February 21, 2018
I recently read an article written by a teacher in the United States. In this article she speaks her mind about the tragic murders of the 17 young adults who were gunned down by an obviously seriously mentally ill young man. She said the US needed to focus on “mental health issues, lack of available care for the mental health issues, lack of discipline in the home, horrendous lack of parental support, lack of moral values, violent video games that take away all sensitivity to ANY compassion for others’ lives, as well as reality TV that makes it commonplace for people to constantly scream up in each others’ faces and not value any other person but themselves.” I read this to Kent, and his response: “people in France (insert any first world country really) play violent video games too.”
It’s so easy to place blame on others. It seems like it’s always someone else’s fault for all the troubles in the world. Everyone seems to have a different answer to “what is right?” ….. I have a right to protect myself and my family with a gun. …. I think only crazies have guns. ….. My child should be able to do whatever they please. …. My child is not permitted to make mistakes. …. My faith guides me and leads me on the right path. …. Religion is an opium for the masses. ….. So many different opinions and beliefs, it becomes hard to identify what is right?
I do think that there is a “right” though. When your decisions, your actions and interactions are founded in love of your neighbor, it’s a safe bet what you’re doing is okay. We are called to live in solidarity with each other. To be in solidarity means that my pain is your pain and your pain is mine. Your joy, your dreams, your successes, your losses, your sadness, are mine, and mine are yours. When we think of what is best for our “neighbor” before we think of what is best for ourselves, maybe we can find some sort of peace. Maybe its idealistic. A ridiculous imagining. But I see it. All the time.
I see a little girl sacrifice 12 inches of her beautiful hair to give to a child who is undergoing cancer treatment. I hear her say beautiful words in remembrance of her best friend. I feel honoured when she asks me to be the person to cut her hair. I witness her holding up a cheque with monies to be donated to find a cure. I behold her parents who love and encourage her to do what is good and right. I acknowledge the individuals who helped her meet and surpass her goal and recognize that generosity begets more generosity.
I see 18 students and 3 teachers donate 8 inches of their hair to be used to make wigs for women experiencing the side effects of chemotherapy. I watch 9 students and 2 teachers shave down to show unity with others who have lost their hair. I contemplate 2 women who so easily decide to take the morning off of work, find child care and donate their time to help with the cutting. I hear a grade 9 student speak about her brother’s cancer experience, her fear, her sadness and her joy that her brother made it through.
We live in a broken world. I don’t think there is a single person who would dispute that. I’m not sure who or what to blame. I wish I knew. But I do know, that despite all of this, that there is so much goodness, light and beauty.
Keira: You are a little hero. You inspire people to do better. I’m so glad you were one of Matteo’s best friends.
Terry and Melissa: You are amazing parents. Keep doing what you are doing.
To the 27 students who participated in the Locks for Love campaign: keep fighting the stereotype that kids/teens are selfish and only think about themselves. You are loving and giving and amazing. Don’t let anyone tell you different.
To the staff who participated in the campaign: you know who you are and there are no words.
Matteo: I would do anything to have you here. We miss you so much.
