Where Were You?

Fast asleep, Jeff came to bed at about 11:30 last night. I woke up, ready for a bathroom break. The Mets-Phillies game was still on the TV and it was all tied up.

Once Jeff realized I was awake, he asked, "Do you want to hear the news?" I thought maybe he forgot that I had eye surgery and could see the TV. I knew the Mets game was tied and in my mind, there was nothing else newsy he could be talking about.

When Jeff told me the real news, I had to stay up and wait for President Obama's address. It was great news for our country, and I looked forward to the fact that my students would have a current events assignment this week. I felt, much like the tsunami in Japan, the kids would be very into this news. 

Then this morning came. As the first kid walked in the door they announce, "Mrs. G, did you hear they captured that guy?" I was shocked by the incredibly specific details this kid had given. When I replied that I had and his name was Osama Bin Laden, this child continued, "Yea, why is this such a big deal?"  

As a class, we had a good discussion about what this capturing and death meant to our nation. We talked a lot about 9/11, in the year 2001 mind you. 2001, one year after most of these children were born. Some knew more than others about that day in history and were very interested to hear more and more. One boy knew enough to ask, "Where were you when it happened?" 

After explaining my story, one of the kids offered his whereabouts on that dreadful day. "I was at daycare playing with blocks." He is probably right.