My name is Victoria Estreicher, I am 23 years old and a recent graduate from Quinnipiac University. I currently work at Revlon where I am the e-commerce operations specialist. I grew up in Staten Island, NY and I currently live in Red Bank, NJ. 

I am creating this platform in hopes to connect with kids who are like me. Specifically, kids who grew up with a first responder parent on 9/11. I realized my story is not unique...in fact there are many kids out there who are just like me. I hope that this space could create comfort to those who have lost a parent or have a parent who is still living with the aftermath from that day. 

It could be really hard for those to understand what we have gone through when they have not experienced it themselves. I hope that by sharing my experiences, feelings, and opinions that each day it will become a little easier. I will start by briefly sharing my journey with you, and each week sharing more my experiences. 

 This week, I will share my background of who I am and what happened to me and my family. I grew up with a dad who was a proud member of the NYC Fire Department and Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. My mom was a stay at home mom and I have a sister who is three years older than me. 

 My mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis before I was born, however that never held her back from being the best mom. My dad was a Lieutenant and worked in Rescue 5 in Staten Island, Ladder 156 and Engine 248 in Brooklyn. 

 I grew up going to fire house Christmas parties and my dad coming into my class to teach fire safety. My dad served 23 years and he retired when I was in the 3rd grade due to an injury that happened to him while on the job. My grandpa was a firefighter as well, and my dad said he always knew he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. Not only did he follow his dreams but he excelled in his career. From what his colleagues have told me, he was a well respected boss and loved to mess around with his co-workers. 

 I was a little girl when 9/11 happened as I was only in kindergarten. However, I can vividly remember it as I am sure many of you can. I knew my dad was responding to the Trade Center that day, but I didn't really know what that meant. I didn't truly understand what that meant until I got older. I know that day has changed him because of the things he saw, smelt, and felt. Things that nobody should ever have to witness. 

 One might say that my dad was on borrowed time. He lived 18 years 2 months and 2 days more than he "should" have. We were lucky enough to have my dad come home that day. But that doesn't mean that he wasn't affected every day by what he lived through. Not only did it affect him but it had affected the relationships he had with us.

 It is hard to put into words, but I know that my dad acted a certain way because of 9/11. He was the greatest dad in the world and died a hero. That is the way he wanted it. He wanted to leave this earth with honor and integrity. 

 As this blog continues, I will share more into detail what happened and how it happened. I would like to dedicate this blog to the kids who have a similar story that I have and maybe it could bring you comfort that you are not alone. I would also like to dedicate this blog to all of the fallen heroes of 9/11. I am thankful each day to be a part of a city with so much pride.

Here's to the kids who have a first responder parent or lost a first responder parent from 9/11...