QUESTION: How would you describe the events of September 11 to your children for the first time?
I'm watching the NBC footage that aired the day America came under attack.
In my mind, the images I watched on September 11, 2001, as well as the emotions I felt remain vivid. This footage brings me back to that day, when I woke up to shower and instead was gripped with shock and horror after I turned on the television.
I'll never forget that day.
But as I watch that footage, as I look at those images, I'm quickly reminded that things have changed for me: I'm a dad.
I look at my 4-year-old, who right now is sleeping, and I realize she has no concept of what took place on 9/11.
Sure, she has experienced some of its effect. She thinks it's fun to go to the airport and take off her shoes at the security check. She loves waving her miniature flag at some of the remembrance ceremonies we've taken her to.
Still, she has no idea what took place that day. I'm soon going to have to tell her the story, and I'm pondering my approach. A storyteller by nature, I'm all about details and painting a picture.
But this is different. This is 9/11. This is my daughter.
Do I really want to explain, in full detail, how bad people killed so many good peope that day? Do I tell her how many people died in the towers? Do I explain how some people were jumping out of the building?
Of course I need to proceed with caution and a gentle hand.
I'm sure other parents have dealt with this. I'm wondering, Patch users, how would you describe the events of September 11 to your children for the first time.
Tell us in the comments below.
