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Parenting
Letting Hope Shine Through
by Lila Thompson
Updated: Jan. 27, 2015
Originally Published: Sep. 18, 2010
Once, I went out with a man who was, to put it mildly, eccentric. His dinner antics were peculiar, and he casually walked out of the restaurant with the unfinished bottle of wine tucked away in his coat. Yet, amidst the oddity, he made an observation that has stuck with me: “You’re one of those tortured souls, aren’t you? You seem to enjoy torturing yourself by consuming all the grim news about the world.” While there was never a second date, I couldn’t deny the truth in his words.
I do have a compulsive urge to absorb the dark and distressing headlines that bombard us daily. With incidents like the Navy Yard shootings in D.C., it often feels like my fixation has abundant material. From daily shootings to conflicts in the Middle East and even brain-eating amoebas, I often tell my partner that it feels like we’re spiraling downward.
I recall my brother grappling with despair after 9/11, questioning whether it was selfish to welcome a child into a world feeling so unsafe. How could he shield his son when he felt so vulnerable himself?
Yet, amid the chaos and violence, life continues; new babies are born every day, perpetuating the cycle of existence. Our role as guardians is to instill in them a sense of compassion and the importance of helping others. They must learn to seek out the helpers in troubling times, as Mr. Rogers wisely advised.
Life can often feel like a series of events split into before and after moments. As a parent, I keenly feel the impact of our post-Columbine, post-Newtown reality. When my children say or do something that resonates deeply within me, I’m reminded that somewhere, a parent is grieving their lost child. Someone is mourning as they pass by a bus stop or a café filled with memories that now sting with sorrow.
Despite my tendency to be overwhelmed by these thoughts, I remain continually inspired by the tenacity of the human spirit. For each violent act reported, there are countless stories emerging that highlight the goodness around us. The more we hear about tragic events, the more we also hear of individuals performing acts of kindness—buying someone’s coffee, covering a family’s bill, or paying off layaway at K-Mart for those in need. The darker the world seems, the more the human spirit defiantly rises.
Just yesterday, I experienced a particularly challenging day as a parent. If I’m honest, it was one of the most difficult days I’ve had in my five years of motherhood. My kids were incessantly complaining, and instead of remaining calm, I lost my temper. I yelled, slammed doors, and even shed tears. By the time I went to bed, I felt utterly defeated, barely recalling the moment my head hit the pillow.
But this morning brought a refreshing change. Both boys emerged from their room, their sleepy faces brightened with joy. “Good morning, Mommy,” they chimed together, sharing tales of their delightful dreams. It felt like a new beginning, exemplifying unconditional love. It reminded me of the importance of embracing each day with the same enthusiasm, knowing that the human spirit, love, and above all, hope, will always prevail.
Choosing hope is not just an option; it’s essential.
This article was originally published on Sep. 18, 2010.
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Summary:
In the face of a world filled with distressing news, the author reflects on personal experiences of parenting and resilience. Despite moments of despair, the narrative emphasizes the importance of hope, love, and the human spirit, as well as the necessity of instilling compassion in children.