I was sitting at breakfast on Sunday morning, and I heard the news on a television playing at the restaurant that a mass shooting had happened in Orlando. I turned and watched as my heart ached for the terror, anger, and sadness that were being experienced by those murdered and injured. I prayed for the families, others watching, and our society that was losing its ability to create a safe place.
I remembered thinking, “I wish I didn’t hear so well. Now that I have hearing aids, I don’t miss hearing anything…even the terrible.” (I caught the fallacy of the thought process right away.)
Before, I wouldn’t have caught what was going on, because I couldn’t hear, especially in restaurants or crowds. I was always behind on what was going on around me, and I was OK with that because that was the way it was.
Now I can hear. Not only can I hear, I understand. I understand the fallacy of NOT wanting to hear the terrible. It is no way to live. One should have courage enough to see and hear the good, and want to see and hear the terrible. That is the reality of living. When we enter into that reality we become apart.
It is like the mother I know who had to take her daughter into the hospital in the middle of the night, because she had a 105 temp and stomach pain. You know that kind of challenge is tough. You’re tired, but you push through, because you love your daughter. You have work in the morning, but that is really an afterthought, because you love your daughter. You wish you could take on her pain and discomfort away, and even wish it on yourself, because you love your daughter. Love is the greatest action, but one must be willing to hear and see the reality that is in front of them. It would be unthinkable for a mother to ignore this, or say your pain is not my problem.
And so one can start with love. One can start with focusing on the first-responders, and those who overwhelmingly showed up to give blood. One can be amazed at the donated food and water that showed up in support of responders efforts.
What we can do directly? I don’t know the answer, but I am looking. Until then, I can start with love and my prayers for those who are suffering, and for those who are helping.
One needs to be brave enough to hear the terrible. When we hear and recognize the terrible, then we can appreciate and hear the good that responds.
I often avoid watching the news for this reason! I hate watching a program of one sad event after another that you never hear the end result unless it is one that a court case or jail follows. However, no matter if I watch or not, I will eventually learn about things going on that are unavoidably hard and sad. In the end, you are right. What has happened, has happened. Now what do we do with it? More importantly, how do we respond with our attitudes, thoughts and opinions!? It’s important to be sensitive and loving and maybe even leaving our opinions out of it for once! I think this maybe one time that I am a little envious of you with your hearing aids. At least you have an off button!
Very nice Jen.
Jen, Sometimes I feel the same. Yes, it is always the right thing to show kindness and love to others. Great point!
The off button, LOL!
Dale,
Such a thought provoking piece on what we hear that is good as well as bad news. Excellent point coming from one with a hearing loss. Many wouldn’t consider that perspective. I appreciate you sharing this!
Rich
It is getting harder and harder to hear the news. Your mind doesn’t want to accept what is happening in this world but the reality is that we have to become more aware of our surroundings and use our sight, hearing and our listening more than ever. Being aware of survival techniques is unfortunately now a fact that we cannot ignore. I cannot imagine what these mothers’ are going thru with such sorrow and loss. I do know that love is pretty powerful. It’s a good place to start with love.
Joanne, True. It is getting harder to avoid seeing such evil played out in the world. We certainly hope for goodness and truth to prevail.
We don’t always like what we hear, but that’s life. And it makes us appreciate the good even more. Great blog Dale.
So true Gail. The good and the bad is often heard and hard to avoid. Good point.
OK, this one had me in tears…again. It is unimaginable what these families are going through. All we can do is pray, and pray again that they will find peace in all of this mess. When I look at my daughter, all that I can hope for is , one day, someday, there will be peace, love and no pain!
Agree with you Kristie. Such a horrific act of evil to do such harm to others.