Marsh McLennan Companies Memorial: Tributes

Abigail Medina

Family Tribute:He sat on his rocking chair, rocking back and forth in anticipation of the call. His sister hadn't called yet... She broke out into tears in an empty parking lot. Her aunt was still missing... She roamed the NYC Subway system in a saddened bewilderment. Her mother was in that building... She stared at the television, and through the tears, asked God questions. When would her daughter be found?… He locked himself in their room, and sat there broken. His wife was gone.

On September 11, 2001, the world experienced devastating loss. Thousands of families lost loved ones and have been forever scarred with the tragic memories of that day. This family in particular, lost a beloved member… Abigail Medina.

Abigail Cales was born on April 18, 1956 to Francisco and Manuela Cales. She was the seventh of seven children: Francisco, Enid, Cynthia, Lillian, Vincent, Frances and Abigail. Abbie (as her family affectionately called her) was married to Eliasaul Medina on September 18, 1981, and henceforth changed her surname to Medina. On December 31, 1982 she gave birth to her first daughter Enid. The newlyweds waited four years before they were blessed with their second daughter. On March 15, 1987, Abbie gave birth to Amy.

Abbie loved her family. She was a loyal wife, and a caring mother. Amidst her busy schedule, she always had time for her husband and daughters. She listened to them when they spoke, and was always there to give them good advice when they needed direction. She was passionate about her family.

Abbie was as devoted to her Church and community as she was to her family. She volunteered countless hours in her local Church, and ministered to hundreds of disadvantaged inner-city youth in her neighborhood. She was passionate about her faith.

She had an ebullient, kind personality, an even temper, and a loving heart that will never be forgotten.

As her family still mourns the day that Abbie left us, we find comfort and joy in one thing: The promise that she is dancing in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She can no longer feel pain, and she is worshipping at the feet of her just and powerful God.

Until that day that we are all united again…

'For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.'

Romans 8:39

- Eliseo Rivera Jr.

Add Your Tribute

Tributes

I was able to visit New York City for the first time in my life two weeks ago. I have a daughter, Natalie, attending her first year at Villanova University in Philadelphia and another daughter attending Brown University in Rhode Island. We had the opportunity, while driving my daughter, Madeleine, back to Providence. My first thought was to go to the 9/11 Memorial. That day has made a profound impact on my life. I did not know anyone that lost their life that day, but I have been drawn to visit Ground Zero since that dreadful day. As my excitement and wide eyed view of New York heightend, I was suddenly grounded by the sound of the rushing waters flowing into the tomb of so many souls of my fellow Human Beings. As I read the names of so many lives cut short, I felt a deep pain in my chest. The pain that is not caused by sharp blows or lacerations, but a pain that grips your heart and won't let go. A sadness that sits with me to this very day. I took photos of the names of the people that once walked the same path that I walked that morning. As we left to continue our journey, one name caught my eye... 'Abigail Medina'. I wondered, did she have brothers and sisters? Was she married? Did she have children? What did she look like? What was her life like before this tragedy? What if we would have chosen Abigail as my daughter Madeleine's name (Abbie was one of the top three names). In Mexican culture we say if you have the same last name...'eres de la misma rama' Abigail, I didn't know of you two weeks ago, and I see that you made an positive impact to all that you touched. You, in spirit, have touched our lives. We love and miss you too primita. I hope and pray that my father and sister find you in heaven and thank you for having a profound impact on my life.

Donato Medina, Jr.

Sep 12 2014 6:18AM

Abbie was a second mother to me.....when I found out that she left us it was a blow. I am honored to have known her and learn from her.....every year I remember. I see her smile and feel her hugs. Never forgotten!!!!!

Sha-Nay, Friend

Sep 11 2013 11:57AM

I remember Abby as a loving, kind, gentle and nurturing woman of God. I knew Abby through working with her in the pre-school class at Metro Ministries from 1998-2000. She was always so kind and caring with the children. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Kelley Hrubes, Friend

Sep 12 2011 10:23AM

When I think of Abby I think... great mom, wonderful smile, warm heart, funny, strong and loving! What an awesome woman she was. I am great full to have known her and her girls. Thinking of you and the family during this 10 year anniversary. This is one anniversary I wish never would have accrued.

Maribelle, Friend

Sep 9 2011 11:35PM

I cant believe its been 10 years since you've been gone. Your warm presence stays on my mind. I used to love hearing you talk positive to me every Sunday and yet when we got out of line you put my siblings and I in place. Metro Ministries put you in my life and I truly thank God for that. You were the sweetest person around. You will never be forgotten. I Love you Abby

Lindsey Cabrera, Friend

Sep 7 2011 10:04PM

I got to know Abby while working at Metro Ministries. She volunteered in the preschool Sunday school class. Helping us making sure the children were greeted with smiles and lots of huggs. She was always smilling, laughing and hugging people. Whenever I stop by a memorial of 9/11, I always make sure her name is there. She was a great lady, friend and amazing mom. Suzie

Suzie Rodrigue, Friend

Sep 3 2011 4:40PM

My Aunt was a very precious lady who will never be forgotten because of the beautiful person she was. She is present with Jesus now, Love you Abbie and miss you.

Christina, Family

Sep 11 2009 9:24AM

To my little sister Abby --- that was how she stayed in my heart. I took care of her when she was a baby and admired her as she became a beautiful women. You made us proud in all you did, and we will never forget you. We will see each other again, until then bye for now.

Cindy Cales, Family

Sep 12 2008 8:45AM

Abbie, Thinking of you and the collegues we lost. You were truly a sweetheart of a person and a pleasure to work with. RIP

Jonathan Williams, Colleague

Sep 11 2008 10:37AM

Abbie you will never be forgotten. There is not a day that goes by when you are not remembered. Your life here was meaningful and well lived, your acts and words of kindness are remembered by us all. The last time I saw you was when I visited CT to see the Maria play. It was awesome and I remember talking to you on the bus after church not realizing that would be the last time we would see each other.

Christina, Family

Sep 11 2008 10:03AM

My name is Theresa, Last night I had a dream about the World Trade Centers. In this dream my husband and I were there at the site standing in front of many people who were dying from the tragic event. There was one girl in particular that caught my attention. This girl was injured very badly but still alive. Moved by compassion and the power of God,I walked over to her and grabbed her hands. She looked up at me with the most beautiful eyes and told me her name was 'Abbie'. I began to speak to her and the power of God flooded us. I told her that God loved her so much and that he adored her. Abbie began to cry. She spoke to me from her spirit and said, 'I needed to hear that'. I told her that God was here to fill her with His love. She layed her head on my chest as if she finally felt peace. Then my husband began to minister to her and she was very excited, and then I woke up. It was 2:15am when I awoke. I could feel Abbie's spirit. I got up and wrote the dream down and began to pray. I beleive this girl was Abigail Medina, because when I researched all the names of 'Abigail' who died that day,I found only 2 and Abigail Medina lit up in my spirit when I saw her name and read about her. I would appreciate it if I could get a picture or physical description of her from her family. A Son of God, Theresa

Theresa Messano, Friend

Oct 23 2002 1:19PM

My Dearest Abbey, It seems like only yesterday we said our goodnights. I miss you and think about you everyday. I'll always remember your kindness and warmth, but most of all your beautiful smile. My love and prayers always, Adele

Adele Russell, Friend

Sep 6 2002 3:50PM

When I sent money to a fund that benefits World Trade Center victims, I expected a bracelet engraved with the name of someone who had died on Sept. 11. When I received my bracelet and saw 'Abigail Medina' engraved in it, I found myself trying to research her life. The basic facts pop up here and there, in books about 9/11 or on Web sites like this. And I just want her family to know that her life has affected me - a 22-year-old over in Indiana. I feel like I know her.

Vanessa, Friend

Aug 28 2002 11:54PM

Abbey I think of you all the time, you were such a good friend and a great person to work with. I really miss you alot love always jeanine

Jeanine Bove, Colleague

Jun 3 2002 5:05PM

Dearest Abbey, I don't think there are any words that can express how much I miss you. I am always thinking of you. There is so much I want to tell you. I want you to know what a true friend you were and that you were always there when I needed a friend. I know what a strong person you were and I hope I can be as strong as you. I want everyone to know what a beautiful peron you were. I don't just mean the outer beauty but the inner beaty. I know that we never had a chance to say goodbye. I know we will meet again and we will say hello. You will never be forgotten, especially your beautiful smile. All my love, Rosemarie

Rosemarie Bevinetto, Friend

May 28 2002 1:33PM

I miss so much I think of you everyday.You are so loved by me. My heart is with your spirit at all times.

frances cales, Family

Apr 23 2002 8:43PM

I miss you so much little sister, and I want to thank you for sending me my birthday email on September 10 I guess God knew he was taking you home. I will never forget you.

Cindy Cales, Family

Apr 23 2002 9:55AM