This was originally posted in 2012, but it’s simple and to the point. It feels right to share it again 15 years after the attacks of September 11th, 2001 along with a little update.
It seemed fitting to talk with my son just a little bit about what happened on this day, 11 years ago. He is 4.5 years old. We just visited a FDNY firehouse over the weekend, and we talk daily about firemen.
I told him that it was a beautiful day, just like it is today. Perfect NY September weather, and that we remember today is special because a while ago, there was a big fire in the city. He asked if it was a tall skyscraper and I said that it was. He asked if people died. I said that a lot of people did die, but a lot of firemen were able to save many people. He asked if any firemen got hurt and I explained they did.
I told him that it is important to remember that even though it was a sad day, it showed us how brave people can be, how they can work together to help each other, and we can care for one another. I think he understood and went up to his room.
Soon after, he built this on the floor. He asked me to take a picture of the heroes that helped all the people that day. I took a few pictures, as you can see below. He also told me he was thinking of the brave FDNY firemen he had met last weekend. I told him that I was too.
Updated: September 11, 2016
My son, now 8.5, spent some of this weekend asking more questions and wanted more specific details about September 11th. While my 5-year-old daughter is still a bit young, I’m a big believer in speaking to kids (in an age-appropriate way). While we’re only trying to protect them and their innocence, shielding them can create distrust and uncertainty or anxiety. I took the time to answer his questions directly (as much as possible) and again asked him to remember the heroes that day. While focusing on the love, care, and concern everyone had for one another during that time 15 years ago, I made sure he understood that the “bad guys” didn’t win. In my opinion, they brought us together and made us stronger in a time that could have divided us. In New York, we all came together and offered support. With one last reminder tonight before bed, I told both of my kids how lucky we are to live where we do, that they were safe, and that we must remember to love each other.
I took this picture yesterday on September 10th, 2016. My son looked up at the sky and this time, he gave me a good reminder. He told me that the sky was a sign of heaven. I like to believe he is right.
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