Yesterday, I ventured out with my 4-year-old daughter to the zoo. At first glance, this might seem like a standard outing—a day filled with mother-daughter connection while observing an array of animals, from elephants to playful seals. However, this trip was more significant. We traveled to the Oregon Zoo using Portland’s light rail, a journey that took us past the Hollywood Transit Center, a site recently marked by a terrorist act.
The convenience of public transit was a major factor in my decision to stay in Portland after completing my education. With my poor eyesight, obtaining a driver’s license is not an option for me. Thankfully, the MAX light rail and buses serve as accessible alternatives, allowing me to navigate the city effortlessly with my children. Unlike the small town where I grew up, my family can thrive without a car.
However, that life we’ve built and the community I cherish has been shaken by acts of violence fueled by hatred and Islamophobia. Initially, I felt overwhelming fear about getting back on the train. If such a horrific incident can occur on an ordinary weekday, what assurance do we have that it won’t happen again or escalate in severity?
After the attack, as I lay in bed that night, I reflected on whether I would have the bravery to confront hatred like those three courageous men did. I wish to think I would; I hope I would be the one to stand firm and say, “Not today.” But the reality is, I have never faced such a situation before. The thought of “What if my children are with me?” pierced through my heart, prompting deep introspection. My kids are my world; I would do anything to protect them from harm, especially from a terrorist’s wrath.
Nonetheless, I recognize that it is both my duty and privilege to teach my children to stand against intolerance and injustice. It’s crucial to defend those who are vulnerable and to stand in solidarity with those in need of compassion. I take this responsibility seriously; ensuring their safety is paramount, but I also understand the importance of instilling in them the values of courage and love. Ultimately, I would rather risk harm while doing what is right than explain to my children why I chose silence in the face of wrongdoing.
It would be easy to retreat into fear—to abandon the life we’ve created because of the potential for violence on the train. However, the truth is that choosing the right path can be daunting. We must continue to do what is right, regardless of our fears.
For my children and me, that means resuming our lives with heightened awareness, keeping our eyes and ears open, and preparing to herald a message of love for our neighbors. Yesterday, I took my daughter to the zoo, and soon, we’ll ride the train to IKEA. Next week, we’ll ride again, and the week after, because I refuse to allow terrorism and hatred to dictate how we live or threaten our community.
In some capacity, love always prevails.
For those wishing to support the survivors and victims’ families affected by this tragedy, please find a resource list here.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the author’s experience of overcoming fear after a terrorist attack while using Portland’s light rail with her child. It emphasizes the importance of teaching children to stand against hate and to continue living life fully despite the presence of fear and violence. The author expresses a commitment to instill values of courage and compassion in her children, reinforcing that love will always triumph over hate.
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