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| "Mom, who is Charlie Hebdo"... "It's Freedom, Simon" |
This drawing hangs on the outside wall of my older son's school building, and like the little child in it, my son had many questions about the tragic events of Charlie Hebdo that occurred in and around the the city we now live. Like most children, his questions were straightforward, short and simple; and he wanted uncomplicated answers to a subject that is anything but. It was a good exercise for me and my husband to try to explain what happened because it forced us to simplify the weighty topics of religion and tolerance and freedom while not getting too tangled up around extremism and terrorism and hate...
In the end, my son, who happens to love dessins animés (cartoons) himself, sternly but simply said nobody should be killed for creating a drawing...
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p.s. Thank you so much friends for your concern and thoughtful emails and comments here and on Instagram this past week. My family and I remain vigilant as we go about our daily lives in Paris and hope the city remains peaceful. Wishing you the same wherever you may be... #JeSuisCharlie xo
It is so hard to have to let them lose a bit of innocence when these world events occur. That drawing is so poignant.
ReplyDeleteyour images at Christmas and New Year and your new home reflected so much hope and happiness for the future. But now this. The loss of innocence of children, of community, a city, a country that has in the past had so much to deal with.
ReplyDeleteThe effects have reverberated through the world. I wish for you and your son bright sunshine not marred by fear or where are free voices are silenced.
My heart goes out to yours and all the children of the world, that they have come into a world where these kinds of things happen. Impossible to explain actions such to those so young and innocent, and so sad that we have to try.
ReplyDeleteYour son is so right!
ReplyDeleteWisdom! You and your husband are doing such a great job communicating with your boys. It is such a tough subject to talk about violence with our children. We want to keep them innocent forever. Thinking of you all, my friend. xoxc
ReplyDeleteThe wisdom of young children often puts into perspective what adults cannot. Your son said it so well, Catherine, and I was glad to know that you and your family are safe. What a start to the New Year after your holiday in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments, they mean so much to me. xo
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