 |
 |
 |
|
ask.heather@mail.house.gov
|
In Washington DC
442 Cannon House
Office Building
Washington, DC
20515
202-225-6316 Phone
202-225-4975 Fax |
In Albuquerque
20 First Plaza NW
Suite 603
Albuquerque, NM
87102
505-346-6781 Phone
505-346-6723 Fax |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico
 |
| A bracelet and a simple question... |
October 31, 2001 |
| |
Dear Friends,
When I got ready to leave our home in the North Valley for the airport early Tuesday morning, I put on a new bracelet. I`m not really big on jewelry, but I like this one. It has red, white and blue beads and was made by the students in Mrs. With`s class at McKinley Middle School.
I went to visit her class last Thursday. They had made gift boxes for the kids who had lost parents in New York. And they had raised more than $500 from students at the school (and people like me who bought a bracelet) to contribute to the New York Fireman`s Widows fund.
`I paused. Sometimes the simplest questions are the hardest to answer.`
Mrs. With`s class had great questions and plenty of them -- about Congress, where I went to school, the war on terrorism, the Lobo-Air Force game, and anthrax in the mail. One of the girls asked, "Why would someone do something like that to the mail?"
I paused. Sometimes the simplest questions are the hardest to answer.
Helping children to cope with what they saw on September 11th and the weeks that have followed is an important part of our responsibility as caring adults. Let them talk or write or paint about how they feel. Reassure them that we love them and will do everything we can to make them safe. Answer their questions to the extent we can. Stay connected to them and help them to connect to others.
Like many young New Mexicans, Mrs. With`s class responded to what they saw by reaching out to others with compassion. For some children, caring for others helps them heal and cope. We`re all stronger when we hold hands.
So, why would someone do something like this? I gave my best shot at an answer.
"It`s hard to understand, sometimes, but evil exists and some people do evil things. They want to hurt innocent people. That`s wrong and we will do everything we can to protect you," I said. "But in the face of evil, you decided to do something good. That`s what we expect of you and I`m very proud of all of you for what you have done."
Mrs. With`s class is deaf and hearing-impaired, so I paused for a moment while she finished signing what I had said. As she did, I watched the face of the boy who had proudly helped me pick out my bracelet. As she finished, his face changed from focused attention on her hands to a soft smile.
He felt better, and so did I.
Wish you were here,
 |
|
|
|
|
|