Marlene Lund, Director, Lutheran Schools Association

“When my daughter brought home the angel teddy bear and my wife told me the story I was overcome with emotion. When I moved into my new office the first item I placed was the teddy bear and of course pictures of my family.” (Excerpt from a thank you note received from a father who escaped from the 55^th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center on September 11^th).

“Flight 587 is a flight that I do at least 10-15 X a month and I consider myself BLESSED that on 09/11/01 I was called to another flight.” (Excerpt from a letter received by a mother who was assisted by the scholarship fund)

“When I received the cards and quilt and knew that children were praying for us, I just broke down and cried.” (Excerpt from a thank you note received from a mom who lost her husband on September 11^th)

These are just three examples of how the generosity and support of Lutheran schools and churches around the country have touched the lives of children and families in New York.

As I sit down to write this article it is now 4 ½ months since the attack on the World Trade Center. New York is getting back to what the experts call a “new normal”. Soldiers still patrol our major attractions and transportation terminals. Police cars monitor the entrances to our bridges and tunnels and fighter jets patrol our skies. There has been a gradual easing of some of the tensions, but things will never be the same. When I look out my office window I still get a lump in my throat at the big empty space in the skyline.

Through the generosity of the Lutheran Disaster Response and individual schools the LSA has been able to provide so many needed services to assist families, children and educators regain some joy and normalcy. With the help of Ann Eissfeldt and Rick Armstrong from God’s Care in Times of Crisis, many of our staffs and many children have been able to process their grief and confusion over the events of September 11^th. In March and April all schools and early childhood centers will have the opportunity to participate in crisis training and to form crisis plans. Children and families in need of counseling have received it and will continue to receive it. Much joy has been brought to individual children with the receipt of stuffed toys, quilts, toys and letters of cheer and support.

Teachers and administrators have been holding the line of support with a smile on their faces and a dedication to their children which is awe inspiring. Many teachers from around the country eased the burdens of their New York colleagues by sending messages of support, gifts and offers of respite. LDR has provided funds for much needed respite for those most seriously affected.

Parents who have lost a spouse or who have lost their jobs due to the events of September 11^th have been assisted with scholarship funds, thus enabling children who need the consistency of a stable, caring and Christian environment have it maintained. 

Although, the initial shock wave is over, the long term healing continues. Two weeks ago I received a call from an administrator who asked for help. Several of the younger elementary students were exhibiting abnormally aggressive behavior, bedwetting, and nightmares. We were able to send in counselors to assist.

An adolescent child who lost his mom has begun to show signs of severe depression, lethargy and truancy. The school continues to work with the father, himself barely functioning, to intervene. On a recent visit to one of our preschools, a four-year-old who lost her daddy came to me and said, “You know my daddy is dead, but he’s with Jesus.” What a testament to the marvelous witness and support our schools are providing.

The stories I have heard and continue to hear are heart breaking, inspirational and all too numerous. On behalf of all of your colleagues in New York and New Jersey I continue to thank all of you for your wonderful support. You can’t imagine how much your actions have meant to all of us. I see the face of God in each of you.

As we continue to cope with whatever lies ahead we ask for your continued prayers. We are stunned, but sure in the knowledge of God’s never failing love. May we all pray for a renewed time of peace in the days ahead.

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