Parenting
Allowing Hope to Flourish
by Lisa Grant
Updated: Jan. 27, 2015
Originally Published: Sep. 18, 2010
I once went on a date with a rather unconventional individual. He exhibited peculiar behaviors throughout dinner and even left the restaurant with the unfinished bottle of wine concealed in his coat. However, one remark he made during our meal has lingered in my mind. He looked at me as though he could see a part of me that few do and said, “You’re one of those troubled spirits, aren’t you? You seem to enjoy putting yourself through the agony of watching the news and all the terrible events occurring in the world.” Unsurprisingly, there wasn’t a second date, yet it was striking how accurately he had assessed me.
I do have a somewhat compulsive urge to consume all the distressing news that floods our screens daily. The recent Navy Yard tragedy in D.C. serves as a stark reminder that there is no shortage of grim headlines. From daily shootings to the turmoil in the Middle East and even bizarre health threats, I often tell my partner it feels like we are spiraling into chaos.
After 9/11, my brother grappled with a profound sense of dread, contemplating whether it was selfish to bring my niece into a world where our previous sense of invincibility had been irrevocably shattered. How could he protect her when he felt so vulnerable himself?
Despite the overwhelming sense of doom surrounding us, new lives enter the world every day, continuing the cycle of existence. As caregivers, our responsibility is to nurture a desire in these little ones to support and uplift those around them. In challenging times, they must learn to seek out the helpers, as Mr. Rogers famously advised.
Life often seems to unfold through a series of significant events, divided into moments that came before and those that came after. As a parent, I am acutely aware of my existence in a post-Columbine, post-Newtown reality. When one of my children says or does something that deeply resonates with me, I am often struck by the realization that there are parents out there who are grieving. Somewhere, a mother is mourning the loss of her child; another parent is reminded of the bus stop they once frequented with their little one. Each acceptance letter opened feels like a reminder of a future that will never be.
Yet, even as someone who often feels weighed down by such thoughts, I remain continually inspired by the resilience of humanity. The more violence we witness in the news, the more we also hear about the countless acts of kindness. For every tragic event, there are stories of individuals paying it forward—whether it’s treating a stranger to coffee, covering the bills for those in need, or supporting families during difficult times. The human spirit often rises to meet challenges with unexpected strength.
Just yesterday, I experienced one of the most challenging days as a parent. To be candid, it was one of the toughest I’ve had in five years. My children complained incessantly, and rather than remaining calm, I lost my temper. I yelled, slammed doors, and even shed a few tears. I felt utterly defeated when I finally crawled into bed, hardly remembering the moment my head hit the pillow.
However, this morning was a refreshing change. Both boys emerged from their room, still sleepy but wearing bright smiles. “Good morning, Mommy,” they chimed together, sharing stories of their pleasant dreams. It was a moment of unconditional love—a reminder that each day is a new beginning. I realized I need to approach life more like them, embracing each day with the understanding that hope, love, and the human spirit endure.
Choose hope. It is everything.
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Summary:
In a world filled with news of violence and despair, it is essential to recognize the resilience of the human spirit. Despite personal challenges in parenting, hope and love persist, reminding us to greet each new day with optimism. As caregivers, we must instill values of kindness and support in the next generation, encouraging them to seek out the helpers in times of trouble.
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