A Morning of Tension and Reflection

This morning, I sent my husband off to a city buzzing with tension.

After finally getting the kids settled on Saturday night, my husband and I were ready to binge-watch some Netflix when my phone started blowing up with news: an explosion rocked the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan. Having lived in the New York City area for most of our lives, we’ve seen a few minor explosions here and there—mostly gas leaks or pipe bursts, nothing too alarming. I was relieved to hear there were no immediate fatalities and that most of the injured appeared to be on the mend.

But as the story developed, it was clear this was more than a typical incident. Earlier that morning, a bomb had detonated in Seaside Park, New Jersey, and another undetonated bomb was discovered just blocks away in Chelsea. To top it off, I woke up to news of more bombs found near a train station in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Officials were initially tight-lipped about whether these incidents were connected, but it’s not rocket science to suspect they likely were.

A Routine Disrupted

This morning, just like every day, my husband woke up at 5 AM, showered, dressed, grabbed his backpack, and boarded a train to Manhattan, where he teaches high school English. His workplace is near Times Square, an undeniable target for anyone with malicious intent.

I don’t want fear to dictate my life. I refuse to let those who perpetrate terror win. Yet, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious about sending him off to work today. This feeling is all too familiar. We were newlyweds during the September 11 attacks and both worked in the city that day. Though we emerged unscathed, the aftershocks of fear lingered long after. Each goodbye felt heavy, knowing that any day could bring something dreadful, making every farewell potentially the last.

The Weight of Parenthood

Every parent of school-aged children can relate to that unsettling feeling, especially after the Sandy Hook tragedy. I remember picking up my kindergartener the day after that shooting, surrounded by other moms who were just as shaken, clutching their kids tightly. Since then, I always make sure to tell my son I love him before drop-off and give his hand a reassuring squeeze. And whenever I hear sirens on school days, my heart races, fearing it could be related to my son’s school.

What is Happening Around Us?

I know the political climate is heated, and people will likely point fingers following events like the New York/New Jersey bombings. Regardless of whether the perpetrator is a homegrown terrorist, linked to an international organization, or just some disturbed individual seeking attention, it’s clear that something is deeply amiss in our society. This past summer, we witnessed the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, and in the last decade, 16 of the worst mass shootings occurred in America. We seem to excel in gun-related fatalities—how lovely.

We’ve also seen a surge in hate crimes worldwide, particularly against the LGBTQ community, which remains a prime target in America. In recent months, there has been a disturbing rise in hate crimes aimed at Muslim Americans.

No matter where you stand politically, it’s undeniable that our country is grappling with an unprecedented level of hatred and fear. As a mom who just wants to safeguard her children and family, I can only feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Finding Strength in Uncertainty

Last night, I lay awake worrying about my husband heading to work. Part of me wanted to rush out as he left at 5:45 AM and tell him to stay home. But I knew he had a room full of teenagers counting on him—not just to teach them about Shakespeare, but to offer reassurance that life would carry on, even in the face of chaos.

All we can do is hope for the best and trust that most of us will emerge from these frightening moments with minimal harm. I want to believe it’s true, but I can’t shake the feeling that our world is quite broken right now, and that danger feels ever-present.

How Do We Move Forward?

How do we maintain our composure in these turbulent times? How do we parent our children? How on earth do we explain these events to them?

I don’t have the answers. All I can offer are hugs, extra kisses, and firm hand squeezes as my family heads out the door. For now, that will have to be enough.

If you’re interested in the journey of starting a family, you might want to check out this insightful blog post or consider resources from Make A Mom, which is an authority on the topic of home insemination. Additionally, Women’s Health provides excellent resources for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, while we face a world filled with uncertainty and fear, the love we share with our families and the small moments of connection can provide us with the strength to carry on.