Each week Rylie’s homework assignment requires her to learn a new vocabulary word. This week we chose patriotism. A big word for a three year old. Right now she understands it as wearing red, white and blue, celebrating her freedom by running through thousands of American Flags and letting red, white and blue balloons float into the air and clapping for them. If only it were that simple. I suppose we will continue to work on the importance of this day and this concept over the next few years.
I had a serious lack of creativity or motivation today. I was feeling guilty for not making it to Rylie’s 911 balloon release at school, so I picked her up early and we spent the afternoon at The Healing Field at Tempe Town Lake. This is our first year attending and will now be a yearly tradition.
Tempe’s Healing Field has 2,977 American Flags flying in it to represent the victims. A biography card is attached to each flag, which contains the name of the victim, as well as a brief history of their life.
I hope this little one never has to endure something as scary and painful as 9/11.
The Healing Field will be in Tempe through 9/15.

2 Comments
What a nice way to pay tribute to those lost in 9/11. Wish we had something like that in our area. Glad you are teaching Rylie about patriotism too. She’s off to a good start.
Mary, This idea and the images are beautiful. You are such a good Mom to create an awareness in Rylie at such a young age. Thank you for sharing.
Love
Mom