9/11

This is a paper from an Exhibit at the Smithsonian, showing how 9/11 impacted children. I was seven when I drew this. See more here. I think it just shows how young you are at age 6.

I remember the day. I was in my first grade classroom when my teacher answered her phone. I remember she told us that a plane had crashed into a large building in New York City and we would all be going home early. We turned on the television but a room full of six-year-olds didn't understand what had really happened. And we shouldn't have. 

Later that day I remember talking to my Mom—she had been in Pennsylvania and immediately crossed the bridge to come home, lest she be stuck there in all the chaos. I was so sad because in my innocent six-year-old mind, I had thought it was an accident. I had imagined one of those planes that did tricks—I thought it crashed by accident when it was trying to do loop-de-loops. 

That's what I remember. I remember watching the news and having most of it go over my head—as it should—but I could feel the difference. This was not the world we lived in yesterday. 

Loop-de-loops. 

I don't remember a world where you could meet people at the airport gate. Movies like Sleepless in Seattle and Love Actually aren't possible in the world I know. 

I remember September 11th and I remember the world after it. But I don't remember a time before strict TSA regulations. I don't remember a world where you could run and stop the love of your life from getting on that plane. 

I don't remember.

God bless America, and I hope that all those who lost on this day can feel our love and the love of those who may not be on this Earth anymore, although they are still with us.