story6060.xml

story6060.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

On September 11, 2001, I was teaching K5 at a Christian school in Florida. Another teacher came over to my classroom to tell me that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane--I really thought nothing of it... just that a tragic accident had happened. About 20 minutes later she came back over and told me that the other World Trade Center had been hit and that there were reports of the Pentagon being hit as well. I immediately turned on my radio--the first thing that I heard was the sound of sirens and Peter Jennings' voice; he was talking about the Pentagon and how they couldn't get close to it to really see what had happened. My eyes scanned across the room and I saw the faces of our future, and my heart hurt for them. How was I to explain this to them? Their lives had changed wihtout even knowing it--their world had changed without even knowing it. I only said that men who hated our country took over some airplaines and hurt many people in New York and Washington D.C. Of course, the children had many questions, but I certainly didn't have the answers. I didn't know what REALLY went on til I went home that afternoon and turned on CNN and MSNBC. I hugged the children more than usual that day and told them that God loves them; their parents love them; I love them. We talked about freedom and what we are thankful for about America. At recess time, I listed to the radio--many of the children wanted to listen with me, but I would not allow it. They still needed to be children and to play and retain some of their innocence. Yesterday, September 11, 2002, I couldn't stop thinking about their faces when they heard the fire engine sirens blaring from the radio. Oh how I pray that the Lord will show mercy upon our country and will continue to bless us. My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones or friends in this horrific tragedy. Even though I don't fully feel what those families feel, I still feel a great sense of loss. America does as well.