SOMETIMES A PICTURE truly is worth 1,000 words. In this instance, a child’s drawing is worth 1,000 words, maybe 10,000, maybe even 1,000,000.
Eight years ago my then 8-year-old son drew this image for a religious class assignment at the Christian day school he was attending.
The directions instructed: “Think about a time when it is hard to trust God…pray to God. Ask Him to make your faith strong.”
So my third grader, out of all the trying moments he could have depicted, chose to replicate 9/11. He drew his version of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York one year and one month after the actual tragedy.
As a mother, I remember feeling deeply saddened (but also a bit proud) that my son, my elementary-aged boy, who should have been thinking about a quarrel with a friend or something more mundane, would choose to draw this. Clearly, even at his young age, this devastating moment in our nation’s history had made a monumental impact.
Today, on the ninth anniversary of 9/11, please honor those who died and remember these reassuring words from Psalm 100:5: “The Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever.”
© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Thank you Caleb. The thoughts from 9-11 are more than I can handle without pain, even now these years later. The Christmas after the disaster, Grant and I took the train and ferry crossing to the spot to give our heart felt blessings to those who lost their lives or a loved one. I know of only one person who died that day. But know of many who suffered in many ways. I still miss not seeing the twin towers when driving on the hiway across the river from the site.
Yes ma’am…may we never forget. I can’t believe it’s been nine years since that tragedy; it feels like yesterday.
I agree that sometimes 9/11 feels like yesterday. We need to remember, always, no matter how painful.
A fitting tribute, Audrey. Thank you for sharing.