters but to let whom ever
may look at these posts in the future, possibly after my generation is gone is who Brooke was. To say first and foremost that I am glad his name will live on through eternity
I wish it had been for a different reason.
Those who have posted their feelings here had a pretty good idea of who he was
And what he was, but I feel for the final time I want to voice his father’s and my opinions of whom and what Brooke was, and then I think it’s time to let him rest.
Some adjectives which apply are kind hearted, good sense of humor, intelligent, and the kind of son any parents would be proud of. Even in his younger years as a teen the word NO just didn’t exist. I came to him many a time for answers about life and existence when I was 20 years his senior. He was usually right with his replies.
As his father said, instead of ripping our hearts out we should be glad for the time we had him in existence. Nothing anyone can say or do can bring him back. But by the same token no one can take his memory from our hearts or minds. If just one person remembers you in this lifetime than you life was not in vain, and lord knows he has a country remembering him, especially his immediate family and close friends.
On that horrendous day I pray you didn’t know what was happening and felt no pain, and know you touched Gods Face. For many years I felt your presence around me, but it seems to have waned away slowly but surely. If there is such as thing as reincarnation, I hope you are born with a Silver Spoon in your mouth and a long healthy life with all the things you missed out on the last time around, like a wife and children. It haunts me how you never had a new Automobile (you spoke about a P.T. Cruiser) may you have a Rolls Royce if that is what you want. May you have all that you wanted and more.
I’m not forgetting you, but I’m finally ready to let you go and Rest in Peace, or come back to a new life. As I carry my father, I will carry you in my Heart until my turn comes and then some. As for the People responsible for this I will no longer curse them, but let God Deal with them, and I truly believe in my heart they will be dealt with.
So Rest in the Arms of the Angels and know you will always be with us.
Hi Brooke
It’s been nearly ten years since that horrific day you will always be remembered pal.
Mark Barnes
Brooke….I am thinking of you today.
It is a few days before the 10th anniversary of 9-11. We spoke almost every business day as you were helping me settle my foreign trades. You were always kind, patient and helpful.
Dorothy, your son was a wonderful young man and is missed.
Paula Burchenal
I’m going through the Cantor site and reading about as many of the Cantor heroes as I can. God bless the family of Brooke. When things are “hard”, I think of people who passed away in the 9/11 tragedy and think that things aren’t that hard at all. Stay strong.
Hey Brooke,
I found this site, and was very touched by the writing from your mother. I wanted to say hello too, as I still think about you from time to time, and some funny stuff we did back in the days… I so kick myself in the ass all the times you invited me to see your office. HAHA, i was too scared after you told me the buildings would sway in the wind! LOL. Remember we all sat in my old house in Huntington before we all went out to that bar in the village? You, me, Tara, Elsa and Rick. And the times I would visit you and Elsa in your house.
The best though, is when you would beep me (yeah, beepers) when the Knicks would win.. but you left the damn MSG before it ended as they were loosing?! HAHAHA. I remember I made fun of you for that. Man, that was many years ago… I think that was around 1996? Wowsa..
I finally went on Sunday to see the memorial site. I found you immediately, like you pulled me towards you. You have a beautiful view, I even rubbed your name and said hello. I am sure you heard me. The fountains are really nice… and the sound of them is soothing. (takes out the tourists speaking in other languages, hahahaha)
Well, just wanted to say hello… like I always do when I pull out a photo of you, or just think about you. Miss you B. Tee
While I did not know Brooke and only recently became aware that we are related, it is clear from the many wonderful tributes to Brooke on this website that he was a very special person who was highly regarded by so many. I am sorry that I did not get to meet Brooke before he passed away so suddenly and unexpectedly. My deepest sympathies to Dorothy and all of Brooke’s relations on their tragic loss. May he rest in peace.
Thinking of you, your mother and brother today.