This is a repost.
What happened, and what I did two years ago,
will forever be my best act of giving.
Tonight, 9/11, 7:00 P.M.
Photo was taken from Hoboken, NJ
right across the water.
Before I went to school today, ready to help children honor heroes and learn about the American flag, I sent a text to all the teachers, letting them know they could borrow my books (Fireboat and Blue Sky, White Stars) to read to their class.
One teacher texted me that 9/11 was especially hard for her because her dad was a firefighter. That day. She told me her high school class at school watched 9/11 unfold out the window of their classroom. She knew her dad was out there, somewhere.
This is a photo of her dad on 9/11
I thought about the pin I wear every 9/11, firefighters raising the American flag.
I love this pin. It is priceless to me. But all day long at school I couldn’t help but think how this pin needed to go to Kelly, the teacher’s daughter. She needs to remember her grandfather. I know Kelly well. So, I did the right thing. I gifted the pin to Kelly.
Everyday we have an opportunity to give to others. A smile is a gift. So is a 9/11 pin.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
A terrific post, Jennie. What a lovely thing to do. 🤗
Thank you, John. It was the best. May I continue to be a giver.
I think it is in your blood.
That’s such a nice thing to say. Thank you, John.
😊
Well done, Jennie! Best wishes, Michael
Thank you, Michael! Best to you.
A beautiful story Jennie 💜💜💜
Thank you, Willow!
That was a dark day, and you shone a tiny light on it to make someone feel better.
Beautifully said, Anneli. Thank you!
God Bless us everyone
Amen!
❤ Jennie
Aww, a precious gift. So kind of you Jennie.
Thank you, Brian. 🇺🇸
Here’s to Kelly and others like her who lost a loved one that day. Your act of kindness will likely stick with Kelly for the rest of her life.
Amen! Thank you, Pete.
A great post and a wonderful gesture, Jennie.
Thank you, Dan.
You are/were keeping the right type of fires alive – meaningful sparks of those who are no longer living amongst us.
That’s so nice of you to say, Laura. Thank you!
I have a hard time with that day and always hate to see it come round again. I even hate the date and time on my clock if I see 9/11. You did a beautiful thing by gifting the pin. Always, always, trust your instincts. I spent yesterday at a quilt gifting to veterans and first responders. Lots of tissue in my pockets. It’s just hard.
I have a hard time, too. Our son was in lockdown at the Naval Academy on that terrible day. Back in his Navy flying days, hubby flew with the pilot who crashed in PA. Our nephew’s wedding was in New York, years later. We picked the cheapest hotel, and low and behold, it was right at ground zero. That was moving! Then we walked to the little church nearby where the firefighters stayed, and that was even more moving. No windows were broken in that church!
I am moved that you gifted quilts to veterans and first responders. Definitely lots of tissues. I am so glad I gifted my pin. Thank you, Marlene.
I love this post and your act of kindness, Jennie. ♥️♥️
I’m so glad. Thank you, Darlene. 🥰
It is very generous of you to give your treasured pin away.
It was the right thing to do, and I didn’t think twice. I think that’s how most giving goes. Thank you, Robbie.
An act of great kindness by you, Jennie.
Thank you, Cathy. Do you know the book Fireboat, the Story of the John J Harvey? It is the best 9/11 book, and a true story. I found it at the Eric Carle Museum when they had the art on display.
Thanks for the info, Jennie!
You are welcome.
Beautiful, Jennie!
Thank you, Wynne!
Your kind act of generosity is a shining example at a time when so many seem to be thriving on revenge and hatred. Thank you for sharing this post, again. It’s a message we all need to keep hearing.
I have been teaching since 2023
Thank you for your kind words, Sarah. Giving is always the right thing to do, and it sends a strong, positive message.
Beautiful story. Kindness rocks.
Thank you, Ally. Yes, it does!
What a kind gesture, Jennie.
Thank you, Stevie.
That was a wonderful gift…priceless actually.
Thank you, Deborah. You are right!
I’m sure Kelly cherishes that pin.
I asked her mom, and she said Kelly loves the pin, but Mom is keeping it safe and sound (meaning Kelly not wearing the pin) until she is older and can truly understand.
That makes sense.
A beautiful act of giving, Jennie. Your post got me all teary this morning. You’re a wonderfully thoughtful and kind person. ❤
Aww… that’s so nice, Diana. Thank you!
Well worth a re-post, Jennie. Indeed, a smile is a gift — and a wondrous one. Hugs on the wing.
Yes, a smile is! Many thanks, and hugs to you, Teagan.