by Shannon W
Member since:
November 11, 2006

What's it like bringing a child into the world right after September 11th?

September 11, 2007 04:28 PM EDT
views: 49 | comments: 16

The question I was asked the most right after September 11th and even once in a while to this day is: What's it like bringing a child into the world right after September 11th?

I gave birth to my middle son on September 18th, 2001. One week after the tragedy of September 11th. I'd like to know if anyone else was asked that same question if they have a baby born around that time.

So what was it like giving birth after that happened? America seemed more fragile but yet we all pulled together during the aftermath.  It made me think A LOT about what is going on in the world, how the world just seems to get more and more violent as time goes by. Of course I'm worried about what the world will be like when my kids are adults but hopefully they'll be the kind of good men who can make some kind of a difference in the world. It only takes one person to start something wonderful.

On September 11th, 2001, I was driving home from a morning prenatal appointment when I heard the news on the radio. I was in disbelief. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing so right when I got home, I turned on the TV and watched the smoking, falling towers. I called my family and friends and we were all shocked and very, very sad.

My cousin's birthday is on September 11th. I believe he turns 17 today.  He doesn't live in the same town as I do but I heard through the grapevine that it's hard to share a birthday on a day when something so tragic happened.

 
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Comments: 16

Taylor ~hopes no one forgets her!~ Blue Sep 11, 2007, 4:31pm EDT
I got pregnant right after that...I know it was hard to even think of bringing someone into the world when what happened happened.
Timothy S. Sep 11, 2007, 4:31pm EDT
My son was born October 30th that year. And following two more sons came down the line... It's hard having children in this day age. I am sure that has been said through out time! The violence, the gangs, the mistrust of most every one you meet! I can only hope they take my values and use them to better themselves as they grow, and make the right choices for themselves.
Danielle P. Sep 11, 2007, 4:41pm EDT
It must be hard to have a birthday on the day of tradegy. The bright spot in it all is that Americal pulled together to help each other. People died trying to help one another and it is such a wonderful example in our underlying love for one another.
Connie C. Sep 11, 2007, 4:42pm EDT
It is a scary time to be raising kids but I know that kids are stronger than we give them credit for. They will survive if a parent teaches them the skills to stay safe.
Victoria H. Sep 11, 2007, 4:59pm EDT
My first child wasn't born until 2003 so it was enough past 9/11 that people didn't ask that question. Even besides the terrorists attacks of 9/11, I think the world is a much scarier place than even when I was a kid. You can't let your kids run back and look at toys in the store alone like my parents could always let me and my sister. You can't seem to let them do much of anything without you or someone you really trust being there with them to make sure they are okay. Even schools aren't safe for various reasons.
Birdee F. Sep 11, 2007, 5:11pm EDT
Awwww I feel for your cousin that would be tough. I actually got married like 2 weeks before the event & so I just was so scared that when we had children what kind of demons would they have to face? But I am shocked after I have had 2 kids already how tough they are & how sweet of spirits they possess! My boy gets along with everyone! I just worry because he is so short that someone will try & pick on him...at the same time he is so sweet & outgoing that he will probably be friends with everyone! My little girl is a spitfire so I say to the world WATCH OUT LOL :o)
Darla P. Sep 11, 2007, 5:46pm EDT
I have a few friends who's birthday's are today. We have a party for them the way we would any other day. Tonight my one of my best friends sister turns 22... She will be out at the Club dancing the night away With a Huge grin on her face... for you see She is now 22 and a College grad she got much to be happy about. Another one of my best friends Step dad's birthday is today. He will enjoy the Cards His grandchildren made and smile. We will Celibrate the LIFE of those who were lost talk about the accomplishments they made before the tragic end. We will Celibrate our friends that made it out and are still with us today. I will not cry and be sad. I will hold my head high and See the memorie of those who passed in a golden light. Today they shine brighter than any other day. Today Those who took that life away don't get my time.
☆ Æ’åitÄ¥ ☆ Sep 11, 2007, 6:01pm EDT
My middle son was born June 25th, 2001 and I can tell you that as a new mom again and leaving my baby at home suddenly became a LOT more difficult!
Teresa W. Sep 11, 2007, 7:03pm EDT
It's hard not to think of what happened and have a cheery birthday part too. Poor Brian, to have a birthday today is a very difficult thing!
Heidianna "Coriander" T. Sep 11, 2007, 8:08pm EDT
I've wondered this same thing, as I don't have children, but would like to someday. I think the only things we can do is band together and make the world a place we want our children to live in.
Bonnie L. Sep 11, 2007, 8:58pm EDT
I was never blessed with children, so while it's hard for me to relate...I do remember right after September 11th, people all over were saying this was a bad time to bring a child into the world...my friends, people on tV, all over...

All I could think was . . . NO! It's not a bad time...you are blessed!
Jennifer P. Sep 11, 2007, 10:47pm EDT
I have never been asked that. My oldest was 21 mos at the time and my youngest wasn't born until 7/03. I really didn't think about it much though when she was born. I do have a constant fear of something bad happening to them but I try not to dwell on that too much or I wouldn't be able to get thru the day.
Frances Virginia M. Sep 12, 2007, 7:17am EDT
I hadn't thought about this. I didn't have small children at that time.
Sarah C. Sep 14, 2007, 1:57am EDT
I was pregnant when the towers fell, too -- delivered twins in Nov/2001. I remember specifically thinking "what kind of world are we bringing these children in to?" I was picturing marshal law and machine guns in the streets.

Fortunately, it didn't come to that. We live in a great country still.

Thanks! :)

Beauty and the Geek
Jerri H. Sep 16, 2007, 9:41pm EDT
Caitlin was born in 2005 so no one said anything like that. I can't imagine how horrible it would be to share that date for any occasion
Genenette R. Mar 22, 2008, 5:12pm EDT
That was a bad day, It would be very hard to share that date for any reason at all. I feel so sorry for all of the familys touched by that day.

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