Reflections of Hope From a NYC Speech Therapist on the 24th Anniversary of 9/11
I can still vividly remember the morning of September 11th 2001. I am sure many of our fellow New Yorkers still can, too.
We will never forget that day …
It was an absolutely breathtaking autumn morning.
The sun was shining and a fresh fall scent lingered in the air ever so gently.
The city was alive with energy as the new school year had just begun.
I was a second year NYU graduate student studying to become a speech-language pathologist.
I was buzzing with excitement and ready to start my first day of clinic this very Tuesday morning.
In a single moment – everything changed.
What followed was great chaos and fear in the streets.
Lives were changed forever and many heroic people lost their lives that day simply by going to work, doing their jobs, and helping to save others.
As we experienced this collective trauma within NYC – slowly out of the ashes of darkness – pockets of light began to grow and shine.
These moments of community and solidarity in the days, weeks, and months that followed were palpable.
In these moments after 9/11 New Yorkers all came together as one – nothing divided us.
Searches and prayers were performed day and night for those lives lost.
The city moved with a resolute and shared purpose – honor those that were lost, never forget, and live with strength, purpose and hope during these dark days.
Today as I watched the National 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony I am reminded of New Yorkers’ strength, resilience and shared community.
New Yorkers have an unrelenting ability to maintain hope and rebuild anew – even when it seems like an impossible task.
Today as I watched the youngest generations speak – many of these children were born after 9/11 – but still treasured legacies have shaped the trajectory of these young children today.
These children spoke of family members they had never met. Yet they still profoundly understood and felt their presence every day.
These children used the memory and stories of their loved ones as a force to propel them into a life filled with integrity and authenticity – living in their honor.
Many of these children have chosen to follow in the footsteps of these heroes. Similarly joining the first lines to serve the communities of New York City, today.
I share my reflections today to remind us that in the darkness, light is born.
This younger generation is now carrying the torch – our new heroes are born.
Let us all remember on this day that violence is never the answer.
Let us all follow the lead of this brave new generation of children – who live with light, purpose and love.
I invite us all to say the Ho’oponopono prayer for the lives lost on 9/11:
This is an ancient Hawaiian practice for healing, forgiveness, and righting wrong doings.
The foundation of this practice is formed in the belief of unity, oneness and the interconnectedness of the world.
The Ho’oponopono prayer:
I am sorry.
Forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
As you recite these words you can picture a glowing light around you that radiates outwards into the world.
Shine your inner light outwards into the world – spreading light, love and joy.
Let your life speak with purpose and shine your light!
If your child has experienced a traumatic event and is struggling socially or academically to keep up – we can help! Let us help you find what ignites their passion for learning and growth.
Are you ready to experience the difference of bespoke, holistic, compassionate, personalized care at Chatty Child?
Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language skills treatment plan to address any areas of concern; while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.
To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Meet the Author: A Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her clinical background, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her personal and professional experiences deeply inform her approach to care.
Heather’s own journey as a differently-abled person led her to establish Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice dedicated to empowering children through individualized, compassionate support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that promotes confidence, learning, and friendship. The story includes a teaching guide designed for use by parents and educators alike.
Heather and her team offer services both in-person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtually throughout New York State, helping children grow in confidence, communication, and self-expression.
