Jeffrey Kaplan: A Mother Lost | 9/11: We Remember | PBS North Carolina

Jeffrey Kaplan was only 14-years old when he lost his mother to the September 11th attacks at the World Trade Center in NYC. Jeffrey talks about that terrible day and what he remembers most about his mother and the amazing legacy she left behind.

In the new PBS NC special, 9/11: We Remember, North Carolinians share personal accounts of that terrible day. From narrowly escaping the World Trade Center to losing loved ones and colleagues in the collapse, we hear intimate accounts of tragedy, heroism and resilience.

9/11: We Remember premieres Thursday, September 9, 7 PM on PBS NC and streaming online and on the PBS Video app.

Support more programs like this by becoming a member of PBS North Carolina today.

[MelissaLona]

His story sounds so so similar to my 9/11 story except my mom came home. I remember being in school in Math class when we got the news. My math teacher was visibly upset. When I heard the plane hit the building, my immediate thought was wow that’s horrible. It didn’t register that this event affected me. Even though I knew my mom worked down there, it just didn’t click that my mom life is in danger. It didn’t click until the very next period of class. I went to the Principal office to call my mom work phone and cell phone. By that time, there were a line of students who were trying to call their parents that worked in the WTC. I couldn’t get through to her so I left school. I walked home, picked up my siblings from their school and came home. My sibling’s school released them to me even though I was under 18 because I told them my mom worked in the WTC. They were crying for me and immediately released them. I came home to a bunch of voicemails from my aunts, uncles, grandparents, and my mom’s friends and cousins. It was in that moment that it really hit me that I may never see my mom again. The deep sadness came over me and before I can full fall into sadness, the door unlocked. My mom was standing in the doorway covered in white debri that looked like powder and sand. We ran to her and hugged her. She looked so exhausted. We helped her get undress and in the shower. And we laid in the bed and watch the news all night. My mom ran when the tower collapsed and she walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. She walked from Manhattan to our Brooklyn home. She was extremely weak and tired but she was alive and for that I am grateful. She’s still with us but she doesn’t talk about 9/11 much.

[meesh]

The amount of awe he has for his mom. Beautiful

[ammccoy]

Words from a loving son about his loving mother.

[brookesmith]

Broke my heart listening to his voice crack. The pain of losing a love one just never goes away. 💔

[annonym]

So sorry for your loss Professor Jeffrey. You are the best Professor i have ever met in my life . Your interest and enthusiasm in class has inspired me so much . Thank you for being such a genuine person.

[Sushi]

All these many years later, I still cry. It will never change and I’m 71. My heart still breaks for the horrible loss.

[barbaravyse]

It’s so devastating for children to lose a mother. May she rest in peace.

[LouisianaAstroRambler]

I knew I'd break while watching this, I can't imagine losing my mother, especially in such a cruel way.

[Yorkiepoo]

This is truly heartbreaking. I’m so sorry this happened to him, but I am so appreciative of him for sharing these beautiful memories of his mother. She would be incredibly proud of him. May her spirit rest in eternal peace.

[slamdunk]

Jeffrey was one of my GSIs in the UC Berkeley philosophy department. Great guy. Thanks for sharing his story.

[numberthirteen]

I re-watch this story every few months. Please know your mother will never be forgotten, thanks to you sharing your story

[commercialzone]

I imagine Your mother would have been so proud of you. Good son.

[Flyingtaco]

We never ever ever EVER forget. Not ever ever EVER. RIP. 🇺🇸

[KerryMcSweeney]

She had a very loving face. You can almost hear the sound of deep understanding to whatever is on your mind. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[wrighty]

A beautiful tribute from a loving and appreciative son to his mother; she would be very proud of you.

[Kellaub]

He looks atlot like his mama ❤ so sorry for your loss

[TheKreature]

I was born on November 6th, 2002, and I've been going down this 9/11 rabbit hole for the past hour, just trying to learn more about the event than what I was taught in school. (For example, it wasn't until earlier that I learned actor Steve Buscemi was a firefighter and was one of the first responders who showed up to the scene.)

All of the photos, home videos, news footage, interviews, songs, and even video games, have not only shown me just how traumatic this event was, especially for those living in Manhattan at the time. But to me, it also showcases just how much this has affected our country within the last twenty two years.

I'm not a medical professional by any means, but I believe the United States is suffering with/from something that I like to call: Nationwide Generational Trauma or National C-PTSD.

From my perspective, it seems like the only way anything is ever going to get fixed in the US, is if we (as in the whole country) actually work through the trauma of 9/11, and actually begin the healing process.

[j]

Seeing anyone choke back tears breaks my heart.

[meganemery]

I’ve watched a lot of 9/11 videos but this one is different. Just really hits a personal nerve, hearing a son talk about his mother. So so sad. 😢❤

[BlackStump]

My grandson lost his Mum when he was 8and a half . I worry about his pain and loss that cannot completely heal . This was a very moving voice to hear .