Dear Kids,
Although I didn’t lose anyone directly on that fateful day, some may argue that it makes my account of September 11, 2001, less valid. I was just an ordinary person heading to work. As the anniversary approaches, I find it surprising that your schools don’t discuss the events of that day more thoroughly. I understand you’re only in third and seventh grade and might be deemed too young for discussions about terror. Perhaps it’s because you weren’t even born yet, or maybe it’s just too close to the start of a new school year.
I hold onto the hope that your education will one day cover vital aspects of 9/11—like the timeline of the attacks, the role of al Qaeda, the heroism of first responders, and the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. However, what often gets overlooked is how that day transformed everyday life for regular Americans, people like your dad and me.
When the attacks occurred, I was 30 years old, and the world as I knew it shifted dramatically. Your dad and I had just marked our seventh anniversary. We were contemplating starting a family but focused on advancing our careers first. I had been in the workforce for four years after earning my master’s degree. That morning, as I entered my office, the doorman informed me that a plane had struck the World Trade Center. I mistakenly thought it was simply an accident, similar to the incident with a small plane at the Empire State Building.
I was very mistaken.
The moment those terrorists struck, life in America changed forever. I want you to understand how profoundly it impacted us.
Before 9/11, did you know I didn’t even own a cell phone? Your dad had one for work, and I knew students who had them, but I didn’t see the need. On that day, many of the victims used their cell phones to connect with loved ones and leave messages. The value of having a phone suddenly became clear, and soon after, I got my first one to stay in touch with your dad.
Also, prior to that day, television news didn’t feature tickers or scrolling headlines—only a dull business channel did that. But on 9/11, the news channels added scrolling text to keep pace with the overwhelming information about the attacks, victims, and the assailants. Now, that scrolling news is everywhere. Sometimes, I see trivial content like weekend movie rankings and feel frustrated. “That’s not what the ticker is for,” I think.
Flying used to be a pleasant experience. Yes, you had to go through security, but long lines and inconvenience weren’t the norm. You could walk to the gate with friends or family, even if you weren’t flying, and greet loved ones as they arrived. The air travel you know today—with its long lines and serious security measures—is a direct result of 9/11. It’s a necessary precaution for our safety.
Did you know that after the attacks, all air travel was suspended for several days? The silence in the skies was haunting. You don’t realize how many planes are up there until you experience that eerie stillness. I sincerely hope you never have to hear that silence.
For years, I couldn’t bear to watch anything related to 9/11; it was too painful. Even now, as the anniversary approaches, I often find myself in tears. I’ve never shared this before, but the initial shock and sorrow have left a lasting impact. For weeks after the attacks, the news was a relentless stream of heartbreak, and you don’t easily forget such a barrage.
I don’t want you to feel sadness when you learn about 9/11. I want you to be informed, brave, and resilient regarding what transpired. Remember, America can change due to terror at any time. While 9/11 is part of our narrative, it doesn’t define our future.
Lastly, I want you to always know how much I love you—today, tomorrow, and forever. If there’s anything 9/11 taught me, it’s the importance of expressing my love for those dear to me.
With all my love,
Mom