A Letter to my Son

Update:

Saturday July 23rd: Carlos called this morning and he has an entry about the tragedy on his blog: 

http://carlosrosado.blogspot.com/2011/07/sad-day.html

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I spoke with you this morning and you sounded so excited and full of life… talking about your wedding that will take place in ten days… about the masters  program you’ve enrolled in at the University of Oslo… your new apartment… and so much other bright, happy news.

Then, half an hour later you called back. “Don’t worry Mom, we’re alright.” The unthinkable had happened in safe, quiet Norway. A bomb had gone off… then later in the day, the news that the madman had attacked a youth camp. My head dropped and I had to wonder what this world is coming to.

Mexico, of course is no stranger to violence. We live with our own demons. But I think this makes us more compassionate to others who are suffering in the same way. My heart goes out to the people of Norway. Violence shakes our foundations. When it touches you, it feels as though your reality is something all together different than you thought it was.

But although you are in shock and reeling from today’s events, the important thing is to go forward with your plans and not let this individual’s craziness destroy any more than he has. The best way to fight negativity is with positive thoughts and actions.  Think about the wonderful times you’ve had and look forward to the many more that are coming your way.

With this post I want to convey my sympathies to everyone who has been affected by this tragedy… you are not alone.

I send love from Merida.

14 Comments

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14 responses to “A Letter to my Son

  1. Pingback: Oslo « The Mex Files

    • Thank you Richard for your very well thought out piece on the Oslo attack. We need to work together to stop the hatred from spreading. We? … people in North America may ask. Yes, we… the same racial bigotry that caused Friday’s attack in Oslo is behind the growing fear of “reconquista” in the USA. .

  2. Thanks so much for this, Joanna–I was worried.

    Yes, what is the world coming to? I reviewed some MLK,Jr. quotes today. Here’s one:

    “Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies – or else? The chain reaction of evil – hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars – must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation. ”

    ((from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html

    • Alinde, MLK has been gone for so long now… had the world listened to him back when he said those words, I wonder where we’d be. If we don’t heed them now, where will we be in another 50 years?

  3. It boggles the mind. Just so glad to hear Carlos and his lovely bride are ok. I’m sure knowing you will be with him in a few weeks makes this more bearable.

  4. Thank you mom… it has been very hard and Jeanette is quite upset, but as you know she is a strong woman and will be ok. I also have written a post on my blog http://carlosrosado.blogspot.com/2011/07/sad-day.html

    Love, Carlos

    • Darling, I know how strong you and Jeanette are. You have shown this before and in not unsimilar circumstances. The best way to stand up against this, is to live good, happy, productive lives. I know that in two weeks time, Jeanette will be a beautiful confident bride as she walks down the aisle in Frederikstad… and into your arms. I love you both.

  5. Beautiful and you have put into words thoughts many of us have. Thank you.

  6. Beautiful letter. It is so difficult to realize that these attacks could occur in such a peaceful country.

  7. Lee

    It’s impossible to come up with an adequate response to such a thing. Everything I can say sounds like a cliche. You’re right — all we can do it keep going on, keep moving ahead.

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