14 Years Ago

I was teaching first graders when the school secretary quietly told me about the terrorist attacks. Quietly, because the principal chose to have the parents inform the children. I came home and my 5 year old daughter drew chalk pictures of jets crashing into the World Trade Center on our driveway. Innocence gone in one day. Now, 14 years later, I still cannot think of that day without tears. I remember the Budweiser commercial of the Clydsedale horses paying tribute to New York City. I remember the long list of names read in honor of those who lost their lives. I see photos and the words "We will always remember," on facebook. It's painful to remember the innocent lives lost that day and the suffering of their friends and family. So many lives affected by terrible acts of terrorism.