Yesterday - Yesteryear

Before Batya and I decided to start "trying" to get pregnant (with Carlie our 1st born), one of my friends posed a very interesting question to me - "Erin, why would you want to bring children into this horrible world?"

At the time, I was a bit put off by the question and really did not give it any thought.  I just shrugged it off and responded, "Cause we do..."  That was 12 years ago or so.  Needless to say, in many ways our world is quite a bit "darker" today than it was 12 years ago.  Or, that is what some might want you/us to think.  It really does feel that way when you look at a newspaper, turn on the news or check things out in online news.  

So, why wouldn't someone ask that question?  Should I feel worried or frightened about the safety of my children or for my spouse?  Sure - but that goes with being a spouse and a parent.  It is not like today is any scarier than yesterday was.  I always worry about the safety of those close to me.  It's just part of being a human being...or at least that is what I think.  I am so tired of reading about or watching terrible events unfold in front of my eyes.  Truth - it began, for me, on that fateful day of September 11 - when the United States of America was faced with something we thought could never happen.

Now, I do not want anyone to think I am equating what happened on September 11 with the shooting/massacre in Las Vegas, Orlando, Hesston, Colorado Springs, San Bernardino, Roseburg, Lafayette, Charleston, Waco, Newtown, Columbine and so many others.  Yes, some of these shootings were by citizens, while others were not.  And what do all of these tragedies have in common?  Many, many, many innocent people were killed, perhaps just for living their lives.  This is NOT a question of politics or placing blame.

It is time for us, as citizens of this world, as humans, to recognize we have a problem.  The problem is first and foremost that we are not able to agree on what the problem is...whether it is guns, disturbed human beings, or whatever else.  It is a problem - and we need to stop it now before any more humans are killed.  My good friend, Michael Moran said it best when he implored us to love and care for each other first.  Now.  It must be done.

It is impossible for us to turn back the clocks to yesterday or yesteryear.  However, what we can do is wake up, call the problem what it is - it is mass murder - and then work together to prevent it.  It can be prevented...and we need to begin the healing/solution by loving and caring for each other.

My prayer for today:

I am scared, God, I am scared.
Too many are dying, too many are dying.
The solution is there, if we just open our eyes and see.
God - give us the wherewithal to do what we need to do.

I am frustrated, God, I am frustrated.
These mass murders CAN be prevented, these mass murders CAN be prevented.
We need to reach out our hands in love and caring.
God - give us the desire to want to do what we need to do.

I am nervous, God, I am nervous.
What if no one agrees with me, what if no one agrees with me?
I hope people will join me and figure things out.
God - give us the strength to not give up even when we are tired.

I am inspired, God, I am inspired.
Many heroic acts were seen, many heroic acts were seen.
People put themselves in harm's way to help total strangers.
God - give us the heart to give hope and love to everyone.

​B'ezrat Hashem - With God's help....