If you’ve ever seen the opening sequence of the movie Zero Dark Thirty, then you’ve heard my college friend Melissa Doi’s beautiful voice. I still haven’t seen the movie, but I remember well the first time I heard the recording used in that movie of Melissa’s actual 9-1-1 call to emergency services from the 83rd floor of the World Trade Center’s South Tower on Sept. 11, 2001.
Melissa’s call was declassified and used as evidence during the trial of the only criminal to be prosecuted as a result of the attacks. When I first heard that now-famous 9-1-1 call on the radio news, I was driving in my car. I recognized the caller’s voice immediately and pulled over, crying I as I listened to my friend’s audible suffering. Since then, I almost never listen to the news anymore while I’m at the wheel.
Throughout our college years together, I often heard Melissa’s deep and melodious voice. Sometimes, she was a voice for others, as she “didn’t tolerate disrespect towards anyone”. She loved to sing and dance. She was a devoted daughter, beloved cousin and dear friend. She’d had a whole life ahead of her back in 2001.
No day shall erase you from the memory of time.
Virgil
This year on September 11th, I’ll be back in the place where I met Melissa, moving my son in for his first year at Northwestern University. I’m excited for him, and I’ll be happy to be back on campus, but I’ll also be thinking about Melissa and the 3,000-plus others whose lives were senselessly and violently ended on that fateful day 22 years ago.
Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”
President Barack Obama, on 9/11/22
Melissa Doi’s name panel S-46, South Pool, at the 9-11 Memorial New York.
Photo credit: Sajeewashaluka – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23126413
Language of Friendship 
God bless you, Melissa Doi. You are gone, but not forgotten ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
My cousin was on my mind deep today and ran I across this. Thank you Sara for your beautiful words. She is missed by her family and had so much more to give this world♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for being in touch, Michelle. I agree, she had so much more to give. She was a beautiful soul, and I’m so sorry for your loss. She is remembered with fondness by so many.
LikeLike
Last week they reported on German television about 9 /11, even though I’m Swiss. The voice of Melissa Doi was heard. Even in her last hour she remained controlled and brave and showed what a great person she must have been.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Sara!
Your tribute to your friend Melissa was very touching. Thank you for sharing it.
A while back, I visited the 9/11 Musuem in Manhattan.
https://collection.911memorial.org/Detail/objects/38400
In the link above, you’ll find one of Melissa’s paintings, which was curated by the museum. I’ve always wondered what this painting is about.
To me, the object in the painting looks like a pink anchor, in a blue sea, with a distinctly humanoid form. If you look closely, it appears that this anchor has a big smile where its mouth would be. Even its shoulders appear to smile. The legs have a triangular form, which might represent the Greek letter delta. The arms look rather like the Greek letter gamma.
My impression, as someone who never knew her, is that this painting is an expression of the Delta Gamma sorority spirit – “Do Good”. It also reminds me of the way people talk about Melissa, herself.
Perhaps I’m missing something here? I’d like to know what you think. It’s been a pleasure reading your blog. Please keep the posts coming!
LikeLike
Hi Michael, Thanks for reading and for sharing your comment. I don’t remember seeing that painting before. Without talking to Melissa about it, it’s hard to know what she intended but I think it’s very possible that the painting has something to do with DG. I agree that it resembles a pink anchor/human, with legs almost shaped into the Greek DG letters. Melissa had a very creative and playful spirit, so DG’s motto could have been what she was thinking about with this image. Sadly, we’ll never know for sure…
LikeLike
What a lovely remembrance. It’s hard to believe that nearly one year has passed since it was published here. I’ve waited so long to say this, but I’d consider myself blessed if I had a friend like you, Sara, to do such kind things for me long after I was gone.
It’s often written that Melissa loved to dance and sing, but I always wondered, what kind of songs did she like? Favorite singers or genres?
Kali’s mentioning of Melissa not tolerating ‘disrespect towards anyone’ also got me thinking. I often wondered if she was involved in the first Take Back The Night demonstration at Northwestern back in ’90 or ’91, which was organized by DG. I recall that some jerks from the male sororities tried to sabotage that in a very disrespectful way.
In any case, thanks for reminding us of what it means to be a real friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susan.
LikeLike
she was special undoubtely, its really heart wrenching to think about this day , all the lives lost so young..
you payed a great tribute to her..
may melissa rest in peace..
LikeLike