On a Serious Note
My dear reader — I address you as dear because that’s what you are to me. You take the time out of your day to read this and some of you even come back for more. Though I do sometimes worry if my audience consists of only my mom. If it does, hi mom, and yes I did finish my homework and no I’m not ditching class. But whether you’re my mom or some random person who has stumbled across this, you are dear to me and I thank you.
Today we received news of the bombings in Boston. I hope by the time this is published we know who is responsible for the tragedy and that they have been brought to justice. But all day the nation has come together with our good thoughts and prayers directed toward the people of Boston, the victims of today’s events and their families. I’ve spent the day on the phone with friends and family, sympathizing with those affected and expressing our love for one another.
The thing about being 800 miles away from home is that when tragedy strikes, we are reminded how far away from our loved ones we are. Most days we’re distracted by tests and parties, just as they continue on with life at home. But when we take a moment to stand still we remember that you can’t hug your little brother every night before he goes to sleep and that the next time you see him he will have grown half a foot.
I’m not saying to stay home, reader; it’s important to be away. Most days I feel so lucky that I get to work in New York City and learn alongside people from all different walks of life. But I’d be a liar if I didn't tell you that some moments when the world becomes quiet I miss the thought of being surrounded by the people I love.
Not to say I haven’t had the chance to expand the list of the people I love here in New York. I’ve had the chance to meet people I am happy to say I plan to know a long time. Friends that I have survived hurricanes with, professors who are happy to just listen to me crack jokes for 45 minutes, and of course my HawkTalk family who is a special kind of wonderful.
When tragedy happens our faith in humanity can be shaken. We ask ourselves, who in the world has this much hate? So much hate that they feel the need to harm others? But I ask you dear reader, don’t try and understand hate. Don’t let it become what we focus on day to day. Frankly, cable news will do that for you. Look around at the love that surrounds you, all the people who you are lucky enough to call friends and family. That’s love and faith and hope and everything.
Tonight, after you’ve heard all the bad things in the world, turn off the news. Take a second tonight to call someone you love. I don’t care if it’s a parent, a spouse, a friend or all three. Let that be how you end your evening, how you see the world and how you judge humanity.
It was Anne Frank who said, “Despite everything, I believe people are really good at heart.” I agree with Ms. Frank and ask you to try and do the same. Thank you dear reader, and know that I love you. I don’t even know you and I love you. Because in the end, love is what really matters.
Love, love? Thought this was too damn sappy? Have an idea for a post? Comment below! And for your viewing pleasure here are some of my friends and family.
"Hard Times Come Again No More" by Stephen Foster preformed by Iron and Wine. Click and take a listen. Might just lift your spirits.
