Perhaps the most shocking truth about September 11, 2001 is that lives were changed in an instant. Wives and husbands lost spouses; children lost mothers and fathers and people lost friends. While the hurt for many has persisted, so too will the memories of those who lost their lives and the families' and friends' love for them is still burning bright.

Michael John Cahill was working as an attorney on the 99th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center for Marsh & McLennan when the tragedy hit and the lives of his family would change forever. On this first anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy, the family of Michael John Cahill, who was 37, remembers him and misses him very much.

Prior to Sept. 11, Mike Cahill was also promoted to managing director of his company and although he is remembered as someone who succeeded in his career endeavors, he is also remembered as a loving brother, son, husband and father who enjoyed being with his family and friends.

"He was in the prime of his life, he couldn't be happier," said Tom Cahill, who was close to his brother since the two were only a year apart, growing up in Mienola. "Everything he did, I did a year later," said Tom.

Mike Cahill attended St. Aidan's School and Chaminade High School, where he was captain of the Cross Country team, and eventually earned his juris doctorate at St. John's University. He lived in East Williston with his wife Colleen, son Connor and daughter Fiona.

Mike Cahill will be remembered as someone who loved life and found happiness through his love for his family. "I think people who really got to know him were better for it," said Tom Cahill.

Michael John Cahill is survived by his wife Colleen, son Connor, 5, daughter Fiona, 3, sister Denise Troise and parents James and Evelyn of Mineola.

Please contact the Mineola American at (516) 747-8282 if you would like to pay tribute to any of those who are connected in some way to Sept. 11 and Mineola and the surrounding communities.