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Azur, I have never doubted that reporters are human and must suffer
from witnessing so much trauma on a daily basis. Witnessing the horror is a form of living it. I'm glad that he took the time to respond to you.
So much suffering happens on the nightly news that I often forego watching it because it is like being bombarded by discrete packages, little explosive bombs of adrenaline-producing information, which serves to stimulate my already over-stimulated nervous system and about which I can do nothing but mourn.
I hope that the girl and her family find a way to pick up the pieces, but from some tragedies, there is no "moving on" without tremendous pain.
posted by
Blanche.
on June 11, 2006 at 12:25 PM
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Azur, you seem to have been there.
You don't have to live in Somalia to learn to fear violence or Mexico to live in poverty. Children are orphaned everywhere. But many of people, although concerned and engaged, still have a TV or movie influenced take because they can't imagine being without resources or hope of change.
posted by
majroj
on June 11, 2006 at 7:16 AM
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Pat B, I don't think I'll hear from the reporter again. He's a leading
correspondent in the Middle East for a major network and I was grateful that he took the time to respond to me. Sadly, he will go on to cover many similar stories. I think that someone in his position would go quite mad if they tried to keep track of every such story they cover. However, I believe that we need people such as him who ensure that people have a chance of seeing what is going on.
posted by
Azur
on June 10, 2006 at 2:49 PM
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I hope your writer friend will follow up
and let you know the little girl is recovering. After reading posts like this one I understand my mother's comment that some things are worse than death. Very powerful writing! :)pat
posted by
Pat_B
on June 10, 2006 at 5:28 AM
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Terrible....
posted by
A-and-B
on June 10, 2006 at 3:07 AM
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i read this blog not too long after you posted it and found myself at a
loss for words. how does one respond to such tragedy without sounding trite? your telling of the story is haunting and i can only hope that girl gets help.
posted by
fourcats
on June 10, 2006 at 1:49 AM
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Majroj
My heartache for that girl was based on one thing in particular - that no one can give that girl what she wants or needs, a mother's touch and guidance. That is why it seemed so hopeless. The report showed the father with the 2 year old boy. That man has much to bear.
posted by
Azur
on June 9, 2006 at 8:43 PM
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One can only sincerely absorb so much before one changes.
But until you have been there, sincerety is tinged with fantasy.
posted by
majroj
on June 9, 2006 at 8:36 PM
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Azur
Your story is so very, very sad.
I have a great respect for reporters, the job and lifestyle takes a certain courage, I know.
The reason I know about their need for courage, is that just as a simple human being. my work once was in aircraft salvage.
I would not have been able to write about it. What did happen to my own mind and life, as the result of that work for two years, was that I did need the help of a psychotherapist for many years.
The strange thing was, that those images I had dealt with as a young man, changed my personality as an older man.
I hadn't done the grieving for those lost souls, and it affected my first marriage to a huge degree
posted by
WileyJohn
on June 9, 2006 at 3:05 PM
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Very sad and heartbreaking..
posted by
_Symphony_
on June 9, 2006 at 7:15 AM
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sorry for the typos!
posted by
FranklyMydear1
on June 9, 2006 at 6:18 AM
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a sad story...
...but one that needs to be told...Gaza? I'm sure there are hundreds of these kinds of stories every eyar, yet we in teh west are desensitized and have no point of reference for such misery and I am sure even our imaginings fall ffar shoort of the realities of daily life in such a place...
A young Egyprian writer recently sent me a story to edit for him, about a father who is coming back from his labour job and stops to buy his young daughter a doll for her birthday. A car bomb explodes beside the bus he is riding on, maiming him and killing many; a riot ensues, the doll is on the street covered with blood as the ambulance arrives to take him away...and this is his life everyday...
I enjoy reading your thoughtful posts. thanks
posted by
FranklyMydear1
on June 9, 2006 at 6:18 AM
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Very heartbreaking.
posted by
Flumpystalls3000
on June 9, 2006 at 6:04 AM
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Azur
You have a wonderful heart.
posted by
bel_1965
on June 9, 2006 at 5:35 AM
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I never know how to process the pain of this type of reality, or how to respond without sounding like a greeting card or a jerk. It's painful to witness, and it's painful to imagine life from that perspective. If I could better intellectualize and verbalize how I feel, I would. Unfortunately, the broken heart above will have to do.
posted by
SilverMoon7
on June 9, 2006 at 5:33 AM
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Azur---It takes very courageous souls to live in this world.
Just so many tragedies happen around the world every day. Victims of all sorts have to be strong on their own and carry on with their lives because no matter how compassionate others are, all the attention, caring and concern will die down sooner or later. The victims will only be left with themselves. This is the cruel side of life.
Thank you for this feeling story.
posted by
una01
on June 8, 2006 at 11:35 PM
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Azur, and this helps you feel better too? I bet so!
posted by
kingmi
on June 8, 2006 at 9:30 PM
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It is too tiring for me to spend time in hospitals so soon after surgery. One way I help people is write letters or documents for them - that is the best use of time that I can give.
posted by
Azur
on June 8, 2006 at 9:28 PM
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Thanks Kingmi
posted by
Azur
on June 8, 2006 at 9:22 PM
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Azur, there are many suffering in hospital near you who could use cheering
Very deeply felt article!
posted by
kingmi
on June 8, 2006 at 8:22 PM
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