Three Month Hope

by Glenn A. Hascall

Summary

This drama takes a look at the one-year anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks from the perspective of a mother whose child was conceived just before the World Trade Center attacks. She remembers the past and has a renewed reason to hope for a bright future. Suitable for Patriot's Day or other 9-11 remembrances.

Characters

Gina and Infant

Script

GINA: (Looks lovingly at her child) It's hard to believe how much you have changed, sweetheart. Just a few weeks ago your Daddy and I brought you home from the hospital. Most people say you have your Daddy's nose. (Slight chuckle)  Poor girl.
(Pause) Now, don't tell Daddy I said that. It'll be our little secret OK?
(Thoughtful) Sometimes, I'm a little overwhelmed when I think about how much the world has changed since we found out you would be making your debut. Things used to seem so safe. (Pause) Now - well, now I just don't know. (Suddenly brave) But, your Daddy and I are going to do everything we can to protect you - keep you 'safe'.
(Near tears) Oh, how can I promise that - "Keep you safe"...? I'm not sure anyone can promise that. But, (Sniffs) I can promise you that Daddy and I will love you, and will pray for you every day. They say that you are part of a baby boom. I suppose you are, but you are much more than that to me, Sweetie.
Someone once said, "A baby is God's way of saying that the world should go on." So, here you are, Mama's little girl. So full of wide-eyed wonder. So alive with curiosity. A heart yet to be weighed down by things like - more month than money, dealing with in-laws, car repairs and (Pause) the image of two buildings in a dance of death.
They say that you will never forget where you were when you first heard the news. It's true, I still remember ordering a Tazo Chai Tea with a squirt of raspberry and vanilla at Sand Dollar Emporium when I heard that a plane had crashed into the first tower. It had to be an accident - I was just sure it was. Then came the report of a second plane. More reports of more planes and fears of more terror.Airports closed, nations mourned; and all I could think of was "Where is God?"
Later, as you grew inside me, I knew that God had never left and that He must grieve over the cruelty of that day. I felt you kick and I began to hope for a better future than the not-to-distant past. That's not to say that my faith wasn't shaken, or that I don't still wonder why sometimes.
When the nurses brought you to me after they cleaned you up and checked you over, you looked at me and wrapped your tiny hand around my finger - you seemed so content. At that moment I wondered at the sanity of bringing a new life into a really messed up world, but I was so glad you were here.
Then something really amazing happened, I began to think about your future. At first I couldn't seem to think of a time beyond a few months, then I thought of your first steps, your first words, your first day in school, your first date (Smiles) That's when I really got scared. (Looks at the child) Things will not be the same as when I was a little girl, but then again, when I was a little girl things had changed a lot from when my mom was young. But I grew up in a family that loved me, and I want to do the same for you.
And when I feel a little overwhelmed don't be surprised if I call out your name. I love you, Hope.Let's face the future, no - let's face today together, all right? That is as soon as you take your nap (Hugs Hope, wipes a tear and walks off stage).
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Copyright 2002 by Glenn A. Hascall
If you use this script would you be so kind as to let us know? glenn.hascall<a>gmail.com