April 16, 2013

Maybe I AM a Pollyanna after all....you know, way down deep inside where no one can see.

My first impulse (regarding a blog post) after hearing about the horrific event in Boston was to post about how angry I was and how this shit CANNOT keep happening.

I typed it out and everything but before I could hit "publish" I heard that teeny-tiny voice inside that said, "wait."  And, for once, I listened.  And I went to bed.  In tears.

And, of course, today dawned - as it always does - in a mad rush to get up, get dressed and get out the door.  And so my post waited.

As I went about my day, I was bombarded with stories of heroes.  Stories of people opening up their homes and hearts to strangers.  Stories of love and compassion.  Stories of "paying it forward."

And then I remembered.  My first inkling that something was going on was when my son called me.  He was the one that alerted me to the horror and then he said, "I just called to say I love you."

And though I am still angry that this kind of thing continues to happen - because how could we, as a population, not be angry - I am reminded; over and over and OVER again that the good in this world far outweighs the bad.  And that we, as parents, teach our children.

We teach them love, empathy, compassion, peace and hope.  And as we are simultaneously teaching them these very core principles we are sending out rippling effects into the world. And that - well; that just goes to show that good trumps evil every time.

So while we mourn yet another tragedy, hug your family and friends. And, above all, show them that despite everything, love conquers all.

Because it does.  It really, really does.

5 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful, uplifting post, Gigi. I'm glad I'm reading it instead of your angry one, because I too am moved by the good that was generated from this horrible event. I hope we will someday move beyond terrorism and killing, but I'm not holding my breath that it will be during my lifetime. We WILL get there someday. That's my prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree with you. And reading the #handsoverhearts campaign on Twitter yesterday made me quite emotional at the simple idea that runners in the London Marathon this Sunday plan to do this as a mark of respect for those affected in Boston. The strength of love, compassion and camaraderie, which always comes out on these occasions, will always win through

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think it's ok to be angry. We should be.

    And I'm angry -- and more than a little afraid of finding out just who did this...

    Pearl

    ReplyDelete
  4. Angry, scared, shocked, humbled, sad....I feel it all. Words escape me still.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I had toyed with bringing the kids in to see the run. I know the finish line area well, as I had worked in Lord and Taylor for years and often watched the runners come through from the second story visual windows. That would have put us directly in between the bombings. So glad I opted for taking a four hour nap at home instead.

    It is a horrible thing. Magnified for us by the fact that we can not turn on the TV, radio, or go online without more pictures and footage on a continuous loop. (You have no idea how lucky the rest of you are to just casually watch Ellen... because currently all major stations are now focused on the bomb threat in a federal court in town)But here's the thing...

    You are right. There are always helpers. And know what? Next year's race will be bigger, more amazing, and will likely have more first time runners than ever. It's who we are as a city... as a country.

    ReplyDelete