Mercy

Apologies for my absence in blog land. Thank you so much to all of you who have found me and decided to dedicate some time to hear what I have to say. I am not a particularly political, or religious person for that matter.  I sway further to the left than most family, friends and neighbors, and tend to keep my opinions close to the vest. This week, though, has moved me. Rocked me to the core. I know I am not alone. The horrific murders in Newtown have stopped many in their tracks. There is no way to make sense of it all, but it is clear that the time has come to put a stop to all of the madness.

The President was right when he said that these children and educators have inspired us as a nation. I have never written to my congressman before, but have been inspired to voice my opinion on gun control, and sign petitions. My dad has been inspired to rally his friends and community and two days ago, handed over his gun to the South Walton Police Department. It is time to say ENOUGH.

Yesterday, my son was repeatedly kicked and head-butted for telling a school mate that he should not eat on the bus. When asked by an administrator why he was doing this to Luca, the boy said he could not CONTROL himself. Granted, the child has social issues, but is it wrong of me to want to march to his parent's house to ask if they have firearms? The recent events have driven us to paranoia, which feels far worse than 911 since it touches our children and violates their safety. When Luca asked me this past week why I was crying so much (not something he witnesses often), I told him that it's because I am profoundly sorry for the children and teachers, for their families, for our own children and our nation. Have we come too far to turn it around? I hope not.

Last Friday marked the first day of my Christmas break.  I had already decided to take some time off to dedicate to the family after a very busy year of trying to make a living and building my business. The angel children have indeed inspired me to be a better parent. To slow down and take time for what is most dear to me.

In lieu of an advent calendar, I started a new tradition: The 12 Days of Christmas. We have had fun with these small daily surprises, which range from 10 minute back rubs, to planning their favorite menu (Wouldn't you know Luca asked for lobster? He is settling for ribs.) ,and scavenger hunts to the freezer for their favorite ice cream.  My daughter pointed out that most of these surprises have been about food.  I guess that's just a mother's way of taking care of her babies and showing how much she loves them. Although they are 15 and 11, this week they feel like babies, indeed.

I will leave you with a song from my favorite band, Dave Matthews Band. The relevance of the lyrics this week touched me once again....

"Mercy"Don’t give up, I know you can see
All the world and the mess that we’re making
Can’t give up and hope God will intercede
Come on back, imagine that we could get it together
Stand up for what we need to be
‘Cause crime won’t save or feed a hungry child
Can’t lay down and wait for a miracle to change things
So lift up your eyes, lift up your heart
Singing, mercy will we overcome this
Oh, one by one, could we turn it around
Maybe carry on just a little bit longer
And I’ll try to give you what you need
Me and you, and you, and you just wanna be free
But you see, all the world is just as we’ve made it
And until we got a new world I’ve got to say
That love is not a whisper or a weakness
No, love is strong, so we got to get together
Yeah, gotta get, gotta get, gotta get
‘Til there is no reason to fight
Mercy, will we overcome this
Oh, one by one, could we turn it around
Maybe carry on just a little bit longer
And I’ll try to give you what you need
Mercy, will we overcome this
Have we come too far to turn it around
Ask too much to be a little bit stronger
But I wanna give you what you need
Mercy, what will become of us
Oh, one by one, could we turn it around
Maybe carry on just a little bit longer
And I’ll try to give you what you need

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT_d2yjkUaY

Merry Christmas. Love to all.

Lisa