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How 9/11 Became Part of Our Journey
Dear Kids,
I don’t personally know anyone who lost their life on that fateful day, and some might argue that this makes my perspective less relevant. But I was just an ordinary person going about my day when everything changed on September 11, 2001.
As the anniversary approaches, it’s surprising to me how little you hear about those events in school. Maybe it’s because you’re still young, in third and seventh grades, or perhaps it’s simply not part of the curriculum yet. I hope that as you grow older, your schools will cover key aspects of 9/11—like the timeline of the attacks, the role of al Qaeda, and the incredible courage of first responders. But what might not be included in those lessons is how that day transformed the lives of everyday Americans, like your dad and me.
At the time, I was 30 years old, and your dad and I had just celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. We were starting to think about having kids but were focused on building our careers first. I had been working for four years after earning my master’s degree. On that morning, when I arrived at work, the doorman mentioned that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I thought it was an accident, similar to a smaller plane that had crashed into the Empire State Building years prior.
How wrong I was.
When terror struck on that day, the America I knew came to a halt. Everything shifted. I want you to understand how everything changed.
Did you know that I didn’t own a cell phone before 9/11? Your dad had one for work, and I knew some college students who did, but I didn’t see the need. On that tragic day, people trapped in the World Trade Center used their phones to reach out to loved ones. Suddenly, having a cell phone felt indispensable. I got my first one shortly after so I could always connect with your dad.
Before 9/11, scrolling news tickers were limited to a single business channel, but that changed. On the day of the attacks, news channels added tickers to keep up with the flood of information about the attacks, victims, and suspects. Now, those tickers are commonplace, but sometimes I see trivial information scrolling by and think, “That’s not what a ticker is for!”
Flying used to be an enjoyable experience. Sure, we went through metal detectors, but there were no long lines or significant hassles. You could accompany friends or family to the gate, and meet them right there when they landed. The air travel you know is a result of all the security measures put in place after 9/11, which, while inconvenient, are necessary for our safety.
In the aftermath of the attacks, all air traffic was grounded for days. I’ll never forget the eerie silence in the sky. It was a stark reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. I hope you never have to experience that silence.
For years after that day, I couldn’t watch anything related to 9/11. It was too painful. Even now, as the anniversary comes around, I often find myself in tears. I’ve never shared this before, but I think it’s because of the overwhelming shock and sadness I felt. The relentless bad news on TV made it hard to forget what had happened.
I don’t want you to feel sad about 9/11; I want you to be informed and resilient. Remember, America might change again due to unforeseen events. While 9/11 is part of our story, it’s not the conclusion.
And one last thing: I love you today, tomorrow, and always. Living through 9/11 taught me the importance of expressing love to those who matter.
Love,
Mom
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In summary, 9/11 was a significant turning point in many lives, shaping how we connect and communicate. It stands as a reminder to cherish our loved ones and stay informed about history.