The breeze from the water blew across the land. This was quite different from the harsh Chicago winters. The much-needed vacation brought Nora Higgins from her wintery home to the territory of Hawaii. The palm trees glimmered in the sunlight, and this did not feel like any December she had ever felt. It was terrific to walk on the warm sand on the beach. The water and its infinite depth splashed up the shore. It was a lovely day in a world in shambles. Yet, she was glad to get some rest from the busy hospital this time of year. The flu was always happening, and the bustling city was far from her imagination. This was a calm place of refuge from a hectic life. The mountains rose in the distance as pillars of beauty. This was the time to relax and enjoy the sun despite the winter season. Some were cold, but Nora only knew Chicago and much lower temperatures. Her brown hair swayed in the wind as she soaked in the rays. It was a vacation to remember after saving up for all that time. The day was just beginning, and a luau was also planned for the evening. It was time to see a warmer climate, and I secretly wished to stay longer. The hotel was great, and the locals were kind to all who came. This place was paradise, and the lack of snow was the best part. The day was waning as she headed to a luau, and the dances were excellent, with the food even more tasty than the restaurants. Nora could only dream of being here for the week, and the sunsets over the trees were dessert. She loved her job, but this vacation was needed to bring a new perspective.
The beauty of Diamond Head was a lovely tour on the previous day. It was something so different for Nora. She was used to the flat lands of Illinois. The breathtaking view was a site to bring the pictures home to her family. It was going so well that even Iolani Palace was also a treat. The days were sunny and sandy with endless heat. This made the trip so wonderful to experience. Each place had its own beauty, with the rich history of Hawaii. This only exemplifies the journey as she was seeing everything new. The military was on the island, but the tourists stayed away from those places. The islands were filled with many forests and wildlife. The cities were still lovely, with restaurants and small shops to visit. The weeklong vacation was going great already, as it was near Sunday. The day to fly back was Monday, and it was the sites that made this place so beautiful and breathtaking. It was a place to visit and see more of the United States. The days went by so fast as Nora enjoyed the sun and breeze.
Sunday was early morning, and some beautiful churches were on the island. The closest church is going to be the best. Nora, being Catholic, of course, found a lovely church. It was a duty, even on vacation, to go to a service. She dressed in her best clothes and attended full service. Each bench was packed. It was a Sunday like any other. The Priest went through the service, and all sat in attention. This was another beautiful church with vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows. The choir sang beautifully, and the benediction was well presented. It was early service so Nora could enjoy her last day in Hawaii. The service was going fine till some strange noise started. Large booms from the outside caused some concern, but the Priest continued the service. It was weird to sit through it, and it sounded like explosions. Despite all the sounds, everyone just sat for the service, not wanting to disrupt anything. From the church, the doors opened, and several military men entered the church. They started to the front as the Priest stopped the service. They continued to march to the altar. The strangeness of the sounds and now the military entering the church. All the parishioners could do was stare at the situation. The urgent nature was in their step. Something was wrong today, and this could not have been good. The young men stood in their proper uniforms with grave-looking faces and official demeanor. The silence was at first as they looked at everyone in the church.
The older man finally spoke, "There has been an attack on this country; where are the nurses and the doctors?"
A group of men and women, including Nora, stood up in the congregation. They looked at each other, confused. All were panicked to hear such news. They were not in the fight, which was supposed to be a peaceful time. Now, there was an attack, and they needed nurses and doctors. Nora could only look at the tragedy that unfolded and stand and serve.
The younger man replied, "You are now effectively drafted in the United States Navy."
It was no longer a vacation but a call of duty. Nora and the other medical personnel would now be in the upcoming war. As FDR stated," A Day that shall in infamy." The date she was visiting was not foreseen and was December 7th, 1941. The sounds were the attack on Pearl Harbor. This is based on the true story of my Great Aunt Nora Higgins, who was vacationing at the time of the attack. She was taken into the military for four years of service in Hawaii, a turn of events that no one could have predicted.
On that day at 7:48 am, the Imperial Japanese attacked the US Pacific Fleet, killing many sailors and sinking ships. This brought the United States into World War II. The travesty was the start of the years of war to fight both the Atlantic and Pacific fronts. The attack, which lasted about an hour, was a stark reminder of the sudden and devastating impact of war.
Nora and her fellow nurses and doctors were brought to the base to help in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The badly burned young men were a horrible sight of war. The many injuries poured in for days to save as many lives as they could. Sadly, many died, even those on the ships like the Arizona. The devastation of the bombs could be felt from the church, but seeing it was much worse. The war was tamed as it was fought on the front lines elsewhere. This uprooted the many plans of those who had lived outside of being there. The efforts of nurses like Nora were a testament to the sacrifices made for the country.
Nora was shocked at first at the many wounded, but it was getting better as the many recovered. The attack woke the nation, and going home to Chicago was not an option. She was enjoying the weather and even found a husband in Bill Pendergast. They would later marry. It was a day to loathe, but the war needed the medical staff. As the war had losses and gains, all wanted an eventual end. The long four years made Nora think of her family in Chicago. The war dragged on, costing many of their lives. It was a dark time in history that will hopefully never happen again. Nora's life was interrupted, but even the worst can bring something good, including finding her husband.
After the war, Nora moved to San Francisco, California, where Bill was a fireman. The war was finally over, and the return was welcome. The time in Hawaii was looked at with mixed emotions. It was a time that no one would forget. Throughout the years, she has been happily married but has no children. It was a memory that was told to each generation. So many had to die for those who wanted to expand their territory. She could only reflect on the many changes even in the later wars.
Pearl Harbor was one of the darkest days in the United States' history. Out of nowhere, the Japanese attacked and ultimately lost after a few key battles. The death toll rose to 2403 military personnel from the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines. 1178 were also wounded. They sunk 15 vessels along with over 120 planes. The devastation was terrible, and that generation, including my grandfathers and other family members, like many to serve, including Nora Higgins.
First, remember all those who lost their lives in this attack. They will be remembered as heroes. The survivors are also to be remembered and witnesses to such a tragedy. The ones who were taken for service to help in the aftermath should also be remembered as they served aside from the ones already in the military. The many lost in the war, like my great uncle, will be part of the worse side of war. We must never forget the sacrifices many made to defend the United States and the Allies. The cost of war is a terrible burden to any society. That day was the moment that changed the fate of the United States.
About the Creator
Sarah Danaher
I enjoy writing for fun. I like to write for several genres including fantasy, poetry, and dystopian, but I am open to trying other genres too. It has been a source of stress relief from my busy life.
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More stories from Sarah Danaher and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
The Elusive Giants
These elusive giants are so very easily seen from the air. They rise above the clouds without any effort. I could not look away from the peaks. The ground was pretty enough, but the power of rising above gave the mountains the allure of invincibility. You cannot miss such a site. Yet, by their sheer size, they could still be hidden at times. I could stare at this view all day. It was a moment of excitement to enter a new state. This site was a welcome to my vacation to Oregon and Washington. It was the best picture I have ever seen from the air. I can still remember the day fondly.
By Sarah Danaher12 months ago in Photography
Too Much Screen Time May Be Shrinking Toddlers’ Vocabulary
Screens Are Everywhere—Even in Early Childhood In today’s digital world, screens are impossible to avoid. Smartphones, tablets, televisions, and smart devices are now part of everyday family life. For many parents, screens feel like a helpful tool—keeping toddlers entertained, calm, and occupied during busy moments. But child development experts are raising a growing concern: excessive screen time may be limiting toddlers’ vocabulary development. Language growth in the first few years of life is critical. These early words form the foundation for communication, learning, and social skills later on. When screens begin to replace human interaction, experts say, toddlers may miss essential opportunities to learn language naturally. Why the Toddler Years Matter So Much Between the ages of one and three, children experience rapid brain development. During this period, toddlers learn new words at an astonishing pace—often several each day. This learning happens best through real-life interaction, such as talking, singing, reading, and responding to facial expressions and gestures. Vocabulary doesn’t grow simply by hearing words. It develops through back-and-forth communication—when a toddler babbles, points, or asks questions, and an adult responds. These “serve and return” interactions are essential for building strong language skills. Screens, experts warn, cannot fully replicate this process. What Experts Are Warning About Pediatricians and child psychologists increasingly report a pattern: toddlers with high screen exposure often show delayed speech or smaller vocabularies compared to peers who spend more time in interactive play. The concern is not just about screens existing, but how much time they occupy. When screens dominate a toddler’s day, they can crowd out activities that naturally encourage speech, such as imaginative play, shared reading, and simple conversation. Experts emphasize that language learning is social by nature. A screen may talk at a child, but it rarely talks with them in a meaningful way. Passive Watching vs. Active Learning Not all screen time is equal. Educational programs are often marketed as language-boosting tools, but research suggests that passive viewing—where a child watches without interaction—offers limited benefits for toddlers. Even high-quality educational content struggles to replace real engagement. A video cannot adjust its responses to a child’s tone, interest, or confusion. It cannot pause to encourage a toddler to try a new word or celebrate their attempts at speech. In contrast, a caregiver can instantly respond, repeat words, simplify language, and provide emotional feedback—all crucial for vocabulary growth. The Hidden Cost of Background Screens One overlooked issue is background screen exposure. Even when a toddler is not actively watching, a TV playing in the background can reduce the amount and quality of conversation in the home. Studies show that adults tend to talk less to children when screens are on. Fewer words spoken by caregivers means fewer words heard by toddlers. Over time, this reduction can have a measurable impact on vocabulary size. In this way, screens affect language development indirectly as well as directly. Screen Time and Attention Skills Language learning requires focus. Toddlers need time to observe, listen, and process sounds. Fast-paced screen content—filled with quick cuts, bright visuals, and constant stimulation—can make it harder for young children to sustain attention during slower, real-world conversations. Experts worry that excessive screen exposure may condition toddlers to expect constant stimulation, making it more difficult for them to engage in activities like listening to a story or having a conversation. This doesn’t just affect vocabulary—it can influence broader learning habits later in life. What Do Experts Recommend? Health organizations and child development specialists generally advise very limited screen time for toddlers, especially under the age of two. When screens are used, they recommend: Choosing slow-paced, age-appropriate content Watching together with the child rather than leaving them alone Talking about what’s on the screen to turn it into a shared activity Balancing screen time with plenty of real-world interaction The goal is not to ban screens entirely, but to ensure they do not replace human connection. The Power of Simple Everyday Interaction The good news is that boosting a toddler’s vocabulary does not require expensive tools or structured lessons. Everyday moments are powerful learning opportunities. Talking through daily activities—like cooking, dressing, or walking outside—exposes toddlers to new words in meaningful contexts. Reading aloud, singing songs, and playing pretend games all encourage language use. Even short conversations, when repeated often, can have a lasting impact on vocabulary development. Parental Guilt vs. Practical Balance Many parents feel pressure or guilt around screen use. Life is busy, and screens often feel like a necessary break. Experts acknowledge this reality and stress that moderation matters more than perfection. The key is awareness. Understanding how screen time affects language development allows parents to make small, intentional changes—such as turning off background TV, setting screen-free times, or replacing some screen use with shared play. Language growth is resilient, especially when children are given consistent opportunities to interact and communicate. Looking Ahead: Why Early Vocabulary Matters A strong early vocabulary is linked to better reading skills, academic performance, and social confidence later in life. While screens will always be part of modern childhood, experts caution against letting them dominate the most important years for language development. Toddlers don’t just need words—they need people who talk, listen, and respond. No app or video can fully replace that human connection. Final Thoughts Excessive screen time may seem harmless, but experts warn it can quietly limit toddlers’ vocabulary by reducing meaningful interaction. The solution isn’t fear or strict bans—it’s balance. By prioritizing conversation, play, and shared attention, parents and caregivers can support healthy language development while still navigating a digital world. In the end, the most powerful learning tool a toddler has isn’t a screen—it’s a responsive, engaged human voice.
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in The Swamp
Comments (3)
This was a difficult story to read - my son fought on the front lines of Desert Storm. - Well Done!!!
Thank you for sharing the human side of this tragic event.
Nothing good ever comes from war. Loved your story so much!