I was talking to my sister today, who is celebrating her birthday. She just had surgery and everything went very well, which was a great relief. She also just landed a great job, and she and her new baby are both doing very well.
Then she shared some sad news with me. Her godson fell off a boat and drowned. He was going to turn three in a few months. His death has created a rift between his parents, and Lydia is not only mourning his loss, but is also very concerned for her friend (his mother) who is, understandably, devastated.
Ariana is a very willful and independent child. It's something Andy and I love about her, but also something that causes us a lot of stress each day. She is spirited and strong and fast and fearless. This means she often skips around the fringes of danger, and we must be extra vigilant with her because she is not always good at remembering all the little pieces of advice mommy and daddy have shared in the hopes of helping keep her safe and out of trouble. (And she is only 2... so it's not like we really expect her to.)
That said, I can admit that there have been times when my focus on her has lapsed... where I have stopped following her with full attention for a few seconds - and she is suddenly no longer in my line of vision. A split second of realizing I was not keeping track of her... and then she appears, happily involved in something with an unwavering gaze.
Andy and I have been lucky. Our lapses (which I believe every parent has) have never ended in tragedy... those seconds of "Where's Ari?" have never led to any serious danger, hurt, or panic. But sometimes, it is just that... luck.
If you believe in such things, please keep this young boy's family and friends in your prayers. And send him your blessings for peace and love as he transitions into whatever may come after death.
Showing posts with label tragedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tragedy. Show all posts
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Fellowship, Local and Global
We finally made it back to church today after having missed it for 2 weeks post-surgery. It was wonderful to be back and, as always, gave me a great sense of grounding, connection, and peace - which, to my mind, is the best of what any kind of religious or spiritual pursuit can offer.
In sharing our joy and sorrows, Bill asked us to remember those in China and Myanmar... which reminded me of a story I heard on NPR a few days ago. Essentially, someone involved in aid efforts for Myanmar was talking about how much more money and attention China is receiving, despite a much higher casualty and death toll in Myanmar.
And in the wake of hearing that story, I have noticed a marked decrease in the amount of coverage given to Mynmar right now. I hear about how the government is refusing aid and how relief efforts are going to corrupt and powerful entities rather than those who truly need them. But there have been very few reports with regard to the latest numbers of those affected, nor as many stories involving individuals - which, as some readers have pointed out, often provides a powerful way of processing and understanding such a large-scale tragedy.
In contrast, I've heard something about China reported every morning and afternoon, as well as coverage on CNN and local news sources. I believe one reason may be, given the reponse to aid by the Myanmar government, frustrations over a perceived lack of appreciation, cooperation, or acknowledgment of assistance provided have led to lessened coverage and perhaps fewer people being able to gather information or collect/record stories. I also wonder if those responsible for determing what is news might be deciding somehow that a nation that does not want help does not merit as much coverage? And, of course, it must also be noted that the issue may lie in the resources I regularly access to get my news. Maybe I'm just not using the best sources.
Whatever the reason(s), it is something I notice every day and it connects to some of the concepts and constructs currently being covered in my first course this summer semester: Cross-Cultural Factors in Counseling (particularly with regard to concepts of culture, identity, and bias).
I hope aid is accepted soon, particularly because - from what has been reported thus far - it sounds as if those in need are receiving very little and that people have had to rely on grassroots efforts and civilian-led cooperation and support that surely provides some relief but could not possibly be enough to address the many life-threatening results that still exist following the cyclone.
I pray for the continued safety of the survivors, for the peaceful transition of those who were lost, and that those who are wounded or hang in the balance may heal and gain strength in the coming days.
In sharing our joy and sorrows, Bill asked us to remember those in China and Myanmar... which reminded me of a story I heard on NPR a few days ago. Essentially, someone involved in aid efforts for Myanmar was talking about how much more money and attention China is receiving, despite a much higher casualty and death toll in Myanmar.
And in the wake of hearing that story, I have noticed a marked decrease in the amount of coverage given to Mynmar right now. I hear about how the government is refusing aid and how relief efforts are going to corrupt and powerful entities rather than those who truly need them. But there have been very few reports with regard to the latest numbers of those affected, nor as many stories involving individuals - which, as some readers have pointed out, often provides a powerful way of processing and understanding such a large-scale tragedy.
In contrast, I've heard something about China reported every morning and afternoon, as well as coverage on CNN and local news sources. I believe one reason may be, given the reponse to aid by the Myanmar government, frustrations over a perceived lack of appreciation, cooperation, or acknowledgment of assistance provided have led to lessened coverage and perhaps fewer people being able to gather information or collect/record stories. I also wonder if those responsible for determing what is news might be deciding somehow that a nation that does not want help does not merit as much coverage? And, of course, it must also be noted that the issue may lie in the resources I regularly access to get my news. Maybe I'm just not using the best sources.
Whatever the reason(s), it is something I notice every day and it connects to some of the concepts and constructs currently being covered in my first course this summer semester: Cross-Cultural Factors in Counseling (particularly with regard to concepts of culture, identity, and bias).
I hope aid is accepted soon, particularly because - from what has been reported thus far - it sounds as if those in need are receiving very little and that people have had to rely on grassroots efforts and civilian-led cooperation and support that surely provides some relief but could not possibly be enough to address the many life-threatening results that still exist following the cyclone.
I pray for the continued safety of the survivors, for the peaceful transition of those who were lost, and that those who are wounded or hang in the balance may heal and gain strength in the coming days.
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