Nathaniel Lawson, 9/11 Victim

Nathaniel Lawson was living the American Dream. Having grown up in Georgia in a family of 19 children, 61 year-old Lawson was a waiter and cook for Forte Food Service, and had been transferred to the World Trade Center, just three months prior to 9/11.

In The New York Times Portraits of Grief, Lawson's niece Brenda Weaver shares the story of Lawson's excitement over his new cable service, enabling him to watch his beloved New York Knicks and other teams, as well as gospel programs. He'd called her mother -- his sister -- Betty Moore, the day before the attack on the World Trade Center, to relate the news.

"He was a very spiritual man," Ms. Weaver said. "He always kept a smile. And he was helpful. Anytime you would call to talk to him about a problem, he was always willing to give good advice and willing to pray with you about anything that was bothering you."

The New York Times profile goes on to state:

Mr. Lawson lived alone in a tiny apartment in Flatbush, Brooklyn. His grown daughter, Pamela, lives in Germany. He was close to his sister, Betty. "For my mother, it's a lot like losing another half of her," Ms. Weaver said.

May Nathaniel Lawson enjoy the rewards of eternity, along with all of the victims of 9/11.