The Children of 9/11

As talked about all over the news, this coming sunday will mark 10 years since 9/11 occurred. Every year, many are reminded of this day, and the tragedy that occurred. For friends and family who lost loved ones, this is the day to grieve their death, but to also look up to them as a hero, and send balloons with letters to their dads.

While reading my weekly People magazine, the article on the front cover talked about 9/11, and how the kids were effected. I thought this was an interesting perspective to put it from, because I have never read about how the kids were effected tremendously as well. There were 10 or so interviews with kids all about 9 years old, whose fathers died in 9/11 before they were born. They never were able to meet their dad, so all they have are pictures of him. One kid in the article said she was jealous of her older siblings not only because they knew him for a short while, but also because they had pictures with him to remember him by.  These 9 year olds didn't have a picture with him at all, just pictures of him, which was very difficult for them. One girl said she kept the ultrasound of her in her bedroom because it was the only picture her father had seen of her. 

When I saw the cover of this magazine, "The Children of 9/11" it was a perspective I had never seen or thought much of before. I thought it was very interesting to hear what they had to say, and then hear what their mothers or siblings said afterwards about it. When people think of the tragedy of 9/11, I don't think they single out what the children, especially the unborn ones, were dealing with, but instead the family and friends as a whole. What makes these kids special is the legacy they are carrying on with them. They take a tragedy and turn it upside down by carrying a good light on their shoulders. I read all the time of people trying to make the best out of something horrible. By trying to stay positive and being active with the situation, they can accomplish something amazing themselves. 


This scenario reminds me of J.R. Martinez, who burned over 40% of his body in the Iraq war. Now however, he is on Dancing With The Stars. He kept his head high and tried to make the best of each and every day. This is what these children of 9/11 are doing, and I think it is the best way to remember something tragic.