Writer Highlight Featuring Donna ‘pirategirl’ Sanders: DADDY

Took the same route every morning to work. The ferry to the subway and then walking a few blocks to make sure Sam made it safely to school. I was running late already that morning, barely making it to the docks, but something felt wrong. I stood still, not able to move, as if something was holding me back. Sam looked at me with worry on his face, realizing he might be late for school. “It’s alright,” I told him. I didn’t think his teacher would mind. He’s been out for a week since his father passed. The pain was still reeling because we never got the chance to explain death to him. I decided that moment he might need one more day to recoup, so we spent the morning having breakfast at his favorite spot and then I would take him to a park. Right before leaving the restaurant, I caught a glimpse on the news – PLANES CRASH INTO WORLD TRADE CENTER. Sam saw the shock on my face and asked “What happened mommy?” It took me a few seconds to answer. I looked at him with tears in my eyes and said “Daddy saved our lives.”