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Capturing December...Reflection

In the days and weeks following September 11 I heard and read many things that made me sad. One of these things was that the murders on September 11 were the result of "America's activities." This idea made me livid eleven years ago and it still makes me livid. The thought that came into my mind was that we -- I was just a few blocks away -- just went to work and deserved to come home. Of course three thousand of us didn't come home that night.

In the years that have followed I have added other things to my list. People should be able to go to the movies and come home safely, to the mall and come home safely and to college classes and come home safely. They should be able to go to high school and worship and shop in a strip mall on a Saturday morning, and yes, come home. The one place that didn't cross my mind was kindergarten. Of course five year old children going to kindergarten should go off in the morning and come home with their coloring to their parents in the afternoon. Of course...

Yesterday I learned that nothing can be considered "of course."  I realize I should have learned this over the years, but this last lesson seemed so basic. We live in a broken and tragic world, and in Jewish tradition it is our responsibility to heal the world. How will we do this? I know there are no easy answers, but I also know that it is my responsibility to work to find some answers.  

18 comments

Theresa said...

Sad, sad, sad! I can't believe that this could happen in a School full of children! My heart is so sad for all of these involved and for our Country! BIG HUGS!

Nancy said...

No answers here, only questions right now. A very sad day.

Paula said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful post. It is our responsibility to heal the world. So true. Thanks for this thought for my day.

Unknown said...

I feel your pain! Thank you for your kind words! Hugs

Sheilagh said...

Heartbroken, this should not happen in a civilised country. God Rest the Souls of each and everyone and comform their families, friends and townsfolk of Newtown.


Hugs

Sheilagh
xxxx

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

It breaks my heart to see such evil things happen.

Ms Sparrow said...

How can our country heal when the bloodshed never ends?

Maggid said...

I am sending you Great Love . . because I Can . . . I am remembering that - at times - the world seems dim

Then, we come together, we share our Light - we sing the Shema - for courage, for hope, to fan the sparks -

I am thinking of You - and Sending Great Love,
-g-

Nellie said...

Prayers being offered for all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Yes in our great country we are used to being able to do everything with the security of knowing that we are safe. But now our security has been shaken up and we know that tragedy can happen to any of us. One thing that remains and always will is our faith. I'll be praying for strength, healing and comfort for all who have been effected. Peace begins with each of us and that little something we can do for each other every day does make a difference.

Gloria said...

You are so eloquent in your words... you said it best when you mentioned that Kindergarteners should come home with pictures for the fridge, not horror stories. And the ones who didn't return? Well, I can't even imagine the poor parents of those children. I know if it were me, all I'd be doing is thinking of the last moments of my child's life. I don't know how they can go on. But I think you are already helping towards the healing, everyone is... With your post here, and everyone praying for these families. I heard on TV that many of the grieving parents are giving out statements that they are grateful for everyone's concern and they are thankful for that. The only really sad thing is that in a few days all of our lives will go back to the way they were, we won't FORGET, but we will go on. The parents of the children killed will live with the misery and longing for their children for the rest of their lives... So, so sad.
Best,
Gloria

Deanna said...

We all wonder why, but can only pray and hope that one day we will all heal and be without pain.

Susie said...

Buttercup, This is so tragic. It has touched all our thoughts. Where are the children safe? Praying seems to all we can do at this moment. But I think some laws need to change. I will continue to pray, as I am still for the victims of the storm. Everyone of us needs love from above. xo,Susie

Teacherfish said...

I know your space is a refuge from political discussions and I am grateful for that, but I feel so very strongly about this that I have to just say it.

Gun Control

I am praying that we as a country will be moved to make changes that limit the number of weapons that get into to the hands of those who use them to hurt the innocent.

Cindy said...

Your words are so true, it still makes me mad when I hear some idiot say that 9/11 was an "inside job"!!!
My prayers are with the folks of Newtown, nothing like this should happen in the "free world", EVER!
Hugs, Cindy

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Honey Like everyone else I can not stop thinking about all those sweet precious children.
My heart is so heavy for their families and our country.

So sad
Love
Maggie

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Honey Like everyone else I can not stop thinking about all those sweet precious children.
My heart is so heavy for their families and our country.

So sad
Love
Maggie

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Honey Like everyone else I can not stop thinking about all those sweet precious children.
My heart is so heavy for their families and our country.

So sad
Love
Maggie