nmah1361.xml

nmah1361.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-06

I heard of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center during a meeting with my teaching partner. Obviously at that point we had no idea of what was to come. I immediately went into my classroom (I teach eighth grade Civics) and turned on the television. As my students began filing into class, I attempted to share with them what I knew at that point. During that unforgettable morning, we saw the images of the planes hitting over and over. My students kept asking "Why?" "Who?" I of course had no answers. As a teacher, I felt it was my responsibility to listen to each student. They were so full of questions to which I could only reply, "I don't know." I will never forget my sense of helplessness that day. All I wanted was to have my own children in my arms as did many others. Many parents came to get their kids and take them home. When I was finally able to see my own two boys, I didn't want to ever let them go.

I worry constantly about the world my sons will inherit. I want to protect them, but how. I take nothing for granted. I don't just assume that I will see my family at the end of the day.

This is a lesson in just how evil mankind can be.

Yes I did, but my feelings about the flag haven't changed. I love my country, but I still question what our leaders do and have done to get us to this point. My flying a flag is an act of patriotism, not blind faith.