Remembering and Explaining 9/11

On September 11, 2001, I went to work as usual not thinking much of the day.  By the time I went home earlier that morning, I had felt a fear like I had never felt before.  I spent the next few days glued to the TV, sleeping very little.  I watched the skies for planes.  I didn't even know anyone in the towers, at the Pentagon on on Flight 93 but I was still afraid.  I can't imagine with those to a connection to the tragedy went through.  To this day I can't think of that morning without getting goosebumps and my hair standing on end.  Ten years later, I am still uncomfortable seeing images of that day on television or the Internet.  I pray that my children will never have to experience a day like that in their lifetime.

With all of the exposure that the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 is receiving, my children are beginning to ask questions.  Actually, the questions started with the death of Osama bin Laden when my 5 year old asked who he was.  To say that he was a very bad man didn't seem to cut it, but it was all I could come up with.  As the day approaches and more media time is dedicated to the tragedy, more questions seem to arise.  I work hard not to give too much information but to relay the importance of the date.  I don't have all the answers.  I don't even know if the answers I give are the right ones.  But, I am doing my best to give honest, thoughtful answers to all of my children's questions.

I think it is fitting that the 10th anniversary is on a Sunday.  It gives us all a chance to gather at a place of worship, remember the fallen, give thanks that we have come through and pray for peace in our world.  Even if you are not religious, or believe in a religion that doesn't come together on Sundays, use the date as an opportunity to gather with those that you love and give thanks for them.  Surround yourself with love so that the memories of the day ten years ago can be shared and our collective healing can continue.

As my children get older, I will share more of the story with them.  For now, I want them to know that they are loved and to feel safe in that love.