Dear Firstborn Grandchild,
Everyday, I think of you and the importance of your life to me, your parents and our world. It is a strong coincidence that we wait for your birth, along with the 15th anniversary of one of the most shattering times in the modern history of the United States of America. The attack is now commonly referred to as 9/11. You are going to be born in the city where the attack was most devastating.
Your father works as an emergency room physician at the hospital that saved thousands of lives and treated many of the wounded, NYU Bellevue. Your mother is designing buildings under the shadow of where the terrorists temporarily destroyed the skyline that is a symbol to the strength and wonder of western civilization. The horror of what the terrorists did has only revealed the flip side of the greatness of humanity. Because of this 15th anniversary, we hear amazing stories of how heroes sacrificed their lives during the 9/11 attacks, so that hundreds of others could live. There are many inspirational accounts of how families have rebuilt their lives, despite what the terrorists tried to rob from them.
Your uncle and I flew to New York City a few days after the attack. Your uncle, Phillip, was born with cerebral palsy, and there was a terrific therapist who helped him in NYC. I felt in my heart that the terrorists were not going to deter us from getting the critical Feldenkrais work that had helped benefit him so much. It was something that I could spiritually do to resist this evil effort against humanity. (It is widely known today that ISIS terrorists have used children with disabilities for suicide bomb attacks.)
As we flew over the city, the pilot circled ground zero. Everyone on the plane burst into singing “God Bless America, “ and applauded the pilot’s efforts. It was a bright sunny day, and we could clearly see the sad remains of the Twin Towers, that were destroyed, and the thousands who lost there lives there. New York City was flooded with love and kindness that weekend, despite the grieving. People opened doors for us like never before, helped your uncle and me cross the street and enter buildings. Of course, we thanked and blessed every NYC firefighter and policeman that we saw.
And now we wait for you. You were due September 8. But no matter when you arrive, or what you choose to do with your life, your birth is a testament to the greatness of New York City, and an inspiration for the future. You are a testament to God's goodness, grace and hope for humanity. God bless you, your parents and America. We wait.
Much Love,
Mor-mor and Pop