“…and now the world changes”. They were words that hung in the air, heavy and solemn. My friend let me know that his wife was fine and not in Paris where they have a second home.
During dinner with a couple the evening before, I joyfully blurted out “Christmas and New Year’s in Paris!” when asked about our holiday plans. This was news to my husband, but it would be fun and an oh-so-romantic time to be there during this beautiful season in a country that has always been so friendly and warm to me – he was onboard.
Later that night, cozy in our bed, safe in our little mountain hide-a-way, we began planning our trip. My husband found a sweet apartment for us in a lovely part of the City of Light.
We talked about all of the places we would visit and explore…and then, “the world changes”.
I, like the rest of the world, was horrified and filled with despair and prayers for the people of Paris and Lebanon. In the passing days since the attacks, there has been and ebb and flow effect of angst and anger. Each time I hear a plane has been diverted due to a bomb scare, or that ISIS is vowing to terrorize Washington DC, fear regains some momentum and I realize that the bad guys have succeeded to a certain extent.
I am a pacifist by nature and the daughter of a World War II survivor who grew up hearing the horror stories of what it was like to be a child in occupied Norway, and for the first time in my lifetime, I see a threat similar to Hitler. Only today the fight is different, the war is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The technology is new and the reach is global. As when 9/11 fell upon us, the victims and their loved ones fate and pain touches the world.
Humanity is resilient and strong, and we always rise up to meet any challenge. Tragedies of this magnitude bring out the highest compassion, and sadly, the nastiest of bigotry and righteousness. The need to be the authority on moral and ethical grounds, is a human flaw, empathy and love are our greatest gifts. I believe faith is most personal and that we all have the right to choose who and what we believe in, or even, not to believe in anything at all.
With the deepest ache in my heart, I pray for the victims and their families, and I hope for a gentler world.
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Beautiful post, Eva! Like you, I am a child of World War II survivors. Mine were refugees (or displaced persons) who were fortunate enough to find a new home and safety in Australia. I join in your prayers for a gentler and more peaceful world and hope you can plan a Christmas trip to Paris without any threat to your safety.
Thank you. My family left Norway during the war – I guess we were both pretty fortunate to land in safe countries. We have cancelled our trip to Paris…it’s just a little too scary so we’ll stay closer to home. My son is heading to Australia for the first time – I hope to get there someday soon too!
Yes it is probably better to stay closer at this time. I hope your son enjoys his trip to Australia – it’s such a vast continent and there is so much to see – big cities, beautiful beaches (I am biased but I think they are the best in the world), the red centre, tropical rainforests – the list is almost endless!
I’m sorry to hear that your plans changed, but of course, the enormity of the situation and the tragedy that is still being measured indeed makes the point, “and now the world changes.” It sure does. And since you published this post there’s been more terror in Mali. I think we’re all confronting some pretty big fears. I hope you have a warm and lovely Thanksgiving in your beautiful mountain home. ox