This morning, I sent my husband off to a city on high alert.
Just last night, after a long day of parenting, my husband and I finally settled down on the couch for some much-needed relaxation. As we prepared to enjoy our Netflix routine, my phone buzzed with alarming news—an explosion had rocked the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan.
Having lived in the New York City area for most of our lives, we’ve encountered a few minor incidents, typically involving gas leaks or pipe bursts. Thankfully, the initial reports indicated no fatalities, and the injured were expected to recover. However, as more information surfaced, it became evident that this incident was far more serious. A bombing earlier in the day in Seaside Park, New Jersey, coupled with another undetonated bomb discovered in Chelsea, raised alarms. By morning, further discoveries of bombs near a train station in Elizabeth, New Jersey, confirmed our worst fears. Although authorities initially hesitated to connect the dots, it was clear that these events were likely related.
The main suspect has since been apprehended, but questions linger about his motives and whether others may still be involved. This morning, as he does every day, my husband awoke at 5 a.m., showered, dressed, and grabbed his bag filled with lesson plans before heading to the train that would take him to teach high school English in Manhattan—situated close to Times Square, a prime target for terrorist activities.
I strive not to let fear govern my life or allow those who perpetrate such terror to win. Yet, as I watched him leave, I couldn’t shake the dread that gripped me. This feeling is all too familiar; we were newlyweds during the September 11 attacks, both working in the city that day. Although we escaped unharmed, the fear lingered long after, casting a shadow over our morning farewells.
Many parents, especially those with school-aged children, can relate to this sense of dread, particularly after the Sandy Hook tragedy. The day after that horrific event, when I picked up my kindergartner from school, I was not alone in my tears, holding him tightly as we rushed home. Since that day, I always remind him I love him before school and squeeze his hand tightly. Whenever I hear sirens during school hours, an immediate wave of panic washes over me, worried that something may have happened at his school.
What Is Wrong with Our World?
As we navigate this politically charged environment, it’s easy for people to assign blame regarding incidents like the New York/New Jersey bombings. Whether the perpetrator is a homegrown terrorist, tied to an international organization, or simply a disturbed individual seeking notoriety, it’s clear that there’s something fundamentally broken in our society.
This past summer, we witnessed the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, and statistics show that 16 of the worst mass shootings have occurred within the last decade. America continues to lead the world in gun-related deaths—quite troubling. Hate crimes are on the rise, both in the U.S. and globally. Despite progress in acceptance and rights for the LGBTQ+ community, they remain a primary target for hate crimes. Furthermore, there has been a troubling uptick in hate crimes against Muslim Americans in recent months.
Regardless of one’s political stance, it’s undeniable that we face an unprecedented level of hatred and fear in our country. As a mother, my overwhelming desire is to protect my family, yet I often feel helpless in the face of this turmoil.
Last night, I tossed and turned, anxious about my husband heading to work this morning. I almost wanted to rush to him as he opened the door at 5:45 and urge him to stay home. But I knew he had students relying on him—not just to teach them literature but to provide a sense of normalcy and reassurance that everything would be alright.
Right now, that reassurance is all we have—the hope that most of us will weather these frightening moments relatively unharmed and that living in fear makes little sense. I want to believe in that hope, but it’s challenging when the world feels so fractured. It seems like danger lurks around every corner, and safety is an illusion.
How Do We Maintain Our Composure Amidst Chaos?
How do we nurture our children and explain these realities to them? I don’t have the answers; all I can offer are hugs, extra kisses, and tight hand squeezes as my family ventures out into the world. For now, that has to suffice.
In conclusion, the world may be unpredictable and fraught with danger, but we can find ways to connect with our loved ones and support each other through challenging times. Resources like the CDC provide excellent information on infertility and home insemination, while sites like Make A Mom offer invaluable insights into the process of creating families.