Teacher saves 9/11 flight attendant's letter praising her son. 24 years later, he's finally reading it himself

Losing a parent is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can endure. Now, imagine receiving a letter decades later, written by that very parent. Here's the poignant story of a son who, long after his mother tragically passed away in the 9/11 attacks, discovers a letter in September 2025 that she had written, bridging the gap between loss and love across time.

Twenty-four years ago, Jevon Castrillo’s mother, Cee Cee Lyles, decided to write a letter in March 2001, when her son had just finished reading a book. Lyles, who promised Jevon that she would write a letter about how excited she was about him achieving the milestone, penned a sweet note to his kindergarten teacher, Tammy Thurman. With so much love and gratitude towards the teacher for encouraging her son, she wrote, "Dear Ms. Thurman, Jevon read a book last night that he brought home from the library. He read it from cover to cover. I told him I would write you a note and tell you what an outstanding job he did," Lyles wrote. Expressing how proud she was of Jevon, Lyles wrote, "We are very proud of him and will continue to work with him at home. Again, thank you for your dedication and courage for the job that you do."

Unfortunately, the story took a tragic turn in September 2001, when Lyles was one of he flight attendants on United Flight 93, which was hijacked during the 9/11 attacks. Even during a challenging situation, Lyles, on a call with her husband at home, promised to fight back. Lyles and the other passengers crashed down in an empty field in Shankville, Pennsylvania, saving thousands at the potential targets in Washington, DC. A part of Jevon's heart died the day he lost his mother, but Ms. Thurman kept the letter given by Lyles safe, even when she moved schools. In 2025, she decided to hand it over to the rightful owner, Jevon, who never expected a letter written by his mother would come his way after 24 years. Along with the letter, Jevon also received a class photo that featured 6-year-old Jevon. As a fellow mother, Ms. Thurman understood the feelings of Lyles and wanted Jevon to read the words penned by his mother, letting him know how proud she was of him. "As a mom, I know you need to see those words from your mom; she was a wonderful woman, and you were a wonderful student," she told WPTV in West Palm Beach.

On reading the words penned by his mother, Jevon was brought to tears, who received the opportunity to feel his mother's pride in his hands, close after many years. "It’s very touching, it seems very sweet, and it seems like something she would definitely say, you know," remarked a choked-up Jevon. The once 6-year-old kid is now a father to a 3-month-old child, who continues to make his mother proud. A study co-authored by David B. Newman, Matthew E. Sachs, Arthur A. Stone and Norbert Schwarz in 2020 explores the emotional impact of nostalgia in everyday life, emphasizing its role in enhancing emotional well-being. The study suggests that engaging with nostalgic memories can serve as a psychological resource that fosters a sense of continuity and emotional resilience. For Jevon, the letter serves as a tangible connection to the past and comforts his emotional well-being. The act of reading the letter may provide comfort, reinforce a sense of identity, and offer solace in the face of loss.

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