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Dear Journal

by Juliana

September 10th 2001

Dear Journal, my name is Abigal. I am 10 years old and I live in Paris, France. I go to a school called Balton. I have many friends. My best friend's name is Jessica. I really like her because she is funny and sweet. I have just started 3rd grade. It is much harder than 2nd and I get a lot more homework. Tomorrow, we have a very special day. We are having a class trip to a special camp. They teach you all about history there, but they still have many games and fun things to do. My whole grade is going, and everyone is excited. I am going to bring you, so I can write all about it while I'm there. Goodnight. Abigal

September 11th 2001

Dear Journal, It's morning! I'm so excited! My mother and I are going to pack my bag in a little while. In one hour, the school bus is coming. I can't wait! Abigal

Later... Dear Journal It has been a long bus ride. It is not over, but Ms. Field, my teacher says we're almost there. I am sitting next to Jessica. She is jumping up and down in her seat because she is so excited! Guess what? Ms. Field just said that we're here! It looks like such a fun place! I don't know if I'll have time to write during the day, but tonight I will.

Still Later... Dear Journal, It is not the nighttime. It is not the morning either. It is only 11:30 a.m. something horrible has happened. During our playtime in the adventure park, a person that works here ran to Ms. Field and whispered her something. The only people who realized were Jessica and I. The next thing everyone knew was that we were taken back to a room and told to keep quiet. After everyone was settled, Ms. Field told us that a plane had flown into the World Trade Towers, which were two parallel buildings in New York City. At first, everyone thought, what does that have to do with us? Then people started realizing that more than just New York could get harmed. Then kids started getting scared. But no one more than Jessica and I. MS. Field continued by saying that some parents wanted their kids at home, so our trip would have to be canceled. I was so upset. Why does something all the way in New York have to ruin the best day of third grade? WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY!!Abigal


Even Later... Dear Journal, I am home. It turns out that my mother called and wanted me home. She told me a little more about the World Trade Towers, and then I started getting scared. I hope nothing happens here. I was also very sad for the people in New York. My mother said that it would be a good idea to donate something to New York. I said "like a candy bar?" I have a huge collection of candy bars and I could have surly donate one or two. However, my Mom said that it needs something very special. Since I don't have much money, I think I will hunt for something. I hope what I find helps the people in New York. Abigal

September 12th 2001

Dear Journal, I told Jessica what my Mom said. She thought that it would be a great idea to donate something special. She said that we should look for something together after school, and that her Mom would pick us both up. We are going to go to the park. I can't wait until school is over! Abigal



Later... Dear Journal, I am at the park right now. Jessica and I have looked around for a while. We have found many different colored leaves, some tree bark, and some shiny rocks. We agreed that everything we found was special to us both. We decided it represented the wilderness. It shows that it doesn't matter what happens, as long as the earth is below us, and there is life. Right now, we're thinking about how to use it. We'll probably do an art project. Got to go. Abigal



Still Later... Dear Journal, When I got home, I told my Mom our idea. She loved it, and liked our concern for the people in New York. Jessica and I are going to meet in my house in two days to start our art project. We are still not sure what kind of art project though. Abigal

September 14th 2001

Dear Journal, Nothing much has happened in the last few days, until today after school. Jessica and I started our project! After much thought, we decided to make a huge collage together that says "Get Well Soon" We decorated it with all of our park treasures. It took us a long time, but we finished it. We then both kissed it so our love would be sent to America. My mother loved it, and Jessica's Mom thought it was amazing! Jessica and I liked it also. We will send it soon. In school, Jessica and I told Ms. Field about our project. She was so proud of us. She really liked how we were going to take time to help the people. She has talked about the incident with our class a little. She told us we had nothing to worry about, and that we were all safe. She and our families were all here to protect us. I really am starting to like Ms. Field, and I am also really getting used to 3rd grade. Abigal

September 15th 2001

Dear Journal, Our card has been sent. Jessica and I really hope that the people in New York like it, and that it helps them. I am very happy that I did something to help. I hope that everything ends up okay for everyone in the world, especially in America. Abigal