When Do We Breathe?

September 11th, 2025

Currently Reading: Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bozterrica (translated by Sarah Moses)

Currently Watching: Like Water for Chocolate (HBO Series)

Currently Listening: Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel

It's been 24 years since the attack on the World Trade Center. I was in school watching news footage of the towers going down.

Yesterday there was a minor act of political violence. Someone who I had never heard of but who I had seen his face once or twice was shot in the throat, apparently. I was at work when a customer texted our customer service line on accident sharing the news.

When riotors stormed the capital, I was in an online class. My professor acknowledging that there was some major news, but asking that we focus on the presentation. As a teacher, I understand needing control over your class, but we're all adults. At least give us our 15 minute break early. I pulled the news up on picture in picture to monitor what I thought was the fall of our country, while listening to my instructor explaining how to teach preopsitions to non-native speakers.

It's crazy how in the third grade, my teacher paused her lesson — the SCHOOL paused their lessons and turned on the TV for students to see over and over again the planes. The towers. The crashes. But when the Capital is stormed, there's barely a breath.

Now, I don't think Charlie Kirk's death is as pivotal as 9/11 or the Insurrection.

At least I hope it isn't. Would not want the Second Civil War's inciting incident being this one guy I've never heard of being shot in Utah of all places. Honestly, I'm surprised he's getting this much news coverage. Like, now my mom knows his name. She doesn't know who he is, but all she had to say was that he was young when he died.

My rambling point is...did the world actually stop on 9/11, or is my memory of third grade and my third grade teacher (who died last week of a brain tumor) clouding my view of how this country routinely reacts to trauma?

Who was given the opportunity to stop and look up? Third graders, sure, but Wall Street? It was in thier backyard and I know trading stopped. What about call centers? Did customer service representitives for AT&T find out about the first plane from a customer? What about the second?

I'm sure the calls didn't stop. Customers never stop calling. Even if their company had the news up. Even if family members where in danger. Even if it felt like there would soon be war on US soil. You'd have to pick up the phone and thank the customer for calling. I'm here to help.

--Beacon