Have been watching the news on and off about the shooting and tearing every time I see survivors or families sharing their stories. The most heart-wretching one was of the principal's family. Her husband said he no longer feel angry at her for putting her life in danger. She had asked her staff to hide while she went out to confront the gunman - she was shot dead. When the reporter asked the daughter what would she say to her mom if she were here, she paused and wept: "Come back... come back..."
The pain is so real.
In between the news updates, Mr. Jang streamed Saturday Night Live on his Mac (we still haven't bought a proper TV). Definitely a good relief from all the sad news that's going around this country. We could all use a laugh or two in these solemn times. Ha.
This morning's sermon spoke about the kind of gift we could give God this Christmas. Afterall he gave us his son more than two thousand years ago. God loves justice. We could give him justice, not in terms of being judgemental and taking revenge in our own hands, but by being agents of change at home and in society to ensure that everyone (children, adult, elderly) are being treated fairly and given a fair chance at life.
A fair chance at life indeed... Sincerely hope that individually and collectively, the people of this nation can put a stop to all these senseless violence and give the young (and the old) a safe environment to grow and live.
Showing posts with label tragedies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tragedies. Show all posts
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Connecticut
This year's birthday celebration was a tad more special in that:
1) I celebrated it in US instead of SG;
2) Because of the time zone difference, it felt like a 2-day celebration because I have loads of friends and family wishing me 'happy birthday' a day in advance;
3) Compared to previous years where I met up with old friends for dinner, I actually made new friends this birthday (had brunch with Mr. Jang's colleague and her fiance, and also met up with a couple from SG whom I knew through another friend and have briefly spoken to on FB.)
I really had fun, but at the back of my mind, I'm haunted by the tragedy that happened at the elementary school at Connecticut.
It's not the first time such shooting incidents have happened in US. I'm not sure why I am particularly bothered this time - perhaps it's because I'm on this side of the world, or perhaps it's because I've been a sunday school teacher to primary school kids - I try not to imagine what went through the minds of the teachers... terrified, need to do something, what to do, how much time, protect my students...
I read the news on the timeline of the massacre and saw the list of names of the victims which was just released by the Police. I am truly overwhelmed with sadness when I thought of the children, especially how they would never have a chance to realise the dreams they have in adulthood. The young victims (most of them were reportedly first-graders) were just starting to enjoy school and friends... and they were robbed of their lives so early. Not only those who were slain, those who survived... the police officers had to ask them to close their eyes as they passed through the corridor on the way out to safety, because the scene along the way was just too horrible for anyone to see. As I write, I heard on the news that some of the six-years-olds are still trying to process what happened and if their friends and teacher will come back.
I don't want to debate about the right to own guns, although I really want to punch the stupid interviewee on TV who said that everyone should own one so that we can protect ourselves (what stupid logic is that). I want to pray for God's healing for the families, for the country, for the world. A lot of people would ask where God is in the midst of all these tragedies, how He can let such atrocities be committed against the innocent. We don't have an answer, but we know that God's love endures even through the most difficult times.
Mr. Jang said one thing which I really agree with. Christmas is coming, and often we think of how we can use this day as an opportunity to go on a holiday or party with friends. But this Christmas, may we truly be reminded that Jesus is the reason for the season, and take time to pray for His intervention in this world of irrationalism and violence.
May God bless the victims and comfort their families in the long painful journey of recovery.
1) I celebrated it in US instead of SG;
2) Because of the time zone difference, it felt like a 2-day celebration because I have loads of friends and family wishing me 'happy birthday' a day in advance;
3) Compared to previous years where I met up with old friends for dinner, I actually made new friends this birthday (had brunch with Mr. Jang's colleague and her fiance, and also met up with a couple from SG whom I knew through another friend and have briefly spoken to on FB.)
I really had fun, but at the back of my mind, I'm haunted by the tragedy that happened at the elementary school at Connecticut.
It's not the first time such shooting incidents have happened in US. I'm not sure why I am particularly bothered this time - perhaps it's because I'm on this side of the world, or perhaps it's because I've been a sunday school teacher to primary school kids - I try not to imagine what went through the minds of the teachers... terrified, need to do something, what to do, how much time, protect my students...
I read the news on the timeline of the massacre and saw the list of names of the victims which was just released by the Police. I am truly overwhelmed with sadness when I thought of the children, especially how they would never have a chance to realise the dreams they have in adulthood. The young victims (most of them were reportedly first-graders) were just starting to enjoy school and friends... and they were robbed of their lives so early. Not only those who were slain, those who survived... the police officers had to ask them to close their eyes as they passed through the corridor on the way out to safety, because the scene along the way was just too horrible for anyone to see. As I write, I heard on the news that some of the six-years-olds are still trying to process what happened and if their friends and teacher will come back.
I don't want to debate about the right to own guns, although I really want to punch the stupid interviewee on TV who said that everyone should own one so that we can protect ourselves (what stupid logic is that). I want to pray for God's healing for the families, for the country, for the world. A lot of people would ask where God is in the midst of all these tragedies, how He can let such atrocities be committed against the innocent. We don't have an answer, but we know that God's love endures even through the most difficult times.
Mr. Jang said one thing which I really agree with. Christmas is coming, and often we think of how we can use this day as an opportunity to go on a holiday or party with friends. But this Christmas, may we truly be reminded that Jesus is the reason for the season, and take time to pray for His intervention in this world of irrationalism and violence.
May God bless the victims and comfort their families in the long painful journey of recovery.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Remembering 911
I remembered receiving the call from my parents while Sis and I were driving home from school. The news was a simple yet eerie one - 2 planes had crashed into New York's World Trade Centre and no one knew why. We rushed home and switched on the news to see endless replay of the second plane crashing into the tower and images of people running around. I remembered feeling for the first time that time had stood still and that we must be all living in a big nightmare because it couldn't be true. Then I remembered running to the photo drawer and pulling out a photo that my parents took of Sis and me on top of the World Trade Centre a year ago, because Mom had won first class tickets to New York on CX and my parents took us and Grandma along for the trip. I wouldn't exactly call it a close brush with death, since we were there one year ago, but I certainly sensed a chilly feeling of that-could-have-been-us.
The incident still haunts me after 10 years, even though I don't personally know of anyone who has been affected by this horrible event. Reading articles on this, especially as we come nearer to its 10th anniversary, reminds me once again how fragile life is and anything can happen anytime. Crap, this week I read a report of a man who died from choking on his inflight meal on Jetstar. Earlier this evening, I watched a documentary about a man who hung himself as he was too stressed over his work (he couldn't sleep properly cos he was worried about wrong calculations at work.) And then the other day in Taiwan, while we were heading back from Jiufen, we saw an accident between a lorry and a motorcyclist (Mom saw blood oozing out from the helmet of the limp rider and he/she probably is a goner). All these just tell me again and again and again, to cherish those who are still alive, not get pissed over petty things and prioritise my attention on things that matter more, like friends and family.
One decade on, the victims' families are still coping with their losses. I am pretty sure it would take a long, long time to fill up the void feeling. One never forgets, especially when lives are taken away in such a sudden, shocking manner.On this coming 10th anniversary of 911, I want to extend a hand of comfort to those who are still mourning and finding it hard to come to terms with their tragic loss.
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