In Memory of Rodney Dickens

When I think of 9/11, I always remember this little boy's picture and how he stole my heart. Nine years later ... I pray for his family. I never knew you, but I'll never forget you, either.

*** Posted by Misty on 2010-07-20 ***

Rodney, R.I.P. You will live on in everyone's hearts forever.

*** Posted by Sarah on 2010-07-04 ***

Hello Sweet Rodney,

For some reason, your name pops into my mind every time I think of 9-11. I remember everyone who is no longer with us, and it is very sad. But for some reason, your cute little picture is always in my mind.

I just want to say that even though I never met you personally, your sweet face tells me that you were a good little person, and from the comments, you were very good in school.

May God keep you safe in his heavens, and may God bless your family and relatives.

Rodney, you will never be forgotten.

*** Posted by Anna Lee Trinidad on 2010-06-12 ***

It's been nine years. I always have you in my heart and mind. Jr. and Monique talk about you. They will always have you in their hearts.

*** Posted by Linda on 2010-04-09 ***

My thoughts and prayers for Rodney, his family, and his friends.

Respectfully,
Paula Hatin-St.Amour

*** Posted by Paula Hatin-St.Amour on 2009-11-16 ***

Well Rodney its been a while... I thnk about you everytime Im not doing something... I talk to you mom.(Shuan)Im Txt ur right now she's out but I txt her almost evrywknd or evry other wknd... I enjoy talking to her.. The year has went away so quick.. Atleast you have (P.O.P up there with you. I kno he keeps you company when u need a laugh or what not.. I love your mom along with your (Sis and Bros) I family is doing good same as usaual nothing diffent about them (lol)Im kinda of in music industry Im a Sophmore Now in High School.. I do work for local radio station.. Im starting my lil rappn cant go off head lls.. But now im also writting a 20-25,000 word book about my life... It will be publish as a Novel so yea.... I will see ur mom in Dec Prob.. b4 Christmas... Or If she comes down here... Miss You alot..When 9/11 came this year My teacher said ''Tre can u stand tell evry1 what happen'' so I did it not for people but from my heart couse thats how much I care... so yea.. see u later.. and I will be checking back later.

Love ur Cuzo Tre

*** Posted by Tre on 2009-10-30 ***

I am extremely touched by all of my family members who commented on this site. I want each of you to know that we love you. It's been a hard time for me and the kids. To know that we have so many people here and out there who really care touches my heart. I miss you so much! The other day I had a hat on my head (looking like a boy). I looked into the mirror, and all I saw was you. Yes, I have a tattoo of you on my arm, so I can see your face and carry you with me at all times. It will be eight years: I got it for your birthday, February 20, 2002. The artist (Saint) that did the tattoo did a wonderful job because it looks just like you. I have pictures of you everywhere in the house.

I was talking with Tyrah the other day, and we talked about how she thought that she was your sister for a long time and didn't understand why she didn't live with us. We talked about the pictures that I have of all of you. Lil Ty, he calls me a lot, and we talk about how all of you guys broke the bed wrestling in it and how I taught you guys how to cook. We laugh, and then I cry.

Know that your grandmother (Lois) and great grandmother (Viola) talk about you and miss you so much. They find comfort in knowing you are fine now that Pop is there with you. I know now that if you need to see a familiar face besides Mr. D that you have Pop, and he will take care of you. I text with Tre all the time about some of everything, but mainly you.

I look back at the bond that I have with your cousins I know that I have more than five children. Juan is quiet. I think he is scared to talk about you. You guys were so close. You two were like brothers, and I'm scared for him, with him bottling up his feelings. But my little nephew who is named for you is the complete opposite of you, behavior-wise, but his intellect reminds me of you.

I am extremely thankful that I can relive memories with Chanique, Tre, Ty, Juan, Tyrah, your grandmother, great grandmother, Aunt Elma, Mira, your two sisters, and your two brothers. I have conversations with other family and friends about you, but not like with the people I named above.

Mira reminded me about when you were a baby, she and Aunt Elma overfed you, and you threw up on Elma's white comforter. Your grandma Lois talks about it a lot, but we laugh about how you were hooked on your pacifier (Nuk). We called it Nukie. You used to cry for that thing some kind of bad. I remember when she tried to take it (Nukie) from you, and you cried so much she begged the guy at the store to let her in (after closing time) to buy another because she couldn't take it any longer.

I am blessed to have so many memories of you and people to share them with. God has touched and changed me in so many ways. I am truly blessed! Forgiveness lies within, but I have yet to get there, but I am working on it. With God's help and guidance I will get there.

Thank you, KiKi (your dad's cousin), for keeping my son in heart and his memory alive. Thank you, Maurice (my cousin), for keeping Rodney in your heart and prayers (even though we don't talk as much as we should). LaKesha (my friend), thanks for remembering my family and keeping us in your heart and prayers. Thank you, to all of my newfound family and friends who keep Rodney in their hearts and prayers.

We love and miss you, Rodney!
Mommy

*** Posted by LaShawn (Mommy) on 2009-10-01 ***

Although we never met, you have touched my heart in ways that I never imagined. Rodney, you are loved by many, and I will always remember your sweet face. Always.

*** Posted by Allison on 2009-09-11 ***

Rodney,

May God hold your family in His hands every day. Your face is so innocent and kind, too good for this world. You were very fortunate to have a mother who loved you so much, and she is inspiring in her bravery and faith. God bless you.

*** Posted by Rebecca Hill on 2009-09-11 ***

Rodney, my thoughts are with you and your mommy Shawn on this day. I don't see your mom like I use to but when I do see her I always think of you. She carries you in her heart and a tattoo of you on her arm.

May you rest in peace and continue to look down on your mommy, brothers and sisters.

*** Posted by LaKesha Hendrick (Hines) on 2009-09-11 ***

I am so sorry that this happened to you. My heart goes out to your family. May God be with you.

*** Posted by Dawn on 2009-09-11 ***

I can't believe it's been eight years. You, your friends, and your teachers stay in my memory because I am a teacher—I still remember that day, and how, as we learned the names and the faces of those who died, you and your fellow students who died that day could have been my own—and I pray even now that you didn't suffer and that God welcomed you all so quickly you didn't have time to worry. May God bless your families.

*** Posted by Cynthia on 2009-09-10 ***

Wow, it is amazing how time flies! But Rodney, even though I didn't see you as much as I would have wanted to, your memory still is alive and well! I was talking to your grandmother and my aunt (Joan Cooper) just a couple of weeks ago, and we were talking about our loved ones who have gone on to be with GOD! She was just beaming with love!  I know life does not always go according to plans: Your mommy sized it up greatly when she said, "GOD is the greatest planner! HE knows when we don't!" Say "hi" to your Uncle Nat and Aunt Joyce (my mommy and daddy) for me, because I know you all are having a great time! "THERE IS NOTHING GREATER THAN LOVE ON THIS EARTH, AND THE LOVE OF A CHILD BRINGS LOVE FULL CIRCLE."

Love,
Cousin KIKI

*** Posted by KIKI on 2009-08-10 ***

This your cuzo again. I miss you a lot, Rodney. I just saw your mother, Sanai, Anthoni, and Dalontai for the 4th of July. I love seeing your mom. It's like she's like a mom to me, and she treats me like her own. Sanai was smiling when she first saw me, and when I see her, it's like I see you on last day that I saw you. Your mom has grown, and I want to let you know that. I'm texting her right now. lol But, yeah, I really do miss you. And the girl at my school, every time I see her I think of her, too, 'cause I read a little card that she wrote from the bottom of her heart at your funeral. Every year I wear a T-shirt to school, and my friends tell me, "That is not your cousin! That is you!" So I have to break it down to them how it really is you. I miss you. R.I.P.

LOVE YOU, CUZO!
TRE

*** Posted by Tre on 2009-07-06 ***

Cuzin I Miss u So Much...I Always Think About U An The times we shared together. We didnt get along sometimes cuz you always beat me up but at the end of they day we are always cousins..lol..Shawn misses you alot an so does the rest of the family..see U soon..I LOVE U COUSIN RODNEY

*** Posted by Chanique on 2009-06-05 ***

I, along with your sister and brothers, miss you everyday. My heart aches all day because you left. It's hard for me to write this, but I need to express how much I love and miss you. My heart is forever broken because you are gone. I love you so much. You are a very important part of my life, and to close my eyes and see your face, knowing that I will never see you grow into the man that you should be today, brings tears to my eyes and takes my breath away. I cry for you every day, missing you and wanting you here with me. I watched your siblings grow into the young men and women they are today, and I wonder about you. You are 19 years old. We missed out on so much, like proms and graduation. A lot of things that I saw in you I see in your brothers. Anthoni loves football, and Dalontai—he draws extremely well and loves mac and cheese (like their big brother). There are so many other things they do like you. Your brothers think they are so cool, and your sisters think God broke the mold. God my have opened up his arms for you that day, but he left a lot of you behind. Your sisters are so beautiful: they grew up to be two incredible women. Sanai will be graduating next week. I wish you were here (physically) to see her go to the prom and walk across that stage. Shacuon, she is doing hair like it is an art form. As a matter of fact, I let her cut my hair yesterday (yeah, it's a shocker). It is very short. When she finished, it looked like a dog was lying on the floor. My hair went from halfway down my back to an inch from my scalp. It started with a trim, but she needed to show them she can really cut hair and she did (and boy did she). It reminds me of when you, her, and Sanai were little, and you and she cut Sanai's hair and all of your clothes. That should have been a sign that she was going to like cutting things. We were laughing about it the other day. Now she cut mine short in the back like she did Sanai's hair in the front. It's just hair; it'll grow back. She had to cut somebody's hair for an interview. Well, you know I will do anything for my children. So now I have no hair, but she got the job. It brings joy to me to have the smallest things to remind me of you. I still play video games with your brothers, but it had taken several years for me to be able to play them without you. We have a rottweiler named after you (Rocky), as you know, and he is as spoiled as ever. I wrapped my whole life around you, your sisters, and your brothers because you were a gift from God. He touches everybody in a different way, but he touched me with five incredible children. So I am so blessed to have had the honor to have had such a beautiful blessing. I didn't know how I was going to make it and still don't understand how seven, almost eight, years have gone by. When I say it, it seems unreal, but that is how God planned it. I asked him how I am going to make it without you, and he showed me and is showing me every day. I asked him for strength, and he gave it to me. I didn't ask him to make it easy because nothing worth having ever is easy. I've watched so many of our family and friend's children grow up, and I think of you. I tried to plan for you guys, but I learned that there is no better planner than God—we can't out plan him. He plans when we're coming and when we are going. But I do thank him for allowing me the honor to have had the chance to have an angel like you in my life. Tell granddaddy I miss and love him; he joined you last year around this time. I look forward to seeing you both. Thank you for being our guardian angel and watching over us.

I miss you and will always love you,
Mommy

*** Posted by LaShawn (Mommy) on 2009-06-04 ***

I luv ya and miss ya, man.

ur cuzzin maurice

*** Posted by maurice on 2009-05-28 ***

This is your cuzzo, Tre, from Rocky Mount, NC. I really miss you every day. I think about you and think and say to myself, "I wish Rodney could come back and see that we have a black president for first time and see how the family is going, so yeah, I miss you cuzzo.

R.I.P. I WILL MISS YOU 4 LIFE!

*** Posted by Tre on 2008-11-10 ***

Rodney,

I will always miss you. I will always remember you and never forget you. Everyone in the family always says that me and you could go for twins--well, look alike and don't. So, yeah, I will always remember you. And the day of your funeral I read a letter from one of my classmates. It really made me cry how I had some friends to show me respect. R.I.P. I love you, cuzzo, 4 LIFE!

*** Posted by Tre on 2008-11-10 ***

Rodney,

I saw your picture in my morning paper, the only child on the page. I cut it out, and it is on my refrigerator door, along with my three grandchildren. Every night I kiss you "Goodnight, Rodney," along with them. I wasn't aware that other children were lost that same day. I shall search the Internet and try to find their pictures also. That way I can say "goodnight" to all of you. I am crying for you all as I write this. I cannot imagine what your parents went through. God bless all of you, and I hope one day to meet you all in the beautiful place you are in now.

Grandma King

*** Posted by Edna R. King on 2008-10-12 ***

Rodney,

When I look at this boy at school, I see and think of you because it is as though you're still with us and you never left. A good thing.

This boy is just like you all over! I've never had the joyous opportunity to meet you in person, but if I had, I know that I would have met a very bright and intelligent person who is so full of life and enjoying being a kid!

So to me, it is as though you are still around and with us because this boy looks like the spitting image of you! Same hair style, complexion and everything! And he's also very bright, smart, and intelligent just like you.

Yes, we never met, but now I know what it would have been like if I did, thanks to THIS boy! He makes me FEEL as though I've known you all your life.

I won't ever say good-bye to you, but I'll say thanks for me meeting and knowing someone who is just like you in every way. You will always have a special place in my heart for the things you've done and the joy you brought to everyone, myself included. Keep on smiling down on us, and thanks again for the things you've taught us all.

Peace, my brother.

*** Posted by Daquan13 on 2008-10-04 ***

*** Posted by Daquan13 on 2008-10-03 ***

Rodney, I remember hearing about you a couple days after that terrible day. I have never forgotten you seven years later! I have a little boy who is 12 now. My heart will always go out to your mom and dad and family. God bless you, Rodney!

*** Posted by Kristi on 2008-09-15 ***

Miss u buddy. I know you're in a better place looking down on us, smiling because you're in God's presence.

*** Posted by Rashida on 2008-09-11 ***

Miss u buddy. I know you're in a better place looking down on us smiling because your in God's presence.

*** Posted by Rashida on 2008-09-11 ***

I have to say that in life I never knew Rodney, though when I first saw his photo that tragic day in 2001, my heart was enlarged with love for him. His face held so much joy in that one picture, that it astounded me with the instant affection and loss I felt with his death! So many have lost their lives due to the attack, but this one little boy has a firm place in my heart. That's the impact of that child's legacy on those of us left here to carry on our American freedoms and dreams. To live a life worthy of the sacrifice of one so small. He became a hero to me that day. I can't imagine his feelings in those last moments. I choose to believe that Rodney was wrapped in the arms of Jesus, that he felt His Peace and no terror. I pray for his family today and whenever his little face comes to my thoughts that God will bind up their broken hearts and rejoice to know that Rodney is safe now in the arms of the Lord. I will always carry little Rodney Dickens in my heart and try to live each day with the wonderful attitude he had. Dear Rodney:I didn't know you sweetie, but I'll meet you one day in Heaven. I know you will have a great big hug for your Aunt Mary that loves you! To Rodney's family: thank you for raising such an inspiring child. You see, the mark of a true hero is not only in the way they sparked inspiration during their lifetime. It is in the way their life song continues to sing loud and clear for future generations to hear and be touched.

*** Posted by Mary Hull on 2008-09-11 ***

My thoughts and prayers go to your family. Even though I didn't know you, you and everyone that left to be with God that day will be remembered. My son was just 1 when this happened, but I will make sure he knows how brave you and the other passengers were. Love and peace be with your family.

*** Posted by Kami on 2008-09-11 ***

Fly high with the Angels as you, too, are one. May the peace and love of your family and the nation be with you forever. I see your smile in your photo and feel as if I had the pleasure to know you. Please know you are a hero now and forever.

*** Posted by Shari on 2008-09-05 ***

Rest high above the clouds, buddy!

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2008-08-01 ***

Ciao, Rodney. You'll be missed.

*** Posted by Massimiliano on 2008-07-11 ***

Pequeńo principe, que ahora estas en el cielo, te envio un beso lleno lleno de carińo para ti, y me gustaria que llegue hasta el cielo en forma de globos de colores, para que juegues con los otros nińos. Tambien quiero enviar mucha fuerza y mi carińo a tu familia, eres un nińo precioso, campeon. Que tengas mucha paz, pequeńo estas ahora con Dios, estan con el Amor.

[Ed. - Little prince, who are now in heaven, I send you a kiss very full of affection for you, and I would like for it to arrive in heaven in the form of colored balloons, so that you can play with the other children. I also want to send a lot of strength and my affection to your family. You're a precious boy, champ. May you have lots of peace. Little one, you're with God now; they're with love.]

*** Posted by Noemi on 2008-05-29 ***

Pequeńo principe, que ahora estas en el cielo, te envio un beso lleno lleno de carińo para ti, y me gustaria que llegue hasta el cielo en forma de globos de colores, para que juegues con los otros nińos. Tambien quiero enviar mucha fuerza y mi carińo a tu familia, eres un nińo precioso, campeon. Que tengas mucha paz, pequeńo estas ahora con Dios, estan con el Amor.

[Ed. - Little prince, who are now in heaven, I send you a kiss very full of affection for you, and I would like for it to arrive in heaven in the form of colored balloons, so that you can play with the other children. I also want to send a lot of strength and my affection to your family. You're a precious boy, champ. May you have lots of peace. Little one, you're with God now; they're with love.]

*** Posted by Noemi on 2008-05-29 ***

We haven't forgotten. May you continue to rest in peace.

*** Posted by Chris on 2008-04-09 ***

May peace be with you.

*** Posted by James Conner on 2008-03-29 ***

May you forever be in my thoughts and prayers, Rodney.

*** Posted by Cory Martin on 2007-10-19 ***

As angels carried them to the sky... 3 mothers wept.
As God checked his book of life... 3 mothers wept.
As Gabriel opened the gates... 3 mothers wept.
6 years ago they left their mark... today 3 mothers wept.

Peace to our young ambassadors who were gone too soon:

Bernard Brown II, 11, Washington, D.C.
Asia Cottom, 11, Washington, D.C.
Rodney Dickens, 11, Washington, D.C.

You will not be forgotten....

*** Posted by Regina on 2007-09-11 ***

My heart swells as if you were one of my own.... You are not forgotten.... You will not be forgotten. God left your mark on us all.... R.I.P.

*** Posted by Regina on 2007-09-11 ***

Back in 2005, I had the news on while dressing for work. I heard your Mother's voice on the television and when I ran in the room to catch a glimpse of the person who was speaking, I saw your picture. My heart dropped when I realized it was you, four years had gone by, and I did not have a clue. I had the opportunity of meeting you once, when I worked with your Mom in 1997- 1998, (we weren’t best friends; just co-workers). When she talked about her children, you could see the love in her eyes.  You were a very respectable young man back then and I know God has now made you one fine ANGEL... . 
May God continue to heal all who have suffered in any way due to this unnecessary tragedy.

*** Posted by Donna Butler on 2007-09-11 ***

Rodney,

Rest in peace sweet child. God Bless you and your family

*** Posted by Chris on 2007-09-11 ***

I found this website yesterday morning when I was surfing. Browsing several pages of it I discovered your picture and read some information about you. I was very sad all day, and since then, I can't stop thinking of you, even though I didn't know you. I am sure that I will keep you in mind for a very long time. I don't have no words to express that I feel now for you. May God Bless You and Keep You in Peace. Amen!

*** Posted by Dassie on 2007-08-02 ***

Six years later, and you are still in my prayers, Rodney. I hold you in my heart, and I know that you are with God now. No one will ever hurt you again. I also pray for your family, who live each day without seeing your precious face. Rest in peace, gentle spirit, and know that you are loved.

*** Posted by Eileen on 2007-05-27 ***

RIP little boy

*** Posted by Linda on 2006-09-28 ***

My heart dropped when I saw your picture you look just like my son. I can not imagne how your must family feel. May god bless you and your family. R.I.P.

*** Posted by Shaunda on 2006-09-19 ***

I saw your name on the ticker tape at the bottom of CNN and I decided to look you up. Oh, you were only ELEVEN years old. We will never forget you Rodney... you had so much to live for and it's PATHETIC that your murderer is still out there, absolutely pathetic.

*** Posted by Eve M. Saizan, Reno, NV on 2006-09-11 ***

fique em paz, Rodney

*** Posted by heloisa on 2006-09-11 ***

My prayers are with Rodney's parents and other family members. I can't help but think of how proud they must have been that he was chosen for that special trip. I am so sorry for their loss.

*** Posted by Andrea on 2006-09-11 ***

My Prayers Will be With You
Such A Terrible Thing That Happened
Better Place Now

*** Posted by Brittany Wells on 2006-09-09 ***

even though I did'nt know Rodney I think by reading his profile he was a very smart, sweet boy and would of done very well in his life but sadly this could not be I give out all my simpathy for Rodney's family R.I.P RODNEY love sharon xxxxxx

*** Posted by sharon on 2006-08-04 ***

My heart and prayers goes out for Rodney and all the people who lost their lives on 9-11.  I still saddened about this horrific day.  May all the families and friends stay strong and I will keep you all in my prayers.

*** Posted by Margaret on 2006-05-30 ***

My heart sto;; aches for all those people and especially for the innocent children who were murdered

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2006-02-19 ***

I saw Rodney's photo on a news website not long after he died and it struck me. I regret not saving his photo because when I returned to the site it was gone. I still think about his image to this day and hope he is now at peace.

*** Posted by Amy on 2005-10-30 ***

VICTIMS OF THEIR TIME
By Bennett Lincoff
bennettlincoff@aol.com

I grieve for the victims, all of them
Who perished at the outset; vanished;
Consumed by a bolt from the blue.

I grieve for the victims, all of them: All of you,
Whose loss is beyond words; and you,
Who were on the spot and saw what is unspeakable.

I grieve for the victims, all of them: All of us,
Outraged that the citadel of freedom should be defiled;
Freedom itself rebuked;
That the collective joy of our work-a-day lives
Is held hostage at the core of Ground Zero.

I grieve for the victims, all of them: Each of us,
A newly-made refugee of the mind,
Crossing unmarked borders,
Dodging unspecified horrors;
Silhouettes in a landscape without milestones.

I grieve for the victims: All of them;
You and us; each of us, myself;
Accepting that I must live as if life truly were at stake,
No matter the circumstances;
Heedless of the end, yet uncertain.

I grieve for the victims: Everyone, everywhere,
For whom there will now be no Peace.

*** Posted by Bennett Lincoff on 2004-09-12 ***

My family and I visited Washington D.C. for the first time and we were very lucky to have a tour of the Pentagon arranged for us.  I was very touched by the 9/11 Memorial.  We did a pencil rubbing of Rodney's name and each day pray for the surviving family members.  Rodney's picture and his smile is etched in my memory and he will not be forgotten.

*** Posted by Susie on 2004-07-09 ***

There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thinking of Rodney and the other children taken from us that day in sept.  I will always keep Rodney and the other children's memory alive with projects I have been doing since that day in honor and loving memory of each one of them.

*** Posted by karen on 2003-10-10 ***