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More often, I am amazed how things come and go in our lives; a sort of ebb and flow of events, people and changes. Time effects these moments in an intangible perspective. What I mean is, the history is right there in front of our eyes; I see the changes; the gray hairs, the wrinkles and yet some day it hits me, wow I am married to this man for 30 years where has the time gone.
I feel the same with historic events; regarding the concept of time, they are no different I was quite surprised when I learned that the Oklahoma bombing took place 20 years ago ; how can that be; I feel the same about the attacks on 9/11, this year it’s 14 years. It feels like not too long ago we mourned the losses of these tragic happenings in history.
Thirty days ago, I was writing a post about bullying and here I am one month later continuing my contribution to 1000 blogs of compassion –The prompt for today is nurture – the definition for this word is; “care for and encourage the growth and development of”. Such a simple word with a powerful significance behind it, I feel my household can be an interesting study regarding the adage of “Nurture vs Nature”; I say this because although we are a new family, and our children came to us with developed personalities, and opinions their behaviors and beliefs were developed in an institutionalized environment. Perhaps we got lucky or they are the exception to the rule, but my kids are kind, loving, and happy. Regardless of their age, we are nurturing them; encouraging their growth and exposing them to a completely new world. We are giving them a voice and validating their feelings.
My wish this month is that every post that will be contributed to this cause, is that no matter what we write about, all of our posts will automatically change something in everyone. Today I was prepared to write about my family on my blog but in light of the awareness that I felt, my message about nurturing is linked with the many years that span our lives and realize one truth.
Although time heals, and gives us a phase to grow and develop, I’d hate to think that we are also accepting all that has transpired.
How can this be – twenty years ago, we watched in horror, a community suffering a nightmare – parents who lost their children, families devastated, a community saddened and a country shocked.
Fourteen years ago we, as a nation, felt the same emotional state when we were attacked by a group of people that breed hatred among themselves. Between these two events and there after we have witnessed unjust acts of loathing, over and over again – today in Boston they ran again as the convicted faces a sentence because of his action. Yet I have to ask when does it end; I am pleased they ran again, and I believe we all have a judgement day – what I am not, is willing to say anymore “we all carry on” “this will make us stronger” Stronger at what, for the next time. Why?
Today’s topic is about nurturing, are we willing to change history, finally to ban hatred forever? Look, I was devastated when I learned what happened in Oklahoma, I was numb when I witnessed the attacks at the World Trade Center, I was furious when I learned that children were attacked in their schools, but I looked away when I heard about the beheadings.
How do we, care for and encourage the growth and development of; I don’t know, is it too late for all of us? I don’t know. All I know is, when I realized twenty years ago a government building in Oklahoma was blown up because of someone else’s radical beliefs I was shocked. Twenty years ago folks, nothing changed.
We mourn but we don’t nurture one another, we continue and carry on but we don’t stop and encourage, we watch but we don’t learn.
When we nurture we care for and encourage the growth and development of so many – children for one, our land too, and perhaps I dare say it our enemies.
I am often curious about the little 8 year olds that endure apocalyptic, violent surroundings, how do they grow up…do they have passion to make the world safer for other eight year olds, or do they move across the land with two huge chips on their shoulders called hatred and revenge.
“Every child should be nurtured with great love. The feeling of great love promotes wellness and potential for greatness.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Beautiful Quotes
oh marisa.
so
powerful.
moving.
inspiring.
i often think of the little children of all the war and terror torn countries now…
a whole generation cheated of something we all cherish of our own… a childhood.
they must be old before their time. they've known only fear and blood and violence and the smell of death. poor little souls.
♥
This is a beautifully written piece. I don't know what the answer is, but I agree that it doesn't seem we have learned much throughout these years.
Marisa,
for some reason I can't remember Oklahoma. I know it happened I watch documentaries all time , but I just can't remember what I was doing.. In a way I am glad..
horrific events like that I am sure I block.
Have a great evening..
LOVE Your writing..
Thank you – it would make a difference to the young if they knew kindness.
if only we could – thank you
thank you –
thank you
Sadly, I think some of those eight year olds do grow up with hatred and revenge in their hearts…but not all. You are right, we need to nurture one another so that no one grows up like that.
I have a really hard time with the beheadings, too, and also with realizing that 9/11 happened 14 years ago. How is that possible?? I think that kids are resilient but also I think they grow knowing what they know because they know no other life. So when bombs are blowing up around them, they don't realize that there's a life out there without that.
And wow – how I pray and hope that one day, all children know a life of outdoor safety and love rather than hatred.
I have wondered about when well strike back and kill the parents who are the terrorists are little eyes watching and then a seed of hatred is planted? It seems these comes in spits and stops. The children grow up and repeat their parents' or relatives' actions. How do we stop the cycle of violence? Is it possible to turn the other cheek as a nation?
We measure time in so many ways. My now teenage children were tiny on the day we now call 9/11, yet I got quite a jolt when you mentioned that was 14 years ago. If only we would learn from these events of history, and apply that knowledge towards peace.
it is very sad – I wish it would stop
There certain things that I cannot process – cruelty is one of them… when are we going to realize how important it is to guide the kids they are the future.
no i don't think so … but i do think that breeding hatred or teaching hatred needs to end first hope it will happen one day