This morning, I sent my partner out into an anxious city.
Just last Saturday night, after finally getting our children settled down for sleep, my partner and I were about to enjoy a relaxing evening in front of the TV when my phone buzzed with alarming news: an explosion had occurred in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Having lived in the New York City area for most of our lives, we’ve experienced our fair share of explosions—typically due to gas leaks or pipe bursts, rarely anything more sinister. Initially, I was relieved to learn that there were no immediate fatalities and that most of the injured appeared to be on the road to recovery.
However, as the situation developed, it became clear that this was not an isolated incident. A bomb had detonated earlier that morning in Seaside Park, New Jersey, and another undetonated bomb was discovered just blocks away from the Chelsea explosion. By the time I woke up, more bombs were reported near a train station in Elizabeth, New Jersey. While authorities didn’t immediately confirm these incidents were connected, it doesn’t take a specialist to suspect they were likely related.
As of now, the main suspect has been apprehended, but the motives behind these bombings remain unclear, leaving many questions about potential accomplices. This morning, as he does every day, my partner woke at 5 AM, showered, dressed, gathered his briefcase, and boarded a train to Manhattan, where he teaches high school English.
My partner works near Times Square, a well-known target for terrorist activities. While I strive not to allow fear to rule my life, I would be dishonest if I didn’t admit that I was anxious about him heading to work today. This feeling is all too familiar; we were newlyweds during the September 11 attacks, both working in the city that day. Although we were fortunate to escape unharmed, the fear lingered long after, coloring every goodbye with the unsettling reminder that it could be the last.
Every parent with school-aged children has felt a similar weight, especially following events like the Sandy Hook shooting. When I picked up my child from kindergarten the day after that tragedy, I was not alone in my tears, holding my child tightly as we rushed home. Since then, I’ve made it a point to tell my son I love him before school and to squeeze his hand tightly. Each time I hear sirens on a school day, panic sets in about what could be happening at his school.
What is Happening to Our World?
In this heated political climate, many will seek to assign blame regarding the New York/New Jersey bombings. Whether the perpetrator is a domestic terrorist, affiliated with an international group, or simply a disturbed individual seeking attention, it is clear that something is deeply wrong in our society. Last summer brought us the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, with a staggering 16 of the worst mass shootings occurring in the last decade. Gun-related deaths in America continue to rise alarmingly.
Hate crimes are surging, both in Europe and globally. Despite advancements in acceptance and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, they remain primary targets for hate crimes in the U.S. Recently, there has been an unsettling rise in hate crimes against Muslim Americans as well.
Regardless of political beliefs, it is evident that we are grappling with an unprecedented level of hate and fear in our country. As a parent, my overwhelming instinct is to protect my children and family, which often leads to feelings of helplessness.
Last night, I struggled to sleep, worried about my partner heading to work this morning. I felt an impulse to rush to him as he opened the door and urge him to stay home. But I knew he had students relying on him—not just for lessons, but for reassurance that everything would be okay and that life would continue.
For now, all we can cling to is the belief that most of us will emerge from such frightening moments relatively unharmed, and that it is counterproductive to spend our days in fear. I want to hold onto that belief, but the reality is that the world feels increasingly broken, and any moment could bring danger.
Finding Composure in Uncertain Times
How do we maintain composure in times like these? How do we nurture our children? How do we explain the complexities of this world to them? I don’t have those answers. All I can offer are hugs, extra kisses, and tight hand squeezes as my family steps out the door. For now, that will have to suffice.
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Summary: A mother reflects on the fear and anxiety surrounding recent bombings in New York and New Jersey as her husband heads to work in a major city. This piece captures the complex emotions of parenting amidst societal turmoil and the struggle to find reassurance in a world filled with uncertainty.
Keyphrase: parenting amidst turmoil
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