What a magnificent, powerful, profound essay—thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. It’s very brave and also very reassuring that such humanity is flourishing. The same with the animal rescue efforts— again thank you!!
Once again, you capture the essence of the humanity that keeps me going through the constant barrage of discouraging events that are seemingly beyond my ability to impact. A reminder that the power we have is the ability to help those most immediate to us, whether they be family, friends or members of our community (friends we have not yet met).
I’m a 90 years old man. I’ve experienced many of the difficulties you so well express. I have also experienced many of those unexpected last minute rescues.
I have seen, time and again, that there are those who, seemingly without consideration for their own well being - go in.
“Bless the beasts and the children. For in this world they have no voice. They have no choice”.
(song written by Barry De Vorzon and Perry Botkin Jr., recorded by The Carpenters, 1972.)
Your column tonight gives me fresh hope. You write of volunteers braving the fires & smoke to rescue pets, farm animals and other living creatures, taking them out of the immediate danger of being trapped by flames and unable to breathe through the smoke. Instead of dying a horrible death, they are safe. I can hope they will be cared for and released into a world that is not on fire. Thanks for another moving Sunday evening read, Shanley.
I didn't know there was a worry about your son, only that he is so bright and interested in the world, but I am now adding him to my ever increasing prayer list and knowing that he will have all the assistance he needs and the enduring love of his amazing parents to tackle whatever it is, and the possibility that it is nothing to worry about at all. Your writing is so beautiful and courageous, Shanley, we need it is these times. Thank you for taking time for us with such a crazy schedule.
We need to know the truthful facts about the awful situations that our world is facing. If we don't know, we won't implement the corrective actions needed. But, on balance, we need to have a light shined on the goodness that our world contains. If we don't know that side, we won't have the hope and inspiration and courage needed to fix the awful stuff. You and Mary are providing your readers with the details about our challenges and uplifting reasons for meeting those challenges. And you do it brilliantly and beautifully each and every day. Thank you both!!!
You have touched our hearts and souls with your beautiful words and feelings. We are grateful for you and want you to know that we are with you through thick and thin. Thank you for your profound sharing.
This kind of thinking is what's needed now and always. Here's hoping from Australia, land of frightening bushfires and floods and droughts, but our beautiful land where we live safely and well -most of the time. Kids are so precious. My fingers are crossed and thoughts with you. Sally
I suspect you have read this from Rebecca Solnit's "Hope in the Dark":
"Hope is not a lottery ticket you can clutch while sitting on your couch, feeling lucky. It is a fire axe you use to break down doors in an emergency." That's an approximate quote and she says a great deal more, all of it worth reading.
What a magnificent, powerful, profound essay—thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. It’s very brave and also very reassuring that such humanity is flourishing. The same with the animal rescue efforts— again thank you!!
Once again, you capture the essence of the humanity that keeps me going through the constant barrage of discouraging events that are seemingly beyond my ability to impact. A reminder that the power we have is the ability to help those most immediate to us, whether they be family, friends or members of our community (friends we have not yet met).
I’m a 90 years old man. I’ve experienced many of the difficulties you so well express. I have also experienced many of those unexpected last minute rescues.
I have seen, time and again, that there are those who, seemingly without consideration for their own well being - go in.
Thank you for reminding me.
“Bless the beasts and the children. For in this world they have no voice. They have no choice”.
(song written by Barry De Vorzon and Perry Botkin Jr., recorded by The Carpenters, 1972.)
Your column tonight gives me fresh hope. You write of volunteers braving the fires & smoke to rescue pets, farm animals and other living creatures, taking them out of the immediate danger of being trapped by flames and unable to breathe through the smoke. Instead of dying a horrible death, they are safe. I can hope they will be cared for and released into a world that is not on fire. Thanks for another moving Sunday evening read, Shanley.
Wow Shanley, your writing brought tears to my eye! Your writing is visually beautiful! Keep it up… love it!
I didn't know there was a worry about your son, only that he is so bright and interested in the world, but I am now adding him to my ever increasing prayer list and knowing that he will have all the assistance he needs and the enduring love of his amazing parents to tackle whatever it is, and the possibility that it is nothing to worry about at all. Your writing is so beautiful and courageous, Shanley, we need it is these times. Thank you for taking time for us with such a crazy schedule.
Thank you for those inspiring words of wisdom. Perhaps there is a future for mankind after all...
There are always helpers during tough times. Look for them and help them if you can.
So sweet, I am in tears.
Praying for your boy! Grateful for what you’ve been given and tell your story with honesty, hope and compassion. You have a gift!!
We need to know the truthful facts about the awful situations that our world is facing. If we don't know, we won't implement the corrective actions needed. But, on balance, we need to have a light shined on the goodness that our world contains. If we don't know that side, we won't have the hope and inspiration and courage needed to fix the awful stuff. You and Mary are providing your readers with the details about our challenges and uplifting reasons for meeting those challenges. And you do it brilliantly and beautifully each and every day. Thank you both!!!
You have touched our hearts and souls with your beautiful words and feelings. We are grateful for you and want you to know that we are with you through thick and thin. Thank you for your profound sharing.
Shanley,
Thank you once more for a beautiful, moving essay. Wishing you and your family everything good for the future; you so deserve it.
This kind of thinking is what's needed now and always. Here's hoping from Australia, land of frightening bushfires and floods and droughts, but our beautiful land where we live safely and well -most of the time. Kids are so precious. My fingers are crossed and thoughts with you. Sally
I look forward to hearing about your son's MRI. I desperately hope for good news.
I suspect you have read this from Rebecca Solnit's "Hope in the Dark":
"Hope is not a lottery ticket you can clutch while sitting on your couch, feeling lucky. It is a fire axe you use to break down doors in an emergency." That's an approximate quote and she says a great deal more, all of it worth reading.