When I think of 9/11, I become one with that day, and all time is erased. I am back in 2001. It is a beautiful crisp and sunny Tuesday morning in Pittsburgh, PA. The sky is so blue, and I am wishing I were on the golf course. It is "Picture Day" at my school. I am wearing a cute jeans skirt and yellow tee shirt with a pretty gold necklace and gold earrings. Tassel oxblood loafers are on my feet. The school year is only a few weeks in, and the 9th and 10th graders look like shiny new pennies. I am trying to learn the names of my students as quickly as possible. I have second period study hall, and has become my habit, a minute before 9 am, I ask who needs a current event for World Cultures class. Three hands go up, along with one student, who says he needs "another 30 seconds to finish a math problem." When the math student finishes and closes his book, I turn on the television, and at 9:03 am, 25 students and I see the second plane (we would find this out later) hit the World Trade Center. That moment will forever link the 26 of us in study hall in room 45 at North Allegheny Intermediate High School in Pittsburgh, PA.
I can scarcely believe that it has been 21 years since that terrible event happened. many people have been born in the succeeding years, and they have no personal knowledge of the event. It is similar to when I was a little girl, and my mother would talk about Pearl Harbor Day as though it had just happened. I felt her anguish through her words and saw many of the images, but for me, 9/11 was my Pearl Harbor. Great anguish and grief have such an impact on our minds that they become indelible ink that cannot be washed away.
The patriotism of the aftermath of 9/11 strengthened our individual communities and our country. First responders. firefighters, paramedics, and police received the recognition they deserved for so long. Flags were flown proudly at homes across the nation. It was a good time to believe in America.
It is comforting to remember when we were not black or white, brown or yellow, Republicans or Democrats - but just plain AMERICANS. I know our country is fractured now, but I continue to hope and pray for better days ahead for America.
9/11 #NeverForget
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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