Dear Kids,
I don’t personally know anyone who lost their life that day, and some might argue that this makes my perspective on September 11, 2001, less valid. However, I was just an everyday individual heading to work like anyone else. As the anniversary of that tragic day approaches, it strikes me as surprising that schools don’t delve deeper into its significance. You’re both in third and seventh grades, and perhaps the topic of terrorist attacks feels too heavy for your young minds or maybe you’re just not familiar with it since you weren’t born yet. Or perhaps the timing is just a bit too close to the start of a new school year.
I genuinely hope that your schools will one day cover key aspects of 9/11, including the timeline of the attacks, the role of al-Qaeda, the heroism of first responders, and the formation of the Department of Homeland Security. However, what might be overlooked in those lessons is how that single day altered life for ordinary Americans, people like me and your dad.
I was 30 years old when the world changed forever, with nearly 3,000 lives tragically lost in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Your dad and I had just marked our seventh wedding anniversary and were beginning to think about starting our family, all while trying to establish our careers. I had been working for four years since earning my master’s degree. When I arrived at the office that fateful morning, the doorman informed me that a plane had struck the World Trade Center. I initially thought it was just a terrible accident, like a small plane incident I had heard of before.
But I was gravely mistaken.
On that day, as terror unfolded, the America I knew came to a halt and transformed. I want you to understand how it changed.
Did you know that before 9/11, I didn’t own a cell phone? Your dad had one for work, and I knew a few college students who did, but I was not among them. On that tragic day, those who perished in the World Trade Center used their cell phones to reach out to their loved ones, leaving heartfelt messages. It was then that having a phone became not just practical, but essential. Afterward, I got my first cell phone so I could always stay connected with your dad.
Did you realize that prior to 9/11, there weren’t any news tickers scrolling across television screens except for one dull business channel? That all changed on 9/11 when news channels began using tickers to relay the influx of information about the attacks, the victims, and those responsible. Nowadays, those tickers are ubiquitous, often displaying trivial updates like weekend box office results, which annoys me. “That’s not the purpose of a ticker,” I think. “It should convey meaningful information.”
Did you know that before 9/11, flying was more enjoyable? Sure, you had to pass through a metal detector and screen your luggage, but long lines and hassle were almost nonexistent. You could accompany friends and family to the gate, even if you weren’t traveling. The travel experience you know—filled with long waits and strict security measures—was born from the need to protect ourselves from potential threats.
Did you know that after the attacks, air traffic was grounded for several days? The silence that filled the skies was chilling. You don’t realize how many planes, both commercial and private, are constantly in the air until you experience that eerie quietness. I hope you never have to witness that stillness.
Did you know that for years following 9/11, I couldn’t bear to watch anything related to it? The pain was too fresh. Even now, as the anniversary approaches, I find myself tearing up. I’ve never shared this before, but the shock and grief were overwhelming. For weeks, the news was a relentless cycle of sorrow, a barrage of bad headlines that you can’t easily forget, no matter how much time passes.
But I don’t want you to dwell on the sadness of 9/11. My hope is that you learn about it with courage and resilience. America could face changes due to terrorism in the future, but 9/11 is part of our narrative, not the conclusion.
Lastly, I want you to remember this: I love you today, tomorrow, and always. If there’s one lesson from living through 9/11, it’s the importance of expressing love to those dear to us.
Love,
Mom
For more insights, check out our other piece about the significance of 9/11 here. If you’re interested in home insemination, you can find excellent resources at Healthline and consider buying at-home insemination kits from Make a Mom.
Summary
The blog reflects on how the events of 9/11 impacted everyday life and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding and remembering this pivotal moment in history while promoting love and connection among family.
Leave a Reply