Mrs. Baker

On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was at a meeting with my team, in the guidance office at Briscoe. I vividly remember Marilyn Osborne, a former guidance counselor, entering the room with a terrified look on her face. She spoke about the planes that had struck the Trade Center. All of us in that room were in shock -- what was happening? Immediately, and somewhat selfishly, my thoughts turned to my son James, a Marine, who was stationed in North Carolina at the time. I left the room quickly and called my husband at work. We couldn't believe what had happened. I remember not hearing from my son for what seemed an eternity. Communication was not allowed. We did not see James for a long time after that horrific day. One Saturday, weeks later, James surprised us when he walked into the living room. He had 'snuck' home, driving from North Carolina, to reassure us that he was safe. James was later deployed to Africa to support the war.

Back at Briscoe, the last block of that unforgettable day, my 6th grade homeroom returned to me. Teachers were asked to explain what had happened that morning and answer questions. One girl in particular sobbed. Her mother worked at the State House in Boston and she asked me if I thought she was safe. I was not sure of anything at that point. I told her that I felt her mother was safe. We then cried together. Answering my students questions and explaining those life changing events, will be forever burned in my memory.