Houston – Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the memories remain deeply personal for the families who lost loved ones.
For Houston attorney and author Holly Little, that loss is her brother, Todd Russell Hill.
Todd was 34 years old when he called his mother from the 17th floor of the Marriott at the World Trade Center at about 8:46 a.m. He told her there had been an explosion, but that he was OK and was going to try to evacuate.
It was the last time his family heard his voice.
Todd was one of the victims whose remains were never identified. His name is now memorialized at the 9/11 Memorial, but for his family, there is no grave to visit and no final goodbye.
Todd Hill, 34 died during the September 11th attacks. (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
“Grief never really seems to go away,” Little said.
Even after 25 years, the loss remains painful. But Little says her family is also grateful for the 34 years they had with Todd and the memories they continue to carry.
Faith has been an important part of that journey.
In the aftermath of the attacks, Little and her family turned to prayer and Scripture. They read a chapter of Job each night, finding comfort in the story of someone wrestling with loss and questions without easy answers.
Little says that faith helped her family continue forward, even without the answers they wanted.
Now, she is sharing Todd’s story in her new book, “9/11: Reflections of the Past 25 Years.”
“9/11: Reflections of the Past 25 Years” by Holly Little Esq.
For Little, the 25th anniversary felt like the right time to put the story into words. She says it took years to find her voice and understand her purpose in sharing what her family experienced.
Part of that purpose is remembering the people behind the tragedy.
Little points to the number of people who were not yet born or were too young to remember Sept. 11, 2001. For a new generation, the day is becoming history rather than a personal memory.
She hopes her book can help change that by reminding readers that every person lost had a name, a family and a story.
Todd’s story also continues through a scholarship established in his memory.
Todd’s best friend, Tom, went to Ground Zero after the attacks in an effort to find him. When Todd could not be found, his friend looked for another way to honor his memory and turn his grief into purpose.
A scholarship was established for an athlete at their former high school in Framingham, Massachusetts. For the past 25 years, a student has received the scholarship to help attend college.
Todd Hill Framington HS graduation (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
This year’s recipient is Matheus Cruz.
For Little, knowing that Todd’s memory is helping a young person pursue a college education is a powerful part of his legacy.
It is also a reminder that grief can take many forms. Sometimes, Little says, it can become a reason to serve, give back and help others.
Todd was an athlete who loved sports, travel and adventure. He also had a generous spirit. Little remembers how he would give Red Sox tickets to Boston-area kids who earned all-A report cards.
His desire to help others ultimately inspired his sister, too.
Growing up, Todd would sign his name “Todd Hill, Esquire,” and Little says he became one of the reasons she decided to attend law school and become an attorney.
She describes her brother as kind, sweet and smart, someone her family adored and will forever miss.
As the country marks 25 years since 9/11, Little hopes Todd’s story encourages people to look beyond the images of that day and remember the individuals who were lost.
Because while the tragedy happened 25 years ago, the lives left behind continued.
Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.