We at The Children’s Room were truly honored to attend the 23rd Annual Massachusetts Commemorative Ceremonies at the Massachusetts State House, marking the anniversary of September 11, 2001. This year’s theme, “Our Community of Care,” was a touching reminder of how communities come together to support each other in the face of tragedy.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the event came from Teresa Mathai, who shared her journey after losing her husband, Joseph, on 9/11. As a founding chair of the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund and its family advisory committee, Teresa’s message about community support was deeply moving. She recalled, “In waves of grief, we learned how to survive baby step by baby step. But we did not do this alone; we were blessed with an outpouring of support and kindness, many branches of love reaching out to us, a whole community of caring people who saw us through the darkness of our lives.” Her story beautifully highlighted the crucial role that compassion and community play in navigating grief.
We were also inspired by the keynote address from Deborah Rivlin, our former Director for Education and Training. Deborah’s video message resonated deeply with the theme of the ceremony. She shared, “Loss and going on are intertwined like a braid; we continue living while remembering.” Her words reminded us of the profound impact that support and kindness from those around us can have on our lives.
The ceremony was a powerful testament to the unity and strength of the community and the incredible ways people come together to help one another. As we listened to Teresa and Deborah, we were reminded of how essential it is to have a caring community by our side during difficult times. The unity and strength we witness in the greater community inspire hope and resilience in all of us, and they continue to be at the heart of the programs we provide.
