Voices of Our Children: Message of Hope and Healing

The Gypsum Wind - Words and Music by Jim Del

Jim Del – Lead Vocals and Percussion
Pete Scarlata – Drums and Back-up Vocals
Greg Comparetto – Acoustic Guitar
Bryan Russo – Bass
Bill Sperl – Keyboards

We breathe in the gypsum wind
Our hands are tired, faces grim
I feel lost in the gypsum wind
The water’s cold but we have to swim

We see all the gypsum wind
The skies are dark, our hearts heavy
In disbelief I can’t begin
The world has changed in the gypsum wind

Inside I’m fighting, trying to realize
Outside I’m crying, dying when I see the sky

Legions of cars on hold
They’re frightened, cold
No one to drive them home
There’s a bicycle tied to a pole
She’s all alone
No one to ride her home

I taste the grit in the gypsum wind
While choirs cry, blind-color is our skin
My throat burns in the gypsum wind
We search for hope as the sands fall through the glass...

We heal from the gypsum wind
Dry our eyes, buff our iron chin
We breathe our star-spangled hymn
Heed our sighs we will rebuild

Each night I’m crying, trying to see the light
Each day I’m climbing, free-eagle flying – never denying the freedom fight

We feed on the gypsum wind
We feed on the gypsum wind

We Love America by Alice Ge (Age 8)

America is a Peaceful land.
America is a lovely land.
Waving in the air, is the American flag.
America is a freedom land.
We are proud of America.
Telling the whole world, America is stronger forever.
We hold hand by hand.
We hold heart by heart.
We unite together.
We love America.
God bless America!

"God Bless America" Song of Healing for 9/11/01 Victims by Christine Anthony (Age 15)

In this walk we face many battles
But they’re not yours, they belong to the Lord.
On this day we shed our tears,
You don’t have to hide your fears.
Now we remember this like yesterday
But hold on, joy comes in the morning time
Dry your eye, don’t you cry,
Everything is gonna be alright.
The Lord will heal the hole in your heart,
We wish we had peace from the start.
Keep your head up high,
Reach for the sky.
Your heart will heal
Then joy you will feel.
You will find peace
Throughout the years

United we stand,
Hand in hand.
Stay strong and true,
Through and through.

America by Briana Kur and Brittany Mignanelli (Ages 10)

Nationalism brought us together.
For all the hardships we have faced, we will never separate!
And all the times we have shared
With the ones we loved.
We will never fill the space, in our
Hearts…again.

America! America! United we stand,
In the American lands.
Our country stands strong, and we
Will carry onnnnnn!!!!

We will try our hardest to repay
Those heroes, who have saved lives
Almost lost.
Oh oh Ohhhhhhhh!!!!
We stand hand in hand, in a circle of
Life and love.

America! America! United we stand,
In the American lands.
Our country stands strong, and we
Will carry onnnnnn!!!!

America! America! United we stand,
In the American lands.
Our country stands strong, and we
Will carry onnnnnn!!!!

All Because of You - Words by Melody and Cathy Sperl/Music by Bill Sperl

I said the pledge every day
And never gave the words any time
Now I salute and think of you
And your loved ones left behind

America the beautiful
Now brings my eyes to tears
Erasing all my anger
Getting rid of all my fears

We stand together because of you
We helped each other because of you
We will remember because of you
We are one nation again

The faces of the lost
Were in the papers every day
Smiling, kissing, holding hands
Precious in every way

America the beautiful
Now brings my eyes to tears
Erasing all my anger
Getting rid of all my fears

We stand together because of you
We helped each other because of you
We will remember because of you
We are one nation again

“A Time to Mourn” by Joseph Robinson (Age 16)

An eagle soared in the sky.

A haze of smoke covered the city. Like a cloud of evil omens, it emanated gloom and despair. Joe DiGiorio had awakened early that morning, anticipating a busy day at his office in downtown Manhattan. As he pulled out of the driveway in his Nissan 2000, his newly wed wife came rushing out of the house to give him one final embrace. As they parted, she whispered, “I love you.”

Those simple words, containing such depth and sincerity would be sorely needed in the hours, which lay ahead. Finding himself strangely emotional, Joe pulled off with a last lingering kiss.

The Expressway was unusually clear, and he made record time. Strolling into his law firm, he found his secretary already on the job, with a cup of steaming coffee ready and waiting.

“Mornin’ Caroline.” he said.  “Gee, what time did you leave the haystack this morning?” he laughed.

“’Bout half past five,” she replied.

“Boy, you need to learn to relax. Take a vacation, go to the Bahamas or something.” Joe chuckled, mentally telling himself the same thing.

Caroline turned to him and somberly responded, “Joe, I’ve got two children and no one to take care of them, besides me. Don’t worry, I’ll get all the rest I need when I am dead.” Joe shuddered at such a morbid thought.

“Then work hard, Caroline, work hard. May it be a long time before vacation comes.” He turned.

“Enough talk of death! What’s today’s date?”

“11th of September boss. 09-11.”

“Okay, so we’ve got the Escobedo brothers coming in today to file a compliant. Draw up their papers-have it ready by twelve. Okay?”

“Sure thing, sir.”

So saying, Joe went to his desk, and sprung into action. The day flew by, as did every day in the city. A few hours later, Joe looked at his watch. 8:58. “I better go tell Caroline to start preparing the next case,” The mention of Caroline sent his thoughts back to her earlier remark. What did she mean “I will get all the rest I need when I am dead?” Was she depressed, possibly suicidal? Joe shrugged the matter off, and tried to focus on the task ahead of him.

The more he concentrated his efforts, the more irritated he became. Something was wrong. Something, somewhere was drastically not right. Frustrated, he left his desk. He glanced at his watch again. 9:02

“Caroline!” He saw her sitting at her desk, hands busy typing up the report he had given her.

“Caroline, the Escobedo brothers will be here soon. Leave that report, and start the next case.” He paused,

“Caroline-about what you said earlier, what did you mean?”

“What, about vacation?” He nodded.

“I don’t know. It was just a thought, something that sprang into my mind. Life is so - ”, She broke off, her eyes widening with terror. Pointing speechlessly at something behind Joe’s back, she gasped in horror. Joe whirled around and wished he hadn’t. What met his eyes was horrific beyond his belief. He saw a plane, followed by an explosion of glass and steel. His office trembled under the impact.
Instinctively, Joe knew that this was not the end. There had to be more.

“Caroline! We’ve got to get out of the building!” he bellowed.

Caroline faced him, her eyes a mask of shock, of fear. She didn’t move.

“Caroline!” He slapped her. No response. Picking her up, he burst through the door, only to be faced with an armed security guard.

“Calm down sir. A plane crashed into the North Tower. Everything is under control. Return to your office,” the guard said. “We’re doing all that we can.”

“Sir,” Joe replied. “We are located in the building next to the North Tower. Isn’t it logical to assume that this building, its brother will be next? Let me through!”

The guard grasped his arm and whispered, “Listen man. This could be a terrorist attack. We’re not sure as to just what it is. If I let you go it could ignite a panic, causing the needless death of thousands. I can’t afford that! Everything is all right. Just stay calm.” So saying, the guard released him.

“Let’s get this young lady to the medical wing.” He took her, and proceeded to make his way through the milling crowd. Torn between concern for his secretary and thoughts of his own safety, Joe opted to seize his chance and make his way out of the building. He found that he was not alone. Hundreds thronged the stairs. He was on the 22nd floor of the tower, when the second plane struck.
Complete chaos reigned. The lights on the stairwell flickered, then went out, as electricity was lost. Groping blindly for the stair rail, Joe stumbled, tripped and fell as bodies ran, screamed, and begged for mercy. The passageway became completely congested as people from the higher floors joined those already fleeing. He felt himself being jostled and battered by the merciless crowd.

“O God, be merciful!” he screamed. Someone’s elbow slammed into his nose, and he felt spurts of blood begin to flow over his face. Too afraid to care, Joe shoved and forced his way through the multitude, seeking an exit sign, a door, anything.

Someone screamed as what appeared to be a piece of falling steel landed nearby. Joe collapsed when he realize that it was a human, its’ features too charred to be recognizable. Somehow finding the strength to push himself up, he forced his way through the building, which could easily become his tomb. Gazing ahead through bloodied eyes, he knew escape would be hopeless; for people were hindered by falling stairs, steel beams and glass.

Looking desperately around, his eyes fell upon an emergency exit, which he knew led through the underground sewers until it reentered the city, about two streets uptown. Seizing the only option available to him, Joe scrambled through the exit, and down the tunnel. He felt his feet slip, as he fell, deep underground.

He landed in a pile of liquid. Clutching at straws for survival, he groped through the darkness feeling his way forward, towards where he hoped light would be. As gross darkness completely enveloped him, he thought of his wife. The will to survive grew desperately within him, and he forced his way on.

Joe pressed the illuminator button on his watch. The time read 10:22 am. As he was tempted to lie down and succumb to the weariness within him, his eyes caught a glimmer of light ahead. Rising to his feet, he beheld the exit he so earnestly sought.

He emerged in the street, covered with blood and filth. As he stepped up, he narrowly escaped death again-this time from being trampled under the feet of those fleeing the city. Joe was shoved aside, or ignored completely, as people stopped their cars and fled on foot.

He looked up. A plume of smoke rose where the once proud and seemingly invincible towers had stood. Now whirlwinds of debris, glass and steel rained down upon the heads of the inhabitants. Fleeing for his life yet once again, he joined the masses in their escape of the city. Appearing as fugitives from the claws of death, their faces indiscernible, some scorched, some with crushed limbs, some void and destitute of any bodily features; they were submerged in despair, gloom and defeat.

He saw the second building fall-with it fell the glory it had once known.

“Caroline!” he screamed. Tears for his friend and co-worker mingled with blood that so marred his face. He turned, his heart rent with grief, and ran. And as he ran, he left behind him a mark, a symbol, which would be seared and impressed upon the hearts and mind of his nation. In his mind’s eye, he saw troops marching off to war. He saw bombs, death and destruction. His eyes beheld blood and fire. All this and he ran. For history continues its trend, its march towards eternity. A cloud of smoke covered New York City.

And overhead an eagle soared.

Terrorism by Kristina Smithy (Age 8)

The sight of September 11th, brought tears to most of our eyes. It’s not fair that innocent lives were killed. I thank the people who saved some of the people that were in the World Trade Center. Some firemen and women and police officers were killed trying to save people. Some kids might have wanted to work there when they grew up. Now they can’t. Some of us are afraid to go on airplanes. I am one of them. I will never forget the people who died. This all happened because of terrorism. I still and always will hate terrorism.

One by One by Shante Thomas (Age 10)

One by one, people were dying and suffering from the tragedy of September 11th. One by one, hearts were being torn by death of our loved ones, families and friends. One by one, our strength to carry on is being tested. But we will unite and help each other heal. Our life has changed and will be changed forever. But our strength to keep our freedom will help us to heal and carry on, one by one.

Remembering September 11 by Ashley D’Amico (Age 8)

I will remember September 11th when the terrorists attacked. Many lives were lost. Much sadness seeped across the U.S. I felt scared, weak. September 11th will stay with me forever because it was the saddest day of my life because I almost lost my family. My two great uncles are New York police officers. One of them was working on September 11th and one was on vacation.

“When it is Dark Enough You Can See the Stars.” - Charles A. Beard by Kevin Long (Age 10)

In a time of need, our country has shown that it still stands united. In the last ten weeks it has been dark, black and very hard to live a normal, everyday life. The stars, Mayor Guiliani and President Bush, will work together and gather more stars that can guide us through this tragedy and back into the light that is normal life.

The New York City Fire Fighters gave the word hero a new definition with their courage. Superman was brave and courageous in his stories, but not even he would have the courage to save hundreds of lives, work twelve-hour days, and carry disabled men and women down fifty to one hundred flights of stairs. The fire fighters are true super heroes.

It’s crazy that in two hours the world changes and a “page” in history and life is “turned.” Our lives will never be the same. Prior to September 11th the news was about President Bush not speaking correct English, and now it is about 3,500 people dying in these attacks.

Now there’s a new normal, a normal that includes anthrax and constant fears. To survive in this new normal we must wake up and rise to the situation. This tragedy has brought out the best of the United States of America and its people. It shows that we really are indivisible as stated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Andrea's Diary by Andrea DiBernardo (Age 10)

September 11, 2001

Today I woke up the same as every other day. Brushed my teeth and got ready for school. Only today was not like every other day. A great tragedy struck the United States. The New York City Twin Towers were attacked by terrorists and also the Pentagon. Thousands of people were missing and many were killed. Now that I am sitting here in my room and thinking about what happened today and how it had a huge effect on all the people, I get sad just thinking about it. What will happen next? Will the world ever be the same again?

September 12, 2001

Another day and you can’t believe what is happening in the world. People from all over are getting together to help one another. Fire fighters and police men are all working so hard to help. I’m sure glad to be an American right now.

September 13, 2001

Today was an amazing day, people are now giving food, donating money to the Red Cross, and I never even knew that these things going on around me existed. People are even giving blood to help the people hurt in this tragedy. My family is watching the news to hear all that is going on. I feel so sad inside, and I am still trying to understand what is going on. I hear it on TV, cause I don’t want to watch, and wonder how something so close to us is happening but every day in my life still feels the same. I think this is a really sad time for everyone but maybe people will be kinder to one another and care more for each other. So maybe tomorrow when I wake up to another day, the world will be done with terrorism and will be a happy place for everyone.

Words of Terror and Renewal by Lindsay Abrams (Age 11)

Terror. Dread. Horror. Hate. Fear! These are some of the words most Americans associate with September 11th. The terror of watching the World Trade Center fall, over and over on your television. The dread of not ever seeing your loved ones again. The horror of how quickly our lives were changed. The hate, no, loathing for the man behind all of this. The fear that he will do it again.

I think of these words, but I associate others, such as learning, renewal, and love. I know that too many people have lost their tempers, saying a cruel thing that they soon regret. Then they rush to the person they hurt, apologize, and promise they love them. What if that chance never came? What if the last words you said to your parents were words you never meant? I learned from September 11th to always say, “I love you” to someone before I leave.

Renewal. Before September 11th, my biggest worries in life were how good my hair looked and that I dressed “cool.” I never really stopped to think how lucky I am to have a loving family, a safe home, and food on the table. I never thought about how many kids have rags as clothing, and no place to live. Now I always thank God I am so lucky, and try hard to help others. I feel as if I am a new person.

Love. I have always taken my family for granted. I never stopped to think how easily they can be taken from me. I must remember this and try not to get annoyed with them over silly things.

When I hear the words September 11th, I think.

Standing Strong by Chrissy Schery (Age 13)

It was 4th period when I heard the news about the horrible plane crash that changed our lives forever.

“Sorry for this announcement, but there have been some unexplained plane crashes. We promise you that this school is safe. Thank you,” explained the principal on the loud speaker sounding like a baby mouse that had been crying for hours. My heart started to pound because of the sound in her voice and the confusion going on in the classroom so I asked my friend, “What do you think happened?” “Not sure, but I hope everyone is okay,” she answered. “See you guys tomorrow, “ shouted Ms. Roberts as kids flushed into the hallways. I kept wondering what was going on.

As I came up to my next class I saw puzzled faces. I sat down and the sub began, “Everyone please sit down I have something important to talk to you about.” When I heard that I knew this was an emergency. “As you all know there have been--.”

“Hello,” sounded the loud speaker.

“Yes,” replied the sub.

“Chrissy for dismissal.”

“Sure, Chrissy did you hear that?”

“Yes,” I replied as I picked up my books and walked into the hallway to my locker. The hallways weren’t exactly empty because other kids were also packing up.

When I walked downstairs I saw my dad, brother and sister. “C’mon, let’s go,” said my dad. We walked to the sign out sheet where I saw a lady’s hand shaking non-stop while she was writing. We then exited making our way to the car. The roads were very crowded and there was a lot of honking. I had never seen anything like that before.

On the way home it was awfully quiet, which is very unusual. When we came to our driveway I saw my mom in tears on the phone. She said she had something in her eye even though I knew she was really crying. As we all walked into the kitchen my dad explained, “I’ve been called into the City to help with the plane crashes.” He got 3 sandwiches he had already made for us kids, turned on the television and continued, “Two planes have crashed into the WTC and now all the firemen and policeman have been called in to help.” He kissed us all and then started again, “I’ll call you when I find out some news, love you all and see you tomorrow.” “Love you,” shouted my mom, brother, sister and I, “be careful, see you tomorrow,” we continued as he walked down the stairs.

My mom went outside and my dad closed the door behind them. I got tears in my eyes and I began to cry. As I looked up I saw my sister also crying and my brother’s eyes were tearing. I heard the bell to the back door ring, thinking it was my dad, I ran downstairs and yelled, “Daddy?” When I came to the door I heard a voice say, “No Daddy just left.” When she opened the door, my mom saw everyone crying so she said, “Come lets go upstairs.” She walked us upstairs and tried to comfort us. “Don’t worry guys he will call as --,” she was cut off by the phone. My sister jumped off the couch and went to answer it, “Hello,” she began, “Sure hold on, mom it’s for you.” “Thanks hun,”
she replied as she went for the phone. She started to walk downstairs and I began to follow.

She walked outside and then I knew this was important. I felt this could help me understand what was going on so I sat on the floor by the door and began to listen. “Yes, he just left for work,” she began, “I’m scared. I couldn’t imagine anything like this happening. I can’t handle this. I have no idea when he’ll be back,” she paused and I began to cry. I heard footsteps coming to the door but I hesitated to move. When I heard her hand on the door I scurried into the computer room. There I sat and wondered about everything going on. Is everyone going to be okay? Did anyone get hurt? Will my Daddy be okay?

* * * * * *

“Ring, Ring,” sounded the phone in the middle of dinner. Since everyone had called to see how my dad was doing I thought it might be someone calling that was concerned for him. “Hello,” exclaimed my mom as she walked upstairs. This time I didn’t follow, I instead sat and continued to eat. When my mom came downstairs she said, “That was John, (someone my dad works with), he said that Daddy’s Engine is returning to the firehouse and we can finally call him.” My mom started to dial his number with a big grin on her face. Her just saying that made me feel so much better and happy. You can’t believe how much of an impact one day could have on everyone’s life.

I feel the pain of everyone who had a loved one that was in the City on that awful day. I thank God for letting my dad come home safe and I give all my support to all the families that have either fathers or mothers that still haven’t come home.

“When it is dark enough, you can see stars.” - Charles Beard by Nicole Montrony (Age 10)

When I think or read this quote it makes me think of the tragedy that happened on September 11, 2001. I think about the mean acts and the sadness of the people. In my mind I see people crying and running away from a lot of smoke. I remember seeing the firefighters on television putting out the Twin Towers fires. It made me feel good and happy to see people were saving lives and cared about others. The firefighters worked to save others even though they didn’t know who they were.

This quote brings to mind another tragedy that happened to me personally. One day last April the fire alarm at my school went off. I got a little scared when it went off, because my teacher usually tell us when there is going to be a drill. Once I got outside and saw smoke I knew it was a real fire. This was one of the darkest moments of my school year. However, good things did come of that horrible event. Other schools let us stay in their buildings and people and stores donated a lot of school supplies and backpacks.

Seeing the firefighters on television and at my school made me realize who the stars are. I also realized when times are dark there’s always stars to be seen, eventually.

What is takes to be a Patriot in America Today by Keith Burns (Age 18)

Downfall by Aimee Oz (Age 16)

9.11.01 by Lauren Goldman (Age 12)

Beyond Beliefs by Candice Gurbatri (Age 9)

The Saving of Lives! by Jessica Lambe (Age 11)

The Last Generation by Jenna Mistretta (Age 16)

One Day in September by Bridget Condon (Age 11)

Breath by Barry Levin (Age 13)

Requiem For the Singers by Katelyn Lepore (Age 12)

September 11th, 2001 by Louis Zaza (Age 13)

The Day of Mourning by Lauren Del Giorno (Age 13)

Untitled by Amy Stephenson (Age 17)

Helping by Erin Bubka (Age 11)

Silence by Ashley Jean Roethel (Age 13)

Goodbye by John Michael Nitti (Age 14)

The Fight for Life: Good and Evil by Jon Kuhn (Age 15)

Untitled by Carly Emmer (Age 9)

OUR HOPE NOT BROKEN by Jessica Szewczuk (Age 12)

I Hold in My Hand by John DeStefano (Age 11)

A New Era by Samantha Harwood (Age 9)