I
arrived in Belgium on 9-11, a visitor in a foreign country during a tragically
tumultuous time of loss and confusion.
Last
week I awoke in Australia to another civilian disaster with the same
ingredients linking global grief and sorrow.
Outcries once again echoed across borders.
The
television reports in Australia were somber and as factual as possible. I was overwhelmed by the lack of “ finger
pointing” and their grieving words. This
is a country of adventurers and mavericks.
Travelling is in the genes of the Aussies, encouraged by the surrounding
seas.
The
perspectives from “ Down Under” touched me.
The reports did not blaze away with contempt for the hundreds of
countrymen lost. They spoke of the Lost
Souls. The word soul was repeated. There
was solace in that word for me and for the lives terminated so suddenly.
Reporting
was compassionate and sensitive. Loss
was expressed not only for Aussie countrymen but also for all and for lost
dreams. Filtering through this “Down
Under” lens of loss I sensed and experienced a reverence of explorers and
deeply connected souls.
Globalization
struck a new chord for me that day. It
started with the letter “C”. Compassion
without borders and communication without brisk judgment.
May
we celebrate every day with personal peace while remembering our connection
beyond manmade territories.
