“I was born at 7:43 a.m. on September 11, 2001”

Photo from Batesville Herald-Tribune in 2002

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – It has been interesting to read some of the comments as people reflect on where they were 23 years ago today. 

One of the most interesting stories I’ve come across today is from Maria Hartman. 

Maria was born at 7:43  a.m. on September 11, 2001 and is the daughter of Tim and Janet. 

She was less than one hour old when the first plane struck the World Trade Center. 

Maria’s mother, Janet, had awoken from the anesthesia used for a C-section when she found out about the attacks. 

“It was just unreal. I was so happy - I had my baby - but so upset with everything that was going on. A lot of emotions,” Janet told the Batesville Herald Tribune in 2002. 

Janet also told the newspaper, “I cried a lot… then I would think about how blessed we are (with Maria) and almost feel guilty. 

Through the years, Maria has also heard stories about what it was like that morning at Margaret Mary Health. 

“My parents were trying to enjoy the moment of my birth, but also watching the news and everybody thought the world was ending,” she said. 

Maria had two older siblings at school. She recalls how her dad called them from the hospital in the midst of the chaos, to say that they had a new baby sister.

Her uncle has also told her that she was a “ray of sunshine” to the family during the difficult time. 

It was no easy journey to bring Maria into the world. Janet was battling skin cancer at the time, and she would later pass away in March 2005 when Maria was just 3-years-old. 

While she was alive, Janet loved gardening and it is a hobby that her daughter has picked up naturally. 

Maria has a degree in horticulture and recently started a vendor business called Janet’s Garden. 

Growing up with a 9/11 Birthday

Throughout grade school, Maria recalls going to school excited because it was her birthday.

However, the mood would change when class would focus on the historic events of September 11. 

As the years went on, she noticed that there was less focus on the terrorist attacks at school.

Although she didn’t experience it, she would like to see schools talk about it more on the anniversary every year.

“I think we are all numb to it. We still talk about it but not as much as when I was younger. It would be nice to see it taught more because I don’t think kids really understand it,” she told The 812. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Maria, and we wish you a Happy Birthday!