9. Another September 11 Without a Dad

         The youngest kids from the tragedy that happened on September 11 are now 12 and 13. Many children have friends whose mother or father passed away on September 11 through a nonprofit group called Tuesday’s Children. Having a parent die on that day is hard for it is a major American historical event; everyone remembers and mourns on that day. Although many victims are grateful that others remember that day and acknowledge those who died, most avoid watching the news because it is not easy to face that public day of grieving. If it is hard for adults it must be very troubling for children who wish their parents were still alive. These children usually just want that say to be over; to be recognized for their loss however to not be stared at or to be called to the guidance counselors office. Most families recreated their lives without the one they loss, however, that parent makes a world difference for his or her child. Single parents try their best to make things better as this date approaches and as they continue living their lives without their loved ones.

        Ellen Bakalian, the author, creates a personal yet truthful article. She writes more about her daughters’ perspectives then her own to emphasize the title “Another September 11 Without a Dad.” In the beginning she uses some formal language but as she starts telling the stories she slowly drifts away from the formal language and begins writing in an informal language to provide better connection between the author and the reader. Ellen focuses a lot on her husband’s death, Jeffrey R. Smith, and how he would have been a great impact on her daughters' life and how their lives would be different if he were still here with them. She expresses herself very well; second guessing herself, however, at the end always pleased with her choices. The significance of this article is not to pity the victims from 9/11 but to realize that they are just as human as anybody else and that the relatives of those who died are trying to remember the good parts of that person and not the tragedy that took them away. And especially that single parents are trying their best to keep a mother or a father alive through love.

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/09/another-september-11-without-a-dad/379983/