They Say It's Your Birth Day

Dear Lucia,

You were born four days ago, September 11th. That date won't mean much to you as you grow older each year, but it was a significant day in our country's history. Although the date has brought so much joy to your mother and me, it is remembered by so many others for a terrible tragedy.

On September 11, 2001, a group of men coordinated a series of suicide plane crashes on various symbols of American capitalism, democracy, and military power. Two of the planes were crashed into two towers that were part of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third plane was crashed into the Pentagon, the US military headquarters. A fourth plane was supposed to crash into the White House, but the passengers inside were able to force it down into an empty field in Pennsylvania.

Nearly 3000 innocent people died that day. The American public was fearful, then outraged. Eventually, our leaders would use the day's events to propel us into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Wars that are still being fought as you live your first few days.

Although I feel very, very sad for all those people who were lost on that day (and those lost in the resulting wars), I was so happy that you arrived just this past September 11th. Your mom labored for over 31 hours just to see your face and to hear your voice. This September 11th made me forget all that suffering.

Now, 9/11 (as people like to call it) means so much more to me. September 11th is the day I received you. And for that I am eternally thankful. From now on, this day that caused so many so much pain will have a meaning of love and life for me. You are the reason for that change, Lucia.

Love,

Dad