LifesPersistentQuestions: September 2011

I remember when the biggest thing was missing choir practice
I remember being confused as to why mom was crying and the sigh of relief when dad walked out of the train station in one piece
I remember not understanding it
How could i? i was 9...
How do you expect a 9 year old to understand that the world is a dangerous place sometimes and that amid all its beauty it hides the ugly facets quite well?
How do you expect a 9 year old to understand that there are people out there who wish hurt on everyone and that these fights are bigger than not sharing the swings during recess?
How do you expect a 9 year old to understand that things have changed when everything still looks the same?
I wouldn't know either...
and so now when people talk of the 10 year anniversary and remembering my inner 9 year old says...yea that's the day i wasn't at choir from 3-6
... and my 19 year old brain says i understand now...