9/11 Stories: The Friedman Family

Together from the first night of meeting at a New York City club, Lisa thought she’d lose Andy when just after graduating college, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. But Andy never left her side. Lisa calls him “a treasure”. After chemotherapy and surgery, the two married. Both with successful careers in finance, they welcomed twin sons in 1990.
Andy had just started a new job on the 92nd floor at The World Trade Center two weeks before September 11, 2001. When a plane hit the North a tower, where he worked, Andy called Lisa, cool as a cucumber, and told her ,”We’re all in a room and we have plenty of air to breathe”. Lisa could only tell Andy, “I love you”. She somehow knew it would be their last phone call ever.
In the first few days after September 11th, Lisa took her boys into the midtown section of the city posting flyers with Andy’s picture. Shielding her sons from the devastated area in Lower Manhattan, Lisa and the boys took care packages to fire houses, after hearing that’s what the firefighters needed at Ground Zero. Their feet quickly became wet and soiled working on what was called “the pile”. Socks became a symbol of hope for the boys.
As adults, Mike and Dan launched a sock company serving tall men, to honor their late, 6’5” father. Tall Order socks are embroidered with their twin towers-inspired logo. Part of the profits are donated to 9/11charities. Their dad always told his sons to pay it forward, give back, and help those less fortunate. They carry his guidance with them every day.
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[@marieharris1230]

WOUKD liked to have seen a picture of Andy??

[@jillv4006]

So thankful for whoever organized these recordings and didn’t make them interviews! They just allowed the families time to recollect, share memories and just anything that they felt in their hearts. This is much more than a snapshot of American history! Hopefully these recordings can be shared for generations.

[@ellehm]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us. Please know we will never forget what happened. Mama & Sons are inspiring and emit much strength - God Bless You.

[@karendalsadik7119]

I agree!

[@joannemates6367]

I’m 47 and single. I have never had much luck with dating or relationships. I should recruit Lisa to match make me. 🤣

[@Poetessa2]

I was thinking the same thing!! lol I'm sure you'll find that special someone soon!! There have got to be a few good guys left!!

[@TempoDrift1480]

Don't do it. You'll never find someone worth a fuck and all that's gonna happen is you'll get told what to do. 47 means you'll enter your 50's on your own and do whatever the fuck you want.

[@jumpforjoy6]

​@@Poetessa2 anyone our age wants someone no older than 32

[@Poetessa2]

@@jumpforjoy6 I'd definitely want someone a wee bit older than 32! lol

[@KarmasAbutch]

@@jumpforjoy6WTF? Speak for yourself not for me lol 🥴

[@leesher1845]

Deborah Norville told that same story in her 9/11 testimony about not moving on, but rather moving forward. It is an important distinction.

[@ImNotHere222]

I've wanted to hear real, true survivor stories for SO LONG. Most of the big documentaries invite a lot of the same people and I love hearing those stories and hearing the new details, but it's such a limited recollection of the tragedy. Thousands lost their lives that day, but many thousands more have a story to tell whether they were working in one of the towers or Pentagon, or their family member was, etc. I'd argue hundreds of millions have a story of that day because, 22 years later, every one of us across the world remembers where we were and what we were doing when it happened. I love, love, love this series you've created. I'm obsessed. Thank you for giving a space and platform to so many people to tell the stories of their harrowing experience and to honor their loved ones.

[@MareRS357]

Wonderful tribute to your husband and sons father Daniel and Michael. I know your husband must be very proud of all of you. God Bless. ❤️

[@beverlystaley9698]

There isn't a single story from 9/11 by those who were so deeply affected by it & by the enormous loss BUT shew!! This one has to be one of my favorites. The way you had to navigate this & try to make it as easy on your young sons....to the way they have grown up celebrating their dad's life - through sports, through giving back to the very organizations that helped them cope...just WOW! My favorite cool detail of the many things shared was the story of the restaurant called Andrew's and the song, Ripple, which is one of my favorite GD songs. (I love that Andy was a deadhead too!!) I just hope you guys know that you really are keeping his memory alive & I have no doubt he is so very proud of his family's resilience! I was a 25 yr old wife with a 13 month old daughter feeding her breakfast & having coffee as I turned on the Today show and saw breaking news that a plane had hit one of the towers. In horror, I watched with so many other Americans on live TV as the 2nd plane hit and the disbelief and just overwhelming sadness and fear as those buildings fell. I didn't know a single soul in there but it changed my life. As we approach the 20th anniversary, I find myself thinking of this event & watching the stories. This year, I will listen to Ripple and think of you guys & of Andy and celebrate his life with you from my little small town in Ohio. Wishing you all the best. You all are such an inspiration!! ❤

[@johnnyfire3860]

First sentence didn’t make any sense

[@sockmonkey5266]

stop rambling

[@leelemuelhaydeniv]

This is the most inspirational 9/11 family stories I've ever heard. It's incredible how they held it together as a family and have done so many wonderful things as a result of their tragedy. God bless them all!

[@karendalsadik7119]

I agree!

[@reginaguimaraes3598]

I agree.

[@mtio2807]

No kidding. This family puts us to shame. They’ve done SO MUCH MORE through tragedy, than any others on a good decade

[@karendalsadik7119]

@@mtio2807 no need to feel shame. Only need to learn lessons.

[@mtio2807]

@@karendalsadik7119 .... 100%. They each made ME pause and think, “how have I given back?”

[@karendalsadik7119]

This is a family oral traditional told in a engaging and charming way. The reality of the raw pain and reality of the end of a life is hanging in the air. You all have my admiration for your courage and strength!

[@JuanGarcia-or2ty]

I agree they are all heroes

[@sweetassugar2076]

There are so many of these 9/11 videos it really puts it in perspective of how many people we lost! Really makes me sad ..

[@yoso5934]

Their dad was a special man & they’re special people.

[@YoginiLindaMadani]

the mom is so beautiful ~ hence. beautiful family

[@rubberdc]

What a stunning mother you are Mrs Friedman! So amazing to be able to tell your story so calmly , detailed and kind of off the cuff. I cannot tell you more than I have , but that I admire your strength .

[@paulschieler9987]

I'm sorry for your loss Mrs Friedman Mike and Dan

[@paulschieler9987]

Post 911

[@blueshirtshockey93]

Mitzvah… what a beautiful family. What beautiful children . God Bless

[@julesindigoblue4441]

What a beautiful family. Andy would be so proud of his sons and wonderful wife….in fact, I’m sure he is while watching over them. 🌸

[@cherhitchcock6172]

Such a remarkable mom and well spoken young men. Bless you all. Your husband best friend & father to the boys . Will always be in your heart & cherished memories. Keep his memory alive in your hearts

[@kimkeith3884]

Wow!!❤ You all honor him so beautifully. Tragic loss 😢 Heartbreaking to the core. What a close connection you three have. Bless your family and bless your hearts ❤

[@kfordgal]

Love and good health to this family ❤ Rest in Peace Andy 🌈💕 xxx

[@joannemates6367]

I’m so happy to hear Lisa moved forward and went on to find love again. That fills my heart with so much joy. Xx

[@amybednarski2276]

I will never forget

[@juliamarin4896]

Thanks for sharing your stories you guys...you did a lovely job of portraying the awful situation, and you 3 clearly are still a great family unit, including Bruce now too! But I know you miss your dad & you always will. However, he is absolutely with you all the time, each and every day, proudly watching over you....

[@mariefc8504]

What a beautiful family. Their story is incredibly inspiring and filled with hope and love in the midst of unbearable grief. Thank you so very much for sharing this with all of us. Thank you. ❤

[@makeupbyjessw]

I want to watch everyones stories! So many things happened to different people at the same time. I have heard all of the crazy stories, and it's sort of comforting to hear the more "minor" ones. (No ones story is minor, but some are much more dramatic than others) My experience in Texas as a 6th grader cant even touch peoples stories in the areas affected or the peoples families. But my dad was in the Army and my life was effected differently from 9/11. I had a lot of anxiety around 9/11 for years, so hearing other dtories is oddly comforting. They are all so brave for sharing their stories 💗

[@dolphinluckew]

Angel’s in the outfield is a real thing. My dad passed in 2006 the following World Series the Cardinals won! The Mom is so strong handling it the way she did.

[@sheilahammond4260]

Your mother was so gentle and kind, the way she tried her best to 'carry on as normal' and allow you time to gradually come to terms with the loss of your father.

[@Poetessa2]

I'm never going to look at socks the same again.

[@laurenbendik2006]

When she said ‘he started working in wtc two weeks before 9/11’…..i went ugh 😓

[@donw3912]

I have always wondered what the families and kids from 9/11 are doing on each anniversary of it. Hearing their story is so awesome and heartwarming, If only my feet were a bit bigger I would support their business happily. So very inspiring:-)

[@nanfrostsfashionfocusstyle6250]

I believe we get messages all the time. I love the Ripple stories....If I knew the way, I would take you home....

[@ambientgamesound]

This family is just so sweet.. Sending love to each one of them

[@stephaniecarleton3117]

This lady is wonderful! So joyful!

[@karenweaver7574]

Thank you, so powerful and your sons are amazing young men, good job!

[@joanchepon6793]

You are all such an inspirational family. I know your Dad is so proud of all of you and watches over all you every day! ❤❤❤❤

[@AH-he2xw]

What a fantastically positive family, love them xx

[@danielonn2002]

I am bawling just hearing this story. My Hearts go out to all of you. I remember on 9/11 I woke up here in California and every morning I went on to the CNN website. I had CNN on in my Father's Office and was watching the news from 6:00 AM that morning and saw them switch over to the Twin Towers. I was not sure if it was a movie. I went to my High School(I was a Sophomore) on this crisp warm blue sky late Summer day. I went to the library where they had the TV on and a teacher said"Is this New York"? I was crying and called my Cousin in Brooklyn who could see it from his roof. Two of the herose Mark Bigham and Nichole Milller went to my High School and the local Community College. We had a candlight vigil at the High School and a Memorial at the College.I met Alice Hogan who spoke with my Mother as she was the Honors Coordinator and she took Public Speaking with Randy Fujishin at West Valley College. You could say that the meeting Alice had with my Mother was the begining of her interviews, moive appearance and talks about 9/11. Alice was Mark Bignham's Mother and was in Saratoga(where I live) on 9/11 where she got the call from the plane. It hit close to home.

[@tammymcknight7289]

Thank you for your story 🙏💕

[@Jboy19916]

This family seems so easy going & Likable.

[@bluegreenglue6565]

An inspiring story. Plus, a much-needed clue to wear I can find socks for my teenage son. Thanks!

[@SuzyMcCheese]

What an incredible family. After all you've been through, after 20 years, the spirit of community and service you share is powerfully present today like the country felt it back then. I am touched. Through you, Andy is still paying it forward. Of course he knows, of course he is there with you. So inspired by your story and your warmth. Thank you.

[@sandraq2145]

God bless never forget ❤️🌹 x

[@marynagy8072]

This is a beautiful family testimony scanning the full 20 years, and so worth the listen! Thank-you!

[@mtio2807]

You guys all made me smile, cry, frown and laugh. Thanks

[@jilllaplante9497]

What a beautiful,strong, kind and very thoughtful and giving family. I am so very sorry for your incredible loss, and each of you I hope feels pride in regards to how you have as individuals, and as a family, have gotten through what must’ve been and still must be such a horrific way to have lost a dear loved one. My heart goes out to you as a family, and to all of the other families and individuals who were directly impacted on that awful awful day that there are really no words to describe. Thank you so much for finding the words and sharing them.😢

[@mrlaw711]

Quite terrific hearing your heart warming story, and your awesome positive attitude. I like how you integrated the sons into remembering their dad...very inspiring.

[@dlynch1898]

Hi Shelly TFS how amazing and honoring are these stories. Your efforts keep these people alive. Many blessings and much thanks.

[@jessica07712]

I am sure that their father would be very proud of these two very smart and caring young men.

[@squatsoats2144]

What an awesome family, what a great spirit, what a tremendeus good way to handle/overcome it in this way. Much love & respect from germany.

[@eileenrobbins8430]

I absolutely love this family. For the loss that you all went through I sent my deepest condolences. For the grace that your mother handled everything I send my love and blessings to her. For the boys, I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am if both of you for the strength you have. Your father would be so proud of the two of you for all you done growing up until now. What respectful loving, giving, compassionate men you are. God bless you all ❤❤

[@Momo-kv8zo]

I think you guys are amazing, not just on your attitude and how you are in life but the charity work you all do also. Plus welcoming and being ok with your mum bringing another guy into your lives.

[@mumbo4210]

What an amazing family! I’m crying whilst watching this episode, so so moving

[@mattcall7467]

What a lovely family ❤ a hug sent from the uk 🇬🇧 xx ps you’re husband and dad will always be with you

[@laurenbendik2006]

It’s amazing she kept calm despite knowing he wasnt gonna get out. I was her sons’ age, also starting 6th grade :(

[@plawton35]

God bless you and your family.

[@macb8309]

What a truly remarkable and inspiring family. All five of you. God bless.

[@CFCalways]

You guys are a credit to your Dad ,he would be so proud of you both .And Mom you have done an outstanding job in dealing with this impact to your family.Keep selling the socks guys ❤

[@commonsense9494]

God bless this beautiful family!!!

[@terrilandry8753]

I'm so sorry, you are a beautiful family.

[@kcornejo44]

I appreciate you sharing your story and admire your strength. Moving forward not on is more accurate. God Bless You All.

[@leesher1845]

Loved the Grateful Dead Ripple story. 🌹🌹 May Andrew Friedman’s memory be a blessing. ❤️

[@nightly522]

Thank you for your story. Deeply sorry for your loss. Those terrorists will rot for this.

[@paulabrown6840]

🙏🦋. Bless all of you!

[@breeeque]

I cant stop crying

[@bribach]

Beautiful family 🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@SittingWithDogs]

What a remarkable family god bless you guys

[@iowashots2467]

What an incredible family!

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

What an inspiring story

[@meganferrero1698]

I love this family.

[@Tom68446]

God bless you guys for making your family the best for one another in a horrific disaster of 9/11/01! He's in your hearts forever! That about the after life is so true! But heart to you and your family and loved ones! 💖🌆🗽💖

[@joannemates6367]

I’m so sorry. What a tragic loss to your family. But how blessed you were to have Andy as your husband and father. Some people never find that in an entire lifetime. Thank you for sharing your story. Cheers, from Country Victoria, Australia. 🇦🇺

[@DavidSmith-tu1nd]

Your Dad was a big golfer your mom said. I was wondering if you boys are golfers too. You guys might do a golf charity event to support 911 families and firefighters. Your family is strong.

[@blueshirtshockey93]

When the NYY lost in 2001. I cried. Im a Met Fan but i felt that NYC needed that win. It wda been so nice for the city.

[@Mizzlenum]

They lost to the diamond backs in game 7 in Phoenix. I was there.

[@blueshirtshockey93]

God Bless

[@coolgirlfrozenfeet]

These guys would make me look a toddler in comparison. It was bad enough when I dated a guy who was 6’3” (I’m 5’2”), though he actually looked like a humongous child. He was the type of guy who would have benefited from this family’s clothing company. Very interesting story and an introduction to a wonderful family. I know this mother misses her first husband and likes to believe that his presence is near. I don’t believe that, as I believe that death is like a sleep, until the Resurrection. But I do believe they will see him again. I like that the sons can keep Andy’s memory in their lives. It seems like most kids that age wouldn’t get to remember a deceased parent so well.

[@dawncolayco9340]

Its funny Bruce almost sounds like a dog! All the way you described it . Thats good to talk and remember Andy every year celebrate! Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@starsabove8805]

Dan looks so handsome! ❤

[@friedpickles342]

"Friedman" . . . maybe he didn't get the message that day? Sorry for your loss.

[@laurenbendik2006]

I wish their dad could have talked to them one last time, call school after wife

[@sallygard63]

What a heartfelt recount by Lisa & the boys 🤗🩵 What religion are they? I know she says they aren’t religious … but she talks about going to the ‘temple’ … are they of the Jewish religion ? Anyway may god bless them ❤❤❤

[@julesjay424]

I thought that way.

[@jerrydouglas8436]

My heart goes out the Friedman family. This was such a tragedy, God bless

[@vickiedaniel8638]

Take care of yourself

[@donaldprophete5005]

These boys are snippy with their mom.

[@chezzachezza7325]

🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@jeffreyatkins4760]

I mean absolutely no disrespect and have nothing but the most serious condolences for this family i cant imagine losing a parent at that age thats one of the times you need em the most or losing your partner like that so abruptly it must be a living hell and im not saying there was any grief processed the "wrong way" im just stating my opinion. I would be pretty upset to one, be told the way the way these brothers were told and then have to sit with it all day not really knowing whats going on and having to hear about it from other middle school kids while finishing out the day for some reason, when one of my parents is in one of the towers. Then also not getting picked up after school and having to stay where ever they were (the brothers) till like 10pm then just being told to go to bed and having to try to sleep still not really knowing what happened to my father til the next day. Its just me i think id have some resentment about that. Again just my 2 cents nothing but respect for the tragedy they endured

[@laurenbendik2006]

Love what the boys are doing with their socks…very true to jewish value of tikkun olam. I’m amazed they are 6’9 and 6’11…wow. Was their dad tall?

[@ashleymcclarren3951]

Yeah he was 6’5. Mom is 6’0.

[@roostersbays95]

im sorry for you people....

[@mmason9836]

🥱

[@survivormary1126]

I hope they can donate to the 911 Truth Commission.

[@Slimeemoutnort]

The mom was hella annoying

[@johnnyfire3860]

What the hell is a bar mitzvah?

[@julieann4616]

And yet you knew how to spell it. 😇

[@sallygard63]

Bar Mitzvah is ‘Son of Commandment’ or ‘Daughter of Commandment’