Reflections on 9/11

As I drove to Cienega Elementary that morning the report coming from the radio didn't seem real. I remember thinking, "That can't be possible." After I parked and walked into the school they had taken a TV into the library. A few teachers and staff were watching in disbelief. As I joined them I couldn't wrap my brain around what I was seeing. We were all in a state of shock. Even though I couldn't help crying the Assistant Principal reminded me to be strong for the students. So I pulled myself together and continued with my day.
As a new Literacy Coach part of my job involved visiting classrooms and observing lessons. One of the things I thought we could do as a school was write cards and letters to a New York school near the site of the Twin Towers collapse. Students at P.S. 234 had to be evacuated and couldn't return to their school for a number of months. Our students drew beautiful pictures and cards and all were boxed up and sent to P.S. 234. Later in the year we received a thank you note with a video tape the students had made. It was a precious reminder of the unique gifts children are to all of us. They had written a song which they performed. The video made the rounds of all our classrooms. It was a meaningful way to link the students at one New York school to ours.
Today I had lunch with a dear friend and as I selected what to wear I knew red, white and blue would make an appearance. On my red shirt I pinned a rhinestone flag a gift from my sister-in law.  On my wrist I wore a red, white and blue crystal bracelet a teaching partner had made for me right after 9/11.
Let's face it, I'm a flag waver. I collected abandoned plastic flags after each 4th of July and did patriotic marches with my kindergarten students. I lead the march in the circle with my young daughters and nieces on the 4th with patriotic music blaring from our neighbors front lawn.
I am so thankful for the daily gifts of freedom we enjoy in our country. I pray that we will protect those freedoms and appreciate all those who have made it possible.
We are so blessed.