Tragedy

When tragedy strikes, I now view the world differently. Partly because I am a mother, partly because I am an Army wife. Was I a heartless, uncaring individual prior to giving birth and watching my husband become a United States soldier? Not in the least. I have always been an emotionally sensitive person and used to think I empathized with victims of tragedy. I would get tears in my eyes as I sang "The Ones Left Standing" in choir. I would feel sadness for the lives lost, the grief of the survivors, and the souls of the terrorists- in whatever form they may have been. But I did not empathize with them truly. I merely thought it a great loss, but it did not truly seem to affect me or my daily life.

Now, how much will the bombings in Boston affect my daily living now? Honestly, not all that much. I will pray for those involved. I will pray justice will be served. I will be saddened when I read the breaking news. But my day-to-day will continue.

But this is the difference: I do empathize with the mothers and fathers who lost their children, whether the child be young or old. Even the parents whose children were injured. The worst feeling is seeing your child hurting. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. What I do imagine is unthinkable- and the reality must be so much worse. Throughout my child's first year of life I would have moments of terror when I worried he may fall prey to SIDS. I would rush to his side to ensure he was still breathing. These moments of terror must be the most minuscule resemblance of the horror the parents of lost children feel. So I empathize as best I know how with those parents. My heart breaks for them and rejoices with the healing if the children who will recover.

The second difference: I have to wonder how this will affect my husband. He most likely will not be affected directly or immediately- but who was behind the attacks? What were their motives? Who are they in allegiance with? What other plans do they have? Will this turn into war? Will my husband be deployed as part of that war? Where will he be sent? How long will he be there? How hostile will the environment be? Now, I am not worrying about these things yet, but these questions have arisen in my mind throughout the course of the day. Yes, this may be selfish. Yes, I am very thankful that my family and to the best of my knowledge my friends are safe. But as the wife of a soldier, you look at national tragedies in a different light. Your thoughts turn a little selfish. You fear for your husband and his men. You fear that all too soon you will not be empathizing with the victims, you will be one of the victims.

This has been a tragic day. My heart hurts for all the witnesses who will never be able to forget the scene and all the frantic families waiting for news of their loved ones. My heart leaps when you hear stories of those who rushed to help others and risked their lives to save others. In the midst if tragedy, we are reminded that not all of humanity instills terror in the hearts if others. No, our every day neighbors will more than likely be a helping hand in times of trouble. That is where we find hope. That is the beauty of the day. Thank The Lord for His mercy and grace and for teaching us to love and care for our brothers.