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One Humanity

11.17.2015
Paris Tuileries Cain Henri Vidal
White Peonies

There are no simple words to describe the terror of last Friday's attacks in and around Paris, the violence, the horror, the grief and sadness that now cloaks the city, its country and the world... how can it be summed up when there are too many words of anger and too much sorrow.

Though shocked and deeply horrified, as bullets and grenades went off across the river Seine, thankfully my family was safely inside our home. The following morning we heard from neighbors and friends whose boyfriend or teacher or friend was at the stadium, concert hall or restaurant, making us feel not so removed after all... and with France in a State of Emergency, the school outings planned for my boys have been cancelled for a while and stricter security measures are in place all around the city and throughout the country.

What's most unsettling and disheartening really is knowing that above all this turmoil and intolerance and fear, we are all one humanity, all of us made up of flesh and bone and a beating heart. One humanity with a myriad of skin colors and languages and landscapes that can, if we try, live peacefully on our one planet. If I have learned one thing living in France these past 20 months, it is that because of our differences, we gain connection and understanding and become one community under the umbrella of one humanity.

Last weekend a friend described a television program they saw about a group of artists promoting love as the answer to war, and my friend questioned if indeed the answer was this simple. Of course not! It is much too complicated, overly entangled in ideology and politics and on and on... I don't know the answer, but history tells us more fighting is clearly not.

I just wish we didn't live in a world where our children risk dying on any given day from being outside having dinner or enjoying a music or sports event; where they have to witness the unspeakable horrors man can inflict on one another, followed by war and then repeated.

Could we somehow learn to live in the manner in which we respond when violence touches one of our communities - with compassion and an open heart. But just as I write that it reverberates with simplistic idealism... as do all wild and hopeful imaginings. Alas why not try...

***

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

***


* Thank you so very much friends for reaching out to express your concern for me and my family - xo

31 comments

  1. luv the quote from Martin Luther King, what happen in your country is a terrible terrible tragedy, for all of humanity

    have a blessed Tuesday

    much love...

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    1. Thank you Gillena... what happened here in Paris (and similar acts of violence that go on around much of the world) is sadly an assault on us all.

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  2. yes, we are all one... and almost all boundaries are imaginary ones... it is hard to explain events like these to children...but I think conversations about all of us being one, the same, needing love and respect, is something we need to start as early as possible. these events were horrific but atrocities are committed on all sides... so sad...

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    1. You're right Jandi... it puts greater light on what we say to our children and more importantly how we behave around them. They pick up on everything! I notice most of all that it's no use preaching nonaggression and patience if I don't SHOW the example. My boys call me on it. Every. Time. Like Mother Teresa said, "Peace and war begin at home."

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  3. my heart bleeds for the people of Paris, France, and in fact the whole world. The events of the weekend reverberated around the world, even as far away as my country Australia and my thoughts went immediately to those I know who live in Paris or France, or have family there. The world is going through very troubled times. Time and again I wonder about how human beings can do this to each other. Why cannot we live in peace, and respect each others race and religion.
    My heart goes out to you Catherine, and to your family and your boys especially...living in a world where once they were riding among the beautiful streets of Paris and now that carefreeness and innocence has been smashed by others.
    Take care Catherine. hugs from Australia.

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    1. Thank you so much for thinking of us Jill all the way from Australia, where your Opera House looked stunning in bleu, blanc rouge :) There's too much turmoil in the world, and it's confounding how terrorists wake each morning with the sole purpose of terrorizing... seems like the darkest form of reality. Our blogger friend Adrienne reminded me that whenever we witness horrors around us, let us look for the helpers, they are reminders of light and hope...

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  4. My heart bleeds for all the victims of terror and war.

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  5. I have to tell you, when the news broke of what was going on in Paris you and your family immediately came to mind. I was hoping you'd post soon so that we would know you were all safe. You have spoken brilliantly. For me, there just are no words at the moment. My heart just aches.

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    1. I'm so touched by your thoughtfulness Kathy... because I have no extended family (or very close friends) in Paris, you all are like family, my online family. It's been tremendously comforting to receive all of your thoughts and prayers. To have this community is a saving grace... thank you my friend. xo

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  6. Like you, Catherine, I've wondered why there needs to be such hatred and suspicion. Why must innocent people pay the ultimate price to further the ideologies of others? Unfortunately, I don't believe any of our world leaders knows how to stop the violence. I think there are many more decent, loving people than evil people in the world. But, when people are willing to suicide bomb for a cause, how might we understand that and make excuses for them? I wonder sometimes if the modern technology that ties us together is also a quick and easy way to spread hatred. My son-in-law is French, and I have another friend living in Paris, plus my thoughts flew immediately to your family. I'm grateful for your safety. I hope your boys and my grandchildren can somehow build a world of peace where respect and love for all humanity and Nature guides their actions. I hope fervently that this dream comes true even if I'm not here to witness it.

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    1. I share your hopes and prayers Barb... sometimes I see our world leaders like kids on a playground, most play well together, others don't try hard enough. And then there are bullies. So fighting a common cause becomes difficult. But at the end of the day, I think there is still hope and change is possible. Thank you for your kind words of concern - xo

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    2. The image of the playground is quite fitting, Catherine: I can easily visualize them, playing and risking...

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  7. PS The Peonies are very lovely. I like that dreamy quality.

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  8. I have been hoping to hear that you and your family are safe since I heard the horrifying news Friday night. I grew up in the "peace and love" years, the 1960s, and it just seems harder and harder to be hopeful for the world. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts and photos.

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    1. Thank you so much Cynthia. We certainly need a greater movement towards peace... is it possible to do so with groups who aren't willing to negotiate, whose mindset is so fixed on terror, we can only hope.

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  9. Sadly the powers that be tend to be war hungry politicians with little space for thinking outside the box. It is all so terribly sad and destructive.

    Mollyxxx

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  10. I am so happy to receive this blog post as I have been thinking of you and your family but had no way of checking in since I quit Instagram. I love your message here. It's so beautifully written and touched my soul. One love, one heart. When will we realize our bond as humankind and love (or at least not hate) our fellow mates? Sending you & all of Paris my love.

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    1. I do miss your updates on IG Jamie... especially since I've been itching to see your second bundle for so long now. Thank you for coming to visit and checking in. Love to you and your family, as always. xo

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  11. So beautifully expressed, Catherine. I know that your hearts ache far more than ours but all hearts are aching after the evil that happened in Paris last week. It's beyond the pale to think that it's a risk to go about our normal business and enjoy our leisure time without threats to our safety. I'm so glad you're all safe and for me the biggest take away from your post is that the very next day, you went out to talk to your neighbors. That's what we have to do, even if it's slowly at first. Resume our normal life routines, support one another, refuse to let them take away our normalcy. To know Paris is to love Paris, my love to all of you as you continue your daily lives.

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    1. Thank you so much Dotti, your words are comforting. My family and I have been going about our daily routines since Friday, but things have certainly changed... even my neighborhood cafes have noticeably less people sitting on their terraces. But at least folks are out and about, children are at school, public transportation is running smoothly (for the most part), and businesses are open. Sending you love back - xo

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  12. Wonderfull foto statue for this post hommage Paris, greeting from Belgium.

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  13. Thank you, Catherine, for letting us know that you and your family members are safe. We are saddened by the loss of so many innocent lives.

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  14. Our hearts are with you and your city! When are people going to stand up and say enough is enough. No more war! No more fighting!
    http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2015/11/leaves-corner-view.html

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  15. I somehow knew you were ok... but I was waiting for this post! Of course, beautifully written, it brought tears to my eyes too. You said it all... not much to add! So glad you are all ¨ok¨ . Stay safe!

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  16. You have found the right words... I am still looking for them... Thank you and stay safe.

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    1. Thank you D... I hope you and your family are well. You will find the words, you always do...xo

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  17. Sending love and light to the City of Light!

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  18. Amen! Beautiful post. Wishing you well.....

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  19. Thank you for taking the time to post this. We should be reminded of this constantly. Hate and terror are not the answers.

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  20. Thank you friends... I hope our world can soon become a safer place for all of us to live. xo

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  21. This image is just so on point as well as your words. You were the first person that came flooding to my mind when I heard the news. Every life is personal, and yet really knowing of someone living in the midst of tragedy makes it even more personal. Sadness and anger were companions that night and for days following. So hurt for your beloved France.

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