September 11th

I can't let this day end without acknowledging that awful day seven years ago, and the people who died that morning. I will never forget the feeling I had that day while watching all the footage on TV. I got on a web site that night that had comments directed toward all Americans and I just cried as I read hundreds of notes from sympathetic people all over the world and felt connected with all people, everywhere.

I was talking to my kids about September 11th today, and explaining, in nine and six year-old terms, what happened that day and why. They were so quiet as I told them about the people who wanted to carry out this horrible event, the heroes of United Flight 93 and how it changed our country. I told them about sending our troops to Afghanistan and how we have still not been able to find bin Laden. They were quiet for a minute and then Eliza said, "Why doesn't someone just dress up and knock on his door to get him?" Then Wilson spun that idea and suggested that someone could put a bomb in a birthday cake and have it delivered to him (in his words, "ring the doorbell and then run away"). By then the two of them were in hysterics and starting thinking of all kinds of Tom and Jerry-ish tricks to get the FBI's most wanted, including exploding cigars etc etc.

At first I thought of lecturing them and reminding them that this is a day to reflect solemnly about people who lost their lives, but then I decided that they are six and nine, and they have absorbed what they can, and will probably think about it tonight while they're in bed. I guess I'm glad that I have kids who are compassionate and funny...

(One last note--if you haven't seen the move "United 93" (directed by Paul Greengrass), I highly recommend it. It is difficult to watch, but I felt more proud than sad when it was over.)