nmah6290.xml

nmah6290.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-17

I am a music teacher in a small town in Texas. The school principal, who is also my husband, knocked on my door and said, "One of the World Trade Towers in New York has just been hit by a plane. It seems to have been a deliberate attack. Keep the kids in the room and hold them until further notice. Do not say anything to the children and try to continue as if nothing has happened for now. Watch a movie or something until we know what is going on. I'll be going to each room personally so as not to frighten the children. I love you." There were twenty-five third graders in my room at the time, and I was told to continue on as if nothing had happened. Initially, I was stunned. It just had to be some kind of terrible joke. Turning from this news, I looked into the eyes of my students, bit my lip, and said, "Hey, let's sing "Spoonful of Sugar." It was hard not to cry. I knew that our children's lives would be changed forever by this horror.

I am a Christian, but that does not mean I am perfect. God tells us to fear not, but I still struggle with this problem. Flying is not my favorite way to travel, but it is even more uncomfortable for me now. My husband's hand is red from the force of my grip on take-off and landing.

Those who risked their lives for others, those lost, and the anger felt by all Americans at this moment. For once, politics, was forgotten and we truly were united in our stand.

Yes. Every time I look at the flag, I think of all of those who died to keep our nation free. My feelings about the flag and what it represents have always been strong, but now I just want to shake it in some people's faces.