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Will the Children Play Again?


© Minnette Coleman

Sep 13, 2001


I live in the city of New York, some believe the greatest city in the world. I grew up in the south, Atlanta, now a rising capitol of commerce. Years ago when I moved away and finally ended up in the Big Apple people told me I was crazy- why would I want to raise a child in that city? But I love New York.

So Tuesday my 13 year old daughter was already in school- and over 90 blocks from the blast sire- when the tragedy began. I was dressing for work and watching tv in amazement when the second plane hit. The only reason I left the house for my office over 100 blocks north of the site- was to check on my co- workers and then get my daughter from school.

No phone service, no train service, overcrowded buses, buildings falling and the skyline depleted and still crumbling. This is what New York was like for adults on Tuesday. I stood in line at Giselle’s Junior high to sign her out- the Board of Ed would not release any child alone before regular dismissal time of 3pm. I had walked a mere 17 blocks, would have to walk 80 more to get home. People crowded the street as if they had just left a parade. No one was fussing, no one was mean or nasty. They were all stunned. Standing in the third line at my daughter’s school is when it hit me- what about all the little children- in grade schools, in day care- who will not have anyone to pick them up at 3pm September 11, 2001? What about all the children we have to tell about today’s events? What will happen to their minds?

Will they ever play the same way again?

My daughter and I walked home among the thousands that refused to look back. No, we could not see the plume of smoke, nor could we see the fallen buildings. A few people who walked past us had dust on them, but not many. Its was late morning. Those that had survived the blast had gotten their children and gone home. Even though we were walking, some people hundreds of blocks to get home, there was the calm of shock. The children were quiet and happy that we saw along the way. Obedient and yet they had that look on their face: what happened to change their world?

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
3.   Sep 19, 2001 4:44 PM
Thank you for this excellent article.
I am tremendously concerned for the children who have lost parents in this tragedy, and for those who will forever be affected.
I have written a poem, entitled, ...

-- posted by shaesy
2.   Sep 16, 2001 9:12 AM
Sounds like you're a wonderful Mom.

-- posted by jerrib
1.   Sep 14, 2001 9:01 AM
Hi Minnie,

I too, wrote one for this event, and it deals with the mother/child perspective, as well as the mother whose child is in the military right now. I feel so much for all of them, for every ...

-- posted by SandyMcC



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