Today I will avoid watching television opting instead to tune into
the Waltons' marathon. I simply can't handle being bombarded with the
seemingly endless retrospectives of September 11, 2001, a day which
remains a horrific memory. I understand that some may take solace in
watching the analysis shows, video clips and now antiquated videos, but
for me they provide no comfort. I don't plan on forgetting; I just don't
need to be inundated with the tragedy.
When
Robby was born, I struggled to find a way to teach him about the
attacks without violating his sense of security. Scott and I both
believe that it is imperative that Robby understand and respect what
happened, but instilling terror is not necessary. After much thought I
ended up doing what comes natural: we baked.
Each
year Robby and I bake cookies on September 11 which we deliver to our
local firehouse. While we are baking we talk about the tragedy, keeping
the conversation age appropriate. At this point, Robby knows that many
innocent people died, including a lot of first responders. We deliver
cookies because the firefighters are sad on that day because so many of
their co-workers died. I always assumed that he would eventually learn
the gravity of the events but felt strongly that I did not need to
expose him to the horror at such a young age.
Yesterday
Robby's class was discussing the attacks from September 11th. I wasn't
surprised when I learned that Robby chimed in and explained our cookie
tradition. Apparently his classmates and teacher loved the idea and they
have decided to embark on their own cookie baking project. Tomorrow his
whole class will be baking cookies in honor of the victims of September
11. Local firefighters will be going to his school to receive the
cookies and to allow the students to tour the trucks. Robby is as proud
as can be that our family tradition is being adopted by his school. He
is also thrilled that he will be able to tour the firetrucks again.
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