Today I cried. Mostly for selfish reasons. And also because I was so very tired and, as mothers will understand, had no choice but to keep going. I've been feeling like a single mom lately, but I'm not, and understanding this makes me feel that much more sympathetic toward those who do parent alone 24/7, 365 days a year.
Today I wanted to be more gentle and more kind, knowing that others are hurting in secret. I was reminded as I always am, in my own times of struggle, that others are struggling, too. We all are, and when we're not that's when we can help the ones that are. When awful things happen, it's easy to sympathize with the victims, as we should, but it's harder not to villainize the perpetrators. Their families hurt, too, and so do they. People don't do terrible things because they feel good inside.
Today I thought about the awful, uncanny juxtaposition of all of this with the supposedly "magical" time of year that is Christmas. And I realized that this "magic" that people expect doesn't just happen, we make it happen. We create the magic. Santa doesn't really come down the chimney, we do his work for him. And Christ probably won't come tomorrow, or on 12/21 for that matter, but we can be his hands today.
Today I feel okay, because I know that what I've felt, others have, too. We're not alone and we can't act like we are. Christmas is about togetherness and giving and love. So smile more, lend a hand, be considerate and patient, and maybe today will be a better day for everyone.
Wow Ally, what a beautifully written post. Thank you! I really appreciated what you said " it's harder not to villainize the perpetrators. Their families hurt, too, and so do they". So eye opening in so many situations.
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