[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 156 (Tuesday, November 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE LIFELONG DEDICATION TO CHILDREN OF ANI ``MICHELLE'' 
                               TWITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2001

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of one of my 
constituents, Ani ``Michelle'' Twitchell, who has used her life 
experience to impact the lives of numerous young people. In fact, it is 
safe to say that she has dedicated her own life to the improvement of 
all young lives.
  Ms. Twitchell has recently composed a book, in which she assumes a 
necessary task in these troubling times. Her book, titled ``What 
Happening,'' addresses the questions pre-school age children may be 
asking their parents and teachers in the face of the Nation's crisis. A 
press release reads, ``[Twitchell] mentally imagines herself in the 
classroom telling stories about police sirens, fire engines and 
ambulances to her young pre-schoolers and answering their questions.'' 
Far from opportunities, the book's theme represents a profound love for 
children and a desire to inspire strength in the midst of confusion.
  I am hardly surprised that Ms. Twitchell has taken on such a task. As 
I stated, her life's path has led her to an unmatched level of 
dedication to children's education. She grew up in Princess Town, 
Trinidad and Tobago, in a family of six children, where she was 
consistently called upon to act as a parent. At the age of 20, she was 
widowed with a five month old son. Seeking a better life for herself 
and her child, she came to this country wishing to raise all children 
as healthy and strong individuals.
  At present, her story finds her as a teacher and Health and Safety 
Coordinatorr for the Kindercare facility in Germantown, Maryland, with 
three beautiful sons, aged five and seven and eighteen. She has long 
dreammed of establishing a boarding school for abandoned children. 
Perhaps her book will serve as a stepping stone to the realization of 
this dream.
  War and terrorism are more than evils to be fought with intelligence 
and weapons. They are frigthening strangers in the minds of young 
children, which we have disburbingly little ability to explain in terms 
familiar to pre-schoolers. Neither public condemnation nor news 
coverage provide meaning for our young. While we are all affected in 
these times of terror, only our children lack the life experience to 
help them through their fear.
  I am proud of Ms. Twitchell, I am thankful for her words, and I 
believe we are all blessed by the love in her heart. Please join me in 
thanking Ms. Ani ``Michelle'' Twitchell for her unmatched contribution 
to our children's wellbeing.

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