The Attack on America

by Mewsette

We are American cats at my house. We were lucky, because we live far away from the horrible attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington on September 11. What we have seen has never been seen before in our country, and is so hard to believe. We watched the attacks and all that came after on TV for three solid days and nights before our mom slept much. We had some late meals and not much attention, but only the first day. Mom held all of us enough to make up for it later, and tried not to let us feel stress, but we did feel stress anyway.

The evil behind these acts is unfathomable to us cats. The devastation is so horrible to see. The loss of human life is unimaginable to us, and nearly impossible to bear for the people in New York where it was worst. We could not help thinking of dear Jazzy's family in Washington, and we hope so hard they didn't lose any family or friends so soon after losing Jazzy. It seems so very many families did.

We have pictures all over our house of men in our family in uniforms of the American armed forces, going back three generations. Our mom fears it may now become four. But she does not fear for our country, so we do not. She is very angry, and says anger is a healthier emotion than fear at this time. We understand the anger, but we don't feel that, as kitties, either. She is sad, and we do feel very sad, too. That is something we can help with. And we do.

Mom says that what we saw was acts of war, but that it is called terrorism. I don't understand the concept of terrorism, because I don't see terror in the humans. I see great grief and sacrifice going on, and will probably see it the rest of my life. I see astounding bravery and dedication in the humans of New York. I see men talking, talking, on TV, and can't help wishing they would hurry up and do more than talk. I guess I must believe talking humans know best. That is hard.

I have been proud to be an American cat ever since I learned what that means. American is a word that means courage and strength and indomitable spirit. We know that. It seems there are evil men in the world who didn't know that, but they will.

God Bless America.