When I walked into the ACCESS training I never expected what a difference it was going to make in my life. Looking at the list of people who would be there I stood in shock. Cecilia, who was 4 years old and the sole survivor of my brother’s crash was on the list. Nobody from Northwest Flight 255 had ever met her. The feeling that came over me was not sadness but pure joy. When I actually got to meet her I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I cried. I was able to imagine what our little girl would look like 20 years later. It was the piece of the puzzle that has been missing all these years. There is never closure but I was able to walk away with my heart a little softer.
Joan Pontante lost her brother William, sister in-law Kathryn, nephew Billy Jr., 5, and nieces Hillary, 5, and Katelyn, 4, on Northwest 255 on August 16, 1987
