Building Hope

By Virginia Huie

An act of terror took their parents away. Now, the children of September 11th are turning sadness into something positive. They belong to a support group called Tuesday's Children. They spent their winter break in New Orleans, LA -- helping Habitat for Humanity build homes for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. One of Tuesday's Children is 16-year-old Chris Quackenbush of Manhasset. Chris was 9 when his dad, Christopher, an investment banker, was killed in Tower Two. Chris says his dad always told him the importance of giving back to the community. That's exactly what Chris did in the Big Easy. He and the other teens started work bright and early in the morning-- pounding nails, caulking wood panels, putting up walls for two new homes in the Upper Ninth Ward. Their hard work added new cottages to a growing neighborhood called Musician's Village. It's a new development to provide housing for displaced musicians and bring back culture to New Orleans. But the project goes beyond helping storm victims. Every one of Tuesday's Children felt empowered by the experience. They were no longer viewed as victims -- but as young people who cared to make a difference. 18-year-old Brielle Saracini lost her father, United Airlines Capt. Victor Saracini, when his hijacked plane struck the South Tower. Brielle said, "It's just cool coming down here and like helping out because these people went through a tragic loss just like we did, and it's really good to help out in some way." 17-year-old Caitlyn Leavey lost her father, FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, in the South Tower. Caitlyn said the project was a great way to honor the memory of her dad. "He had a big heart, a great personality and I want to be just like him," said Caitlyn. Chris said the experience made him feel closer to his father. Chris told me, "The more I work, I think about him even more, but it's more the good memories than the bad memories and I think it's really important to think about all the good times I had with him." Tuesday's Children and their mentors are truly an inspiration. They've shown resilience, grace and dignity in the face of an indescribable loss. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to witness their good works and great attitude.