Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Aftermath

I am missing my peanut today. I can't help the overwhelming fear I have that she still needs to travel through not just one, but two major airports in Europe, airports that easily could be the next target of hate. I'm sad and I'm angry for what the families of the killed and wounded are going through. I'm angry the terrorists have made their own homelands living places of hell forcing good people from their homes, making them objects of fear and suspicion, breading more anger and hate.

 I feel like if I hear any politician try and use this latest attack to promote their own hate filled agenda, I might go insane at the sound of their voice. I feel helpless, and confused reading mundane social media posts about recipes, and fashion, and evening plans. How can people carry on like normal?  My baby is out in that big dangerous world, inplaces that can be considered soft targets. 

I know I am being self centered and thinking of my own family and how the attack in Brussels impacts me and my peace of mind. I know my rant is irrational and more than likely, my daughter is safer now than she was a week ago because of even heightened alert. I know life needs to go on and mundane things like housework, and potlucks, and walks in the park need to happen. I know people need to still travel, and build a connected world where foreigners are not strangers, they are friends. These things must happen. Life must remain normal.

14 comments:

  1. I know how you feel. A colleague I work closely with arrived in Brussels immediately after the bombs went off - they were able to land but I don't know any more for the time being. A few months ago Geneva was put on high alert also. It's scary stuff, but you know, if you retreat into your shell and never do anything because you are afraid these pigs win don't they. My kids are playing in concerts this weekend in Germany, France and Belgium - what can I say! They were playing a concert in Lyon on the night of the Paris attacks. Many years ago, after some atrocity - I can't remember which - when I was pretty young anyway - I commented to my mom that the world seems to be disgusting and she said "don't you think World War II was bad enough?" And she was right. Sadly every generation seems to have its cross to bear. I'm sure your daughter will be fine and have the time of her life though. Anna

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    1. I'm back to a mental state I can think rationally ad beyond my own fear. I hope your friend is safe. It is a sad state of the human condition that every generation has its horror, but goodness can prevail.

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  2. For life to not remain normal is what these hate filled tyrants want.
    They want us to fear. They want us to lose joy, lose hope, lose peace and stop enjoying the lives we've been given. They want to destroy life in every capacity.

    You have every right to feel scared for your daughter. Anyone would. We have every right to be sad and heartbroken for the people and families affected. But life must go on.

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    1. Living a normal life-pushing back at hate, you are so right.

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  3. I agree if we give in to fear that the perps are victorious far beyond their target. And at the same time I say that, I would be climbing the walls if my child was in Europe right now. My sincerest wishes for your daughter's safety and your peace.

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    1. Home now, safe, and filled with wonderful experiences. that is the important thing-more good than hate.

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  4. My youngest daughter is in Philadelphia as I write. I tracked her flight and will worry until she arrives back home safe and sound. We were just about to book Eurostar to Brussels as a bday trip for my 86 year old mum as she had never travelled by Eurostar. We will not be travelling to Brussels however we will be going somewhere. I refuse to let the horrific acts of the deluded brainwashed out there stop my travels over this lovely planet. Take heart Sam x

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    1. All of us have ways the events of the world impact us. Prayers for your daughters and your safe travels.I love Europe and want to still see more of it, and if you'll have me, live for at least part of the year there at some point.

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  5. I lived with the threat of terrorism as a child. My Dad was a soldier- a target for the IRA. A bomb was planted in my hometown, there were numerous bomb scares in the barracks in which not just he, but my Mum also worked. I remember my Dad shouting in a shop because a bag had been left unattended, demanding to know whose bag it was whilst telling us to get out of there. Before we could get out someone turned up to claim their bag. My Dad wiped the floor with them, and I doubt they ever left a bag unattended again. KL lives in Manchester, the place that was devastated by the largest IRA bomb planted on the mainland. Why the powers that be think that only London is likely to be attacked by the terrorists of today I don't know - listening to the news you would think that the UK began and ended there. She refuses to be cowed by the threat of terrorism, but my Mum told me yesterday that she was afraid when she went shopping in town, which saddens me greatly. That is what the terrorists want; for us to live in fear, to turn on those Muslims who we live alongside, and who are just like us. They want to live a peaceful life, to go to work, for their children to be happy and healthy and educated. As a family we won't do that. John was outside chatting to our wonderful neighbour, who just happens to be a Muslim, yesterday. We'll bake for them at Eid, they'll buy us chocolates at Christmas, we'll share our produce this Summer and they'll cook authentic Pakistani foods for us. We refuse to let the maniacs change us.

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    1. Thank you for replying Scarlett. Your story is so powerful, and I feel so deeply for your mother and father. Hate breeds hate. I am trying to allow myself to be angry, but not hate filled. Anger should move people to action-feed the poor, help those less fortunate, where as hate will only hurt the innocent, and rob ourselves of knowing and building a global community.

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  6. Yikes! I am praying that your daughter has a safe trip.

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    1. She's safe, and I am stable now in my mind now.

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  7. Hello Sam, just sending you a wee prayer that your daughter arrives safely at her destination. I understand your concerns & your anger too. I have felt the same anger since hearing of the Brussels attacks. Thinking of you x x x

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    1. thank you Julie. My heart is filled with sadness for all in the world that don;t have their sons and daughters safely home. I am thankful my daughter is safe, and want that for every other mother in the world as well.

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