12 Comments
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John Gregory's avatar

You have an eloquent pen (keyboard). How nice to see it used in a message of hope, even if the times rarely allow for one. Thanks.

Kirsten Yates-Konzen's avatar

Thank you for this hopeful message. We must make a concerted effort today (now more than ever) to identify the good that humans are doing and the good they are capable of doing. Our world depends on that hope.

Laurie Trombley's avatar

Thank you, Shanley! I love words. You have such a gift for crafting them.

Dave Delgardo's avatar

Thank you, Ms. Hurt, for this much-need commentary. Especially today.

Kirsten Yates-Konzen's avatar

Shanley Hurt is a female writer.

Dave Delgardo's avatar

Thanks. I knew that but allowed my fingers and my brain a moment of disconnect. Thanks for helping me fix it, Kirsten!

Rene R. Rinaldi's avatar

Thank you for directing our attention to something other than the depredations we live with every day. And thanks to all the good, dedicated people who are making this happen.

Katherine Puckett's avatar

Thank you for this story!!!

Ava Hoover's avatar

I have a poster in my room from the Talmud purchased around 2016: "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." Despite that, I recognized myself in this essay and was moved to tears. Thank you for giving me your insights and wisdom.

Dixie Knoebel's avatar

My nephew entered the army in time to break down Iraq and Afghanistan. Shortly thereafter, I became a contractor for the department of state. Our job was to begin to repair things that the army, and others had broken. The circle of life. The nephew caused mayhem in Iraq and Afghanistan, and i and my cohort’s went in and tried to return it to normal. I always prayed that if we could plant a a seed, it would be an opportunity for growth and improvement. At this point, I don’t know where we stand. So sad.

Steve R's avatar

Thank you for the beautiful story and the special message it contains. Sorely needed this morning... at the start of another guaranteed crazy week.

Don Packer's avatar

Hope comes in the strangest places. Thanks for sharing a moment that allows us to believe the world will be okay if we just have the patience and will to keep going.