9/11 seems to have an echo that lasts decades, and has affected people in different ways at different times. It directly impacted my family from the day it started, but it didn’t really hit me in a way I could understand until many years later. My relationship with it is always changing. The truth is I think, that processing any kind of violence takes years to do, and its effect on us changes over time. Storytelling is a way to process our lives, make meaning, and continue on. This one is no different. For years I have wanted my aunt to tell her own experience of that day in NYC. I was in high school on Long Island at the time, in my mural painting class. A little over an hour away she was in a tall building, watching as the unthinkable happened in front of her eyes, and while she was walking out of the city, my uncle, and thousands of first responders were heading in, running directly towards the danger. I remember hearing her tell this story around the table at family gatherings years and years ago, and it has lingered in my mind ever since, taking on an almost mythological quality. I am grateful she came on the podcast to share it here. As we get farther from the event, it is even more important to remember, since for my family, we can’t ever forget it. On a personal level, it feels important in honor of my family. On a larger level, for all of us. To add to the many stories like this one. In honor of anyone in the world who has gone through things like this. I also think it is important to acknowledge the damage that has been done to so many because of the blatent racism that emerged from the attack, and especially the ways in which the health and safety of the public was ignored and downplayed, resulting in 10,000 people dying from illness in the aftermath of this attack. If I could have anything, it would be a nation that that valued people-ALL people- over money. Anyway. Here they are with me when I was little. They are very important to me, and always will be. I am glad that against all odds, they are still here. Naudet Brothers Documentary National Geographic did a pretty good job here. Fighting for 9/11 victims fund in congress Most recent coverage of the air quality cover up-thank you Jon Stewart and Mamdani 9/11 Museum Notes from: I have a holiday gift shop open as we head into that time of year. Feel free to click the link below. xoxo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jessicapixietales.substack.com
