Updated: March 9, 2021
Originally Published: September 11, 2015
Dear Kids,
I may not have personally known anyone who lost their life that fateful day, but that doesn’t diminish my experience of September 11, 2001. I was an ordinary person heading into work, much like anyone else.
As the anniversary of that day approaches, it strikes me that your schools don’t delve deeper into this significant event. Perhaps it’s because you’re still in third and seventh grades, and deemed too young for discussions about terrorist attacks. Or maybe, since you weren’t alive at the time, it’s simply not a part of your education yet. Whatever the reason, I hold out hope that one day, your teachers will cover important elements of 9/11, such as the sequence of events, the role of al Qaeda, and the heroism of first responders. However, what might be overlooked in those lessons are the profound changes that occurred for everyday Americans, people like your dad and me.
I was 30 years old when nearly 3,000 lives were lost in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Your dad and I had just celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary and were contemplating starting our family, all while trying to establish our careers. I had been working for four years after earning my master’s degree. That morning when I arrived at work, the doorman informed me that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I initially thought it was just an unfortunate accident, much like the time a small plane flew into the Empire State Building.
How wrong I was.
When terror struck on September 11, 2001, America as I knew it came to a halt. Everything changed. I want you to understand how it transformed our lives.
Did you know that prior to 9/11, I didn’t own a cell phone? Your dad had one for his sales job, and I knew some college students who did, but I wasn’t one of them. On that tragic day, victims inside the World Trade Center used their phones to reach out to loved ones, leaving messages that would never be heard. Suddenly, having a cell phone became a necessity. I got my first one soon after, needing a way to always stay connected to your dad.
Did you know that before 9/11, news channels didn’t have the scrolling tickers that you see today? Those began on that day, as the information poured in about the attacks and the victims. Now, those tickers are ubiquitous, often displaying trivial information like box office numbers. It frustrates me; that’s not the purpose of a news ticker, in my opinion.
Did you know that flying used to be a more enjoyable experience? Yes, you had to go through metal detectors and check your bags, but I don’t remember long lines or significant hassle. You could accompany friends or family right to the gate, even if you weren’t flying. The air travel you know today—with its lengthy lines and strict security measures—is a result of the changes made post-9/11 to keep us safe.
Did you know that all air traffic was grounded for several days following the attacks? I will never forget the eerie silence in the skies. It was a haunting reminder of how drastically our world had changed. I hope you never have to experience that stillness.
Did you know that I couldn’t bring myself to watch anything related to 9/11 for years afterward? It was too painful. Even now, as the anniversary approaches, I find myself in tears. I’ve never shared this before, but the initial shock and sorrow linger. For weeks after the attacks, the news was a relentless stream of tragedy, a barrage of bad news that imprints on your memory.
I don’t want you to feel sad when you hear about 9/11. Instead, I hope to instill in you the importance of knowledge, bravery, and resilience in the face of adversity. One day, events similar to 9/11 may impact your generation too. While 9/11 is an integral part of our narrative, it does not define our future.
Lastly, I want you to know that my love for you is unwavering—today, tomorrow, and always. If there’s one lesson I drew from living through 9/11, it’s the importance of expressing love to those dear to us.
Love,
Mom
This article was originally published on September 11, 2015.
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In summary, 9/11 significantly altered the course of American life and shaped our collective narrative. Understanding its impact helps us move forward with courage and love.