Wednesday, January 05, 2005
A Moment
One of the disadvantages of not reading the French news is that I'm rarely up to date on current events in the country where I live. Today was a prime example. I'm picking up the kids at the school. I've picked up my daughter who is let out of class (maternelle/pre-k) at 11:50am and then wait for my son who is let out of class at 12:00pm. Before he was let out of class, a loud alarm goes off in the school. At first I panic that it is the fire alarm, but no one moves. In fact things get quiet. People gradually stop talking. Then it hits me.... they must be having a moment of silence for the poor victims of the Asia tsunami. I realize this only because, sadly, this experience happened not too long ago when there was a moment of silence for the victims of the subway bombing in Madrid, Spain.
Then the Mairie/Town Hall blows its horn for about 20 seconds. Everyone is standing in the rain and it seems appropriate. It makes the moment more somber. In all, three minutes pass before the school alarm goes off again and parents resume the process of picking up their children.
I really appreciate these moments of silence. I know they don't change anything, but it's nice to have the focus of a few minutes be for everyone to remember the poor victims of Asia and I couldn't help but feel very lucky to be here with the rain on my face and my children close by.
-- said Auntie M in Paris
7:20 PM
I couldn't agree with you more. It is good that you have that appreciation, and the realization as to your blessings. That is really half of the battle, isn't it? I can't even think about the happenings...it makes me so sad I can't even deal with it. I suppose that is "silly"...but it is so hard. I am going to donate some money to the disaster fund...it's the only thing I can think to do...
# posted by Carrie : 10:35 PM