September 11th

Pausing to remember 9/11

Melanie Meehan

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Sixteen years ago, I kissed my three daughters goodbye as I left them in the gym’s babysitting room, and I headed up to the aerobics room to teach my 9:15 step class. My oldest daughter was five–an afternoon kindergartner– and I did not know yet that I was pregnant with my fourth daughter. Just before class started, club members and I stood in front of the lobby’s television, horrified as events took place on the screen in front of us. Some moments we never forget.

We, at Two Writing Teachers, pause today to remember all the lives that were lost and the heroes who gave their all in trying to save others.

Last year, Kathleen referenced Fred Rogers who stressed the importance of looking for helpers. You can watch his 58 second video here. I have to say, I really miss Mr. Rogers.

If you are looking for ways to mark this day with your students, please visit Stacey Shubitz’s post she wrote on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. She has curated many picture books, chapter books, videos, and activities about 9/11. I would add one more, and that is Kerry O’Malley Cerra’s chapter book Just a Drop of Water.  I highly recommend it for upper elementary students.

While every day is an opportunity to practice kindness, put our arms around the people we love, and cherish all that is good in our lives, perhaps today is an especially good day to remember the importance of doing those things.

Peace to all of you.

 

Published by Melanie Meehan

I am the Writing and Social Studies Coordinator in Simsbury, CT, and I love what I do. I get to write and inspire others to write! Additionally, I am the mom to four fabulous daughters and the wife of a great husband.

8 thoughts on “Pausing to remember 9/11”

  2. We still remember the horrors of that day. 48 people from my town perished in the 9/11 disaster. Thank you for your thoughtful remembrance, Melanie. My slice is about my thoughts at the end of this long day.

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  3. So important to pause and remember what happened that day. Our responses, then and every day, determine whether we move forward or remain mired in fear, hatred, or even inaction that leads to many divergent paths! Our future depends on “pausing”.

    Thanks, Melanie!

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  4. I have been thinking a great deal about that day so many years ago now. I can still remember the exact place I stood when I heard what had happened and then… wanting to make sure I could keep our students safe and today feeling the same. Always to do everything I can to make sure my students are safe and cared for.

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  7. This is one of those days that you will never forget. I remember where I was. I remember almost every step of that day. My heart still breaks every year on this day.

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