9/11 Stories: Debby Borza

Debby Borza’s daughter, 20 year old Deora Bodley, was the youngest female to die on United Flight 93 on September 11th. She had been visiting her good friend, Allie, a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University. September 11th was the first day of classes at the college. Deora was actually booked on a later flight that day but because her friend was just starting classes, she asked Allie to take her to the airport early, to try to fly standby on the earlier flight #93.
Deora’s single mom, Debby, was working in San Diego at the time. As she was getting her younger daughter, 10 year old Muriel, ready for school, Debby’s roommate came in to alert her to the attack on The World Trade Center. Debby remembers thinking, this is like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. We’ll always remember this day in the same way we remember the shock of the JFK killing.
Debby was at work when she got a phone call from Deora’s friend, Allie, who hysterically told her, “It’s all my fault”. Allie tearfully told Debby that Deora was on the flight that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Debby immediately called United Airlines and was told there was no information but that they would call her as soon as anything was known. Debby left work to go to the Catholic Church across the street, and asked God, “Where is she?”. She heard a quiet voice respond, “She’s with me”. Just then Debby’s cellphone rang. It was a representative for United Airlines, confirming a parent’s worst nightmare.

[mikeydanvers]

The passengers of flight 93 are all heroes. Had they not attempted to take back the plane, countless others could have been lost. We will never forget. Your daughter is a hero, Debby.

[DustinBBaker]

The fact this lady in times of crisis thought of others is so special to me. This is a special spirit!!!

[GreenArrowNetwork]

These interviews are such a treasure. A testament to human spirit. When you get jaded, watch these and you will be uplifted.

[leej]

Out of all the 9/11 stories I've heard this is one of the saddest ones I've heard. I can hear the raw pain in her voice and how much it hurts. Such a brave and amazing lady! Heart goes out to you!!

[collegeri]

I’m only 14 minutes into this..I have never wanted to hug a stranger more.

[kimbok]

To Debbie and all the families of the victims of 9/11: I watch all the films, docs, videos about your lost loved ones, each and every time they become available. My heart goes out to all of you. Just know that your loved ones will be remembered forever.

[ruthjocaccivajjio]

You never get over losing your child. Such raw grief.

[johannesbols]

I don't want this to be taken the wrong way. But it suddenly occurs to me the horror the airline reps had to go through to make the phone calls to the relatives of those who perished.

[Ozefan]

Watching this was a punch in the gut. I've watched dozens if not hundreds of 9.11 videos over the years, but I think this one hit the hardest. Her grief is still palpable. So much loss that day, and the ripple effects are still being felt.

[RundellMR]

Love you, Debby! This is Michelle from TMLP. I think about you and Deora and Muriel every September and on July 4th. I remember how you generously shared your story with us a few days later, and the memorial service at La Jolla Shores, and meeting President Bush, and Deora’s handbag that reeked of jet fuel, and especially when God answered you. I saw your interview on the Channel 8 News, the article in the Wall Street Journal, and I even saw you on Long Island Medium. Thank you for being courageous and generous in your work on the Memorial, the trail, and sharing your whole story here. Like many people who have heard Deora’s story, even though I never met her, I will never forget her. My heart goes out to you.

[darlenestewart]

Two million people have visited the Flight 93 Memorial. There are millions of more people around the world that would love the chance to go there and pay our respects to the heroes on that plane❤

[carolinegoss]

Who was the guy who advised her to be a comfort to others?! It wasn’t about THEM! It was about HER! How dare he! It was HER hour of grief! He should’ve been advising the other people what to say and how to comfort HER!

[lakb]

Debby, I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. Those words seem hollow and inadequate, but I mean them sincerely. Your JOB was to grieve as a mom, not help people feel better. But it is good to hear that people wanted to do SOMETHING. A glass of water or rosary wouldn’t help, but I’m glad people wanted to be kind. You are very brave to tell your story.

[snowgurl]

This woman is a saint literally…I’m flabbergasted by her unselfishness & care for otters when everyone should be caring for her. We can all learn something from this lovely person. God bless this amazing woman & her family & may Dior Rest In Peace 🙏🏻❤️

[CafeDeJulz]

Waterworks started when she said she heard the voice at church. She’s a sweet lady. Her daughter Deora sounded like a wonderful and good person. The other one sounds like a gem as well. Rip and condolences to the family.

[jeanie]

This is the first story I've watched from a loved one of one of the passengers on any of the 9/11 planes. I've been wondering why we don't hear about them. Not enough coverage imo. Debby is doing a great job telling this story. She is a strong woman even tho she may feel not so. I appreciate her doing this and her courage. She has to live with her thoughts of the horror of Diora's last minutes. Thank you. So heart breaking.

[Clehigh]

Your youngest daughter is so loving & giving because you’re her mother. She learned from you. 🌈

[milissameza]

I really really am sickened by her friends advice. I am heart broken for her loss, as a fellow mom who has lost her son as well, its so hard to hear what he told her. Our society is so grief adverse. I wish she had known it was ok to NOT be ok and be free to grieve how she needed to grieve.

[GoldenChild]

When the voice said " She's with me." It tore me up😢😢😢😢 Thank you Jesus!

[Czeiner]

All the grief she is going through...I just want to hug Debby...and I love to see her face lighting up, when she's talking about her daughter Deora being around her all the time!
Debby, she will always be with you!