In the FX drama, Rescue Me, Denis Leary’s character, firefighter Tommy Gavin, often saw his cousin, Jimmy, who had died on 9/11. The show, which just concluded its seven-year run timed with the 10th anniversary of the attacks, is fiction. Bonnie McEneaney’s book, Messages, however, is a true story, recounting the many stories she collected from relatives and friends who received “messages.”

Bonnie McEneaney’s husband, Eamon, died on 9/11. Last year, Bonnie’s book, Messages, was published about her experiences after that fateful day. At 10 p.m. Saturday, September 10, the BIO channel (part of the A&E Network), will debut Beyond: Messages from 9/11, based on Bonnie’s book. The program, uninterrupted by commercials, will also be shown that evening at 10:45 p.m.

Many amazing stories of recovery and healing emerged after 9/11 and Bonnie’s story certainly falls into that category. (Read our review of Messages). Shortly after learning that her husband, who worked in the World Trade Center, had died, Bonnie received signs that she knew were coming from Eamon. She might have dismissed her feelings, attributing those thoughts to the sadness and stress she was feeling after her loss. She began to talk with other people who lost loved ones that day and they reported similar experiences. Some who had died had expressed In advance of the attacks that something catastrophic was about to happen. Others obsessed about tying up loose ends and seeking assurances that their children, for example, would be cared for if something happened to them. Others reported lost items that had a connection with the deceased suddenly turning up. In a few cases, the people Bonnie spoke with reported actually seeing and speaking with someone who had died.

The TV show will feature three stories, one related to Bonnie’s husband, Eamon, and two additional ones that surfaced after the book was published. “It’s a powerful piece culminating with the incredible story of the first firefighter on the scene, John Morabito, who after working all day through unspeakable circumstances, had an awe inspiring experience on the Brooklyn Bridge,” according to Bonnie. “The show, like the book, is intended to demonstrate how goodness can come from unimaginable tragedy; to give people hope.”

Beyond: Messages from 9/11
BIO Channel
10 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Saturday, September 10