This is not an easy story to share with children. It is an important part of American history. There were many heroes that rose to the occasion on this tragic day. I can only mention one of these heroes. Hundreds of first responders lost their lives on that day.
If you want your children to hear about heroes of 9/11 consider buying Rescued II: True Stories for Catholic Kids. They will learn about Paul Carris who sat in his office on the 71st floor of the World Trade Center North Tower, thinking it was just another day on the job. At 8:45 am he heard a huge rumbling and felt the tower shaking like an earthquake. His supervisor shouted ,”Evacuate the building!”
Paul could have started running down the stairwell and escaped in a short time. Instead he stopped to help Judith Toppin, a coworker with serious health problems. Eager as he was to flee, an invisible force tugged at his heart. I cannot abandon her. As they crept down the stairs “one step at a time” they encountered other heroes. Roselle, a guiding eyes for the blind dog, led his blind owner and 30 other people safely to the bottom. There is a surprise ending to the story that reminds us the God will not abandon us, even in our darkest day.