I planned on sneaking away at 10.45am today to the Remembrance Day service where we live. I didn't plan on having a three year old and one year old with me. But that's how it turned out.
And I'm glad because it was nice to hold my little girls' hand while I cried.
It doesn't take much to make me cry. I cry at the happiest of times. But something happens when I'm at a commemorative service like this. The emotion wells and stirs inside me.
Maybe because I can't fathom war. Maybe it's the silence.
I tried to explain to my three year old while we were there.
The end of the First World War, wasn't going to cut it. Nor was to remember the soldiers who have passed while serving our country.
So I went with: "There was a really big fight and everyone was sad, then the fight ended and everyone was happy and at peace again. So we're going to celebrate the peace with lots of other people".
"To a party? Will there be candles?" she asked.
"No, not exactly. But there will be a flame, and flowers and a trumpet too".
And so she watched closely at all the people there, and asked for a red flower and when it would be her turn to play the trumpet.
And she held my hand, and I held hers.
I let my tears free when I heard these words: We remember those who returned, wounded in body, mind and soul.
And I gave thanks for peace. And love. And a hand to hold mine.
xx
>> Interested in receiving my free mindfulness prints and "breathe" meditation eBook? I can't wait to soon send them your way. You can sign up for them here. <<
And I'm glad because it was nice to hold my little girls' hand while I cried.
It doesn't take much to make me cry. I cry at the happiest of times. But something happens when I'm at a commemorative service like this. The emotion wells and stirs inside me.
Maybe because I can't fathom war. Maybe it's the silence.
I tried to explain to my three year old while we were there.
The end of the First World War, wasn't going to cut it. Nor was to remember the soldiers who have passed while serving our country.
So I went with: "There was a really big fight and everyone was sad, then the fight ended and everyone was happy and at peace again. So we're going to celebrate the peace with lots of other people".
"To a party? Will there be candles?" she asked.
"No, not exactly. But there will be a flame, and flowers and a trumpet too".
And so she watched closely at all the people there, and asked for a red flower and when it would be her turn to play the trumpet.
And she held my hand, and I held hers.
I let my tears free when I heard these words: We remember those who returned, wounded in body, mind and soul.
And I gave thanks for peace. And love. And a hand to hold mine.
xx
>> Interested in receiving my free mindfulness prints and "breathe" meditation eBook? I can't wait to soon send them your way. You can sign up for them here. <<
Hi Elisa..it is so sad to think that men and women, young and older are still coming home, wounded in body, mind and soul. You would think we'd all learn.
ReplyDeleteSo very sad Carol. Those words are still on my mind xx
DeleteIt must have been nice to have your little ones with you to give you support. a good thing to remember. x
ReplyDeleteYou explained this moment to your daughter so beautifully Elisa. I find these moments so sad and moving too, I wish that war didn't have to happen thoughI am so grateful for what they did for us so that we are able to live in peace. xx
ReplyDeleteI am hearing you. We take the kids to the dawn service in the local village each ANZAC Day and I always, without fail, get teary. I think it's the feeling of pride for our country and also sadness at the loss of so many.
ReplyDeleteVery moving, Elisa. I'm glad she was there to hold your hand too...
ReplyDeleteIt is impossible for me to fathom what people suffered and continue to suffer because of war. So many people gave up so much so that we could live in peace. Something to be eternally thankful for.
Ronnie xo
Lovely post Elisa. Thanks for stopping by at mine and commenting. Have a lovely week. Elaina
ReplyDeleteWhat a beuatiful way to explain what is such a heartbreaking and confusing concept. Peace is really something not to be taken lightly. Wishing you the loveliest of Thursdays.
ReplyDeleteSteph :) x
thisbrownwren.blogspot.com
I can feel the peace in your words. What a beautiful moment. So often we exclude our kids from such occasions. Our freedom came at such a price.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteI went to a local Anzac parade this year, and couldn't get rid of the lump in my throat the whole time.
Something about the recognition of those who gave so much, and how thankful I feel, and the emotion of it all - I'm not a massive crier but I can totally relate xx
a hand to hold is a special thing indeed ... this is beautifully written x
ReplyDelete