In light of the horror which took place in India, and another horror which is at this moment taking place in Greece (see photos at the end of this post) and has now spread to Spain and France, I think it’s appropriate to post this excerpt from my memoir and dedicate it to my friends in India and Europe, with hopes that people will come to their senses and understand that there is always a a peaceful way to get one’s point across….
“The Little Saint Nicholas”
(Excerpted from Harlot’s Sauce: A Memoir of Food, Family, Love, Loss and Greece)
At the end of our new road, there was a little white stucco church.It had a clay tile roof and was no bigger in its entirety than my son Nick’s new
bedroom. It was Saint Nicholas Church, for which our street had been
named. It was open every day. There was no staff in attendance, but you could go in whenever you wished, to light a candle and leave a donation in an unlocked donation box. It was such a tiny space, there was no room for seating. So if you wanted to pray, you’d haveto do so standing. It was a unique kind of place and Nick, at only eight years old, was captivated by it. He’d go inside and stay forever. I’d wait for him outside, in our parked car.
I could see him from there, just standing in that little church. Once in
a while, he’d move his arms as though he were speaking to someone, and I
wondered if he liked being in there because he thought it was the perfect
place to talk to God.
One morning after Nick left for school, Gregori pulled me over to our television. “Look at this,” he said.
The news report was showing our little church. A group of protesters had thrown a Molotov cocktail into it. Everything in the interior was burned to ash and the pretty white exterior blackened with soot.
“Oh, no,” I said. “Nick will be devastated.”
Nick surprised us when we told him what’d happened, however. He didn’t get upset. He just said, “We’ll fix it. Right? Baba works for a paint company. He can give the priest paint.”
I didn’t know what to say. I looked at Gregori.
Gregori said, “The church needs more than just paint to fix it, Nikolaki. All the icons and candles are gone. Everything inside is destroyed.”
Nick waved his hand dismissively. “Those are for other people to get. We can get the paint. Baba, you’ll ask George Cristos for the paint?”
Gregori didn’t have the seniority to request that his company donate paint to a church. He was probably thinking the same as I, because he was looking at Nick dolefully. But Nick was looking back at Gregori with such hope. I held my breath as they stared silently at each other.
Suddenly Gregori said, “Of course, I’ll get you the paint. Tomorrow after school, you and your mother will go see the priest. Give him my card and tell him to call me at my office.”
The look on Nick’s face was worth whatever this would cost us. “Thank you, Baba,” he said.
After he’d gone to bed, I asked Gregori, “Do you think George will donate the paint?”
Gregori made his favorite Greek hand circling motion. “We’re talking about a lot of paint. Stucco’s very porous. It’ll need many coats to get rid of all that black smoke stain. I hate to ask George such a thing. But it’s important to Nick. Worse comes to worse, George will give us the wholesale price and we’ll just have to pay for it ourselves.”
I was proud of the way he’d handled this. “Okay, Gregori. That’s what we’ll do.”
If I was happy with Gregori, I wanted to give George Cristos a medal the next day. As soon as Gregori told him what the paint was for and that Nick had requested it, he said he’d donate it. Furthermore, Nick was right — other people did contribute everything else. Soon, the little Saint Nicholas Church was prettier than ever. I’d never seen anything get done as fast in Greece.
We later found out that the suspects were ‘The Anarchists’, a anti-establishment group that expressed their sentiments by destroying things.They threw homemade bombs into empty buses that transported pupils to private schools, because they were “against elitism.” Then they threw them into buses that transported pupils to state schools, because they were “against group-brainwashing.” In short, they blew up everything, because everything was what they were against. They offered no replacement alternatives; they just left behind a mess. Every November 17, in “tribute” to the brave students who’d been slaughtered by the junta, the Anarchists broke into the current day Athens Polytechnic University. Faces covered with black cloth, so these ‘fearless rebels’ couldn’t be identified, they’d climb over the university gates, smash the windows of the buildings and tear the school apart, causing millions of drachmas in damage each year. But they weren’t arrested for it, because the Hellenic population had vowed never to forget the slaughter of those students, and the new democracy in Greece declared that all government-owned school buildings would from then on be a political asylum for any protesters.
I wonder if anyone besides me, “the naive little American” as some of the natives like to call me, noted the contradiction that a group who professed ‘anarchy’ was being protected by a government decree. As you can tell, I wasn’t impressed by Anarchists. To me, they were just glorified hooligans.
But, interestingly enough, Nick never once concerned himself about the people who’d bombed his favorite church, or what their purpose or values were.
He simply said, “Let’s fix it.”
And we all did. The most powerful statement that came from the
bombing of a church was made by an eight-year-old boy.
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Peace on Earth….Please
Makes me thankful that I can just take a walk down the street. Horrific situation, just melts me down.
You're right. No matter how bad things got here, we never had this, except of course, in LA, during the race riots…..
That's a great story.
I know, I agree. There are so many legitimate reasons for the populace to be protesting, but certain factions are now just destroying private property. And I hesitate to imagine what will happen if someone else is killed…..
Oh man…that would be so bad. I bet there are so many people that would love to get their hands on the rioters that have defaced statues and other historical items
It's so sad.Once you have chaos, there are always people who just like to break things.Nothing to do with ideology.Just some people revel in destruction.Unbearable.
I bet your right about that. I remember seeing those statues for the first time. I thought they were awe-inspiring, Cap. And now look….I'd love to know how all this helps
That's true. L. Always there are people who are looking for an excuse to destroy. I guess it's the only way they can feel powerful. Sort of like, "Well, I not smart enough or industrious enough tobuild it, but at least, I can ruin it." Worst part is theprotesters who really have something important to say are l umped together with the vandals.
Oh, I'd love to know the answer to that as well. How does this help everyone?
I must say I'm gob smacked at the news footage.I had no idea there is an undercurrent of unhappiness in Greece.There is a lot of thoughtlessness about. I saw an item posted on a LinkedIn group calling for India to attack Pakistan right at the start of their attacks. This went up before anyone new who was or wasn't involved.How someone who either lives there or presumably has family there can contemplate a war between to nuclear powers is simply beyond me.
I can't honestly say I ever noticed an underlying unhappiness about Greek citizens when I lived there. I wonder if this has evolved over the past five years or so, due to the retail price rises, the corruption of the government and despite the admittance of Greece into the EU, there are still few opportunities for the youth who from my perspective were very compassionate, hardworking,caring young people. That's why this astounds me, as does anyone who thinks war is an answer to anything.
hi patricia – i've been reading articles about the situation in Greece and i've been thinking of youi guess i will never understand people who destroy things willy nilly – i think, sometimes, things are always brewing underneath the surface – and then at some point they just need a catalyst to blow – unfortunately, after such an eruption, getting back to before is a difficult road – i don't go one day without thinking of Bombay – and now this stuffdoesn't anyone want peace? – how does all this make their lives better? – or are they past thinking
The times when it has happened in Oz have been opportunist fools who love a bit of agro but it has always faded away quickly. The Greece thing just keeps going.Very sad when thinking stops and violence starts
I firmly believe the attack on Mumbai was to destabilise the burgeoning economies of both India and Pakistan. I donlt believe there was simply religious unrest behind it. I think that's going to be the convenient excuse for any behind the scenes special interest groups who want to wreak havoc for their own self-serving purposes. If that sounds liek I'm a conspiracy theorist, so be it. The problem is that people get emotionally wrecked l immediately without thinking things rationally through. I.e – September 11 attacks and here we are seven years later with the entire world economy inthe crapper and thousands upon thousands dead. It seems when it comes to people's emotions, we haven't evo;ved enough yet to gain control over them and those who wish to use this against us, can and do.
Yes, Dr. Pete. Very true. See my comment to Paikea above.
Whenever I hear stories like this, I truly do remember that little boy who didn't ask any questions about who burned the church adn why, he didn't even care about anyone's stupid 'political statements and just said, "let's fix it." When you don't let these peole get under your skin, they are powerless. He knew that ,at the age of eight years old , but grown men and women don't.
Too many adults have been corrupted by money and lots of other stuff. That's what gets in the way of improvements and just the stuff that would usually be so simple
Dear Paticia,
Your comments and excerpts from your book are noteworthy. Life has to go on and world will not come to an end by the happening of any events.
BUT….the bigger question is…should the guilty and the perpetraters behind all these should be left to go scot free… and allowed to go on and on. True, Mahathma Gandhi said: "If we pursue eye for eye, the whole world will go blind". That may apply to good and sensible people or at worst to those who may be provoked and did some crime at the spur of the moment thoughtlessly without any premeditation.
But these are works of terrorists, mischief makers, criminals with deep and careful planning to create havoc by killing innocent people unrelated to their grouses, if any, even if those could be given as a lame excuses. Fixing the damages will take place naturally. Fixing the terrorists, their roots and their hot beds are more important if these tragedies are not to happen frequently like this.
Pakistan is the origin and spring board for most terror groups who have caused cruelty around the world. More so it is against India from there. (Leader of Opposition in Pakistan Nawaz Shariff has confirmed the terrorist caught alive in Mumbai is from a Pakistan village, which is now cordoned off by the military to block any access by media to cover the story).
Reason is simple. A military and its elite fattened by limitless bounties from mainly U.S.A., who ostensibly believes it is a staunch ally against cold war U.S.S.R. and its friend India, have milked all the cream and left the people high and dry. And to turn their attention to exterior as a scapegoat for their miseries, they use an imaginary enemy India and make it react as an enemy by constant provocations and three wars one of which dealt them a severe blow decisively and bifurcated their fragile country. Now, with India thriving and Pakistan left far behind with great miseries for the people, they stoke religious hatred, produce insurgents and indulge in cross border terrorism, which are mostly state sponsored to divert the people's attention to a "ghost" afar.
Unfortunately, U.S.A. continously supports and pours billions and billions in cash and military hardware to the nasty military rule in Pakistan (except for a couple brief trials at democracy) for nearly sixty years and know fully well their "ally" acts very dangerously against its neighbour. Ironically it cavorts a military rule and acts to the detriment of the world's largest democractic country.
Added to it, but more dangerous in reality, is a set of crooked politicians in India who do not act strongly against these terrorists, mainly from outside. A fragmented political government and weak leadership will only "condemn" the brutal killings every time and will repeat like a parrot that they will not "tolerate" these… but will not act. And these give encouragement to the criminals for more daring assaults killing innocent civilians.
Worse, the "secular" government, will not take action against terrorists because they are invariably Muslims, fearing they will lose the Muslim votes en block. First, these selfish politicians who do not act in the interests of the nation, should be put behind bars permanently, if I may say so. Here, my hats off to Israel. They will act immediately and will retaliate and they kill many times over what they had suffered from across their borders. That makes the terrorists cringe even though they may do some sabre rattling.
India is 82% Hindus, 14% Muslims and 3% Christians. But the last two "minorities" enjoy more priviliges and benefits than the majority Hindus, thanks to the appeasement by the vested politicians of the last four decades (the first generation of politicians were upright and fair), with an eye for their votes at the hustings. Shame really.
You won't believe: India has the second largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia. During independence the Muslims in India were only 10% and now they are 14% (During same periods Pakistan had 24% Hindus then and now less than 1% only – were they persecuted and made to leave?).
India spends several millions every year to subsidise Haj pilgrimage travels by Muslims, but Hindus are taxed when they go to Hindu pilgrimage centres in the Himalayas. And there are 52 Muslim countries in the world, and not one gives subsidy for personal pilgrimages of their citizens to Mecca!
Now, Christians and Muslims can teach Bible and Koran in the schools but Hindus cannot teach Ramayana and Gita in the schools!!!
Leave aside the atrocities of bad politicians at the helm, another relevant question is this: Has any Muslim cleric issued a "fatwa" against terrorists? Why?
These are all some points to ponder.
India's present malady is due to a weak government at the centre and elections are hardly a few months away. Let us hope for a better government, provided the illiterate masses are not brainwashed to believe the untruths unleashed with money power and muscle power.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life.
—- Swami Vivekananda
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Be happy and be cheerful, always.
Dharmaji
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oh – i totally agree with you on Mumbai – spread fear, instability, and hate – way too many people (and people in power) fall for this – and yes, we can look to 9/11 for that lesson – you don't sound like a wacko conspiracy theorist – you're right i keep thinking that it's too bad that grown-ups lose the just-get-on-with-it positive attitude of children
p.s. my family in Mumbai is Christian (Catholic) – they are from Goa originally – sometimes, i'm afraid that as a minority, things might happen one day – but, i try to give the Indian people more credit than that – when stuff like this happens, people tend to go looking for other people to blame in addition to the actual actors – as you said, instead of fixing things – i worry – maybe, my worry is kind of silly – but history doesn't make me feel any better
Dear Dharmaji,
There's a lot of information here to research and digest. And I will do so. Thank you for your thoughtful response.I would like to respectfully say, however, that we might consider that if Mahathma Gandhi wanted to put a 'qualifier' on his words, he would have done so himself?
What you explain here very eloquently is something that goes back to very ancient times, in every corner of the globe. There is always the big fellow on top pulling the strings and the little fellow on the bottom who reacts the way puppets do. Even in the Iliad, a tale of great warriors,'worthy' opponents and a 'noble' cause, it's the gods, instead of the usual politicans who are trying to dictate the outcome of war. And it's not they who suffer, it's the brave and the true, who though dying gloriously, still are as dead as any other corpse.
I prefer Dr. Suess' literary version of events, when the little turtle at the bottom of the pile gives a great shrug and topples the whole lot of the tower of turtles built by the corrupt king.
Let's think for a moment what would happen if we at the bottom didn\'t choose the predictable response. If, for once we did not fight fire with fire, and cause further destruction. The most quickly successful protests have been peaceful ones. And those that get to the economics of a city in a way where the people themsleves choose to make teh change because it hurts them where it matters -intheir pocketbooks For example. Martin Luther King's bus boycott. He affected an economic difference, without once resorting to raising a gun against his very real enemy. There are if not hundreds of ways to counter to what happened in India, then perhaps dozens, as there were dozens of ways to counter what happened on September 11 2001 here in the United and even the economic crises the globe faces now, if we but THINK and analyse before giving into our fears and go for the predicable violence to fight violence.
But trying to root out all terrorists through brutal means, all we do is breed more of them fueled by our violent retaliation upon them. It goes on and on.You mention Israel. What a good example. Have any of their violent and massive retaliations been effective in creating the peace of mind in the region they crave? Not one bit, it's only bred more retaliation and more death. Cliche perhaps, but all one has to do is examine history to see that this method has never worked. Yet, IU fear we are just not evolved enough yet as a species to see this as a viable possibility. And for peole like me who do see it so clearly, it sometimes makes the world a very sad place to live, indeed.
Unfortunately, your kind of worry is not 'silly.' It's always a very real possibility in violatile areas.
"i keep thinking that it's too bad that grown-ups lose the just-get-on-with-it positive attitude of children"
Why do we, P.? I wish I had the answer….
I agree with your last comment. Money is a lot of fun to have,for sure, but it's all so much more meaningful if one earns it in an honest way that doesn't steal what rightfully belongs to others….
How wonderful to have such an intelligent, loving and compassionate son. The story made me think of this: http://www.stnicholasnyc.com/On such a different scale (both in terms of the destruction and in terms of the rebuilding project – the church sold the land for $20m and there are new plans to build a replacement), but for much the same reasons: because some people just seek to destroy.Nick remembered better than most that we can all respond with the desire to build and re-build.
It frustrates me no end when they use the junta as an excuse. Most of them weren't alive during it and their families were probably not affected. They just want to use any excuse to destroy, break, maim, ruin. I stopped watching the reports because they made me cry: those are not my people, that is not my homeland. I don't recognise it and refuse to accept it.
Well, thank you he was a very small boy at the time, and though I still consider hm compassionate and intelligent, i think testosterone and more complicated emotions would have an effect today as it is havng on the youth in Greece. Not saying he would retaliate with malatove cocktails, but that as Pakiea points out, he does not have the "let's just fix it" attitude that children seem to have and adults have lost.
I agree with you about the junta-as-an-excise part. But it's interesting that we all take bad actions so personally when ithey come from a person with the same ancestoral background. That's probably the reason I hate The Sopranos TV show. I take it as though it signifies that all Italian-Americans are like them. However, not all Greeks or Greeks of the diaspora agree with what this group of youth is doing, nor do they see it as a political statement. No, it is what it is, vandalism.
Anyway, Mrs. Ashley- not to worry. You've got other equally important things to do this week as a new bride. And the first holidays togethe ras a married couple. (Sigh) How romantic and what FUN!
A shared background is a terrible factor to be influencing a war. Civil wars are very nasty affairs and bring out the absolute worst in us.I have always felt any peace keeping missions should not involve any neighboring countries just to keep the missions clear of claims of favoritism.I agree with the Sopranos attitude too. I simply couldn't watch it. The thought that it promotes stereotypes was very off putting.
"Civil wars are very nasty affairs and bring out the absolute worst in us."
Even more so than other types, absolutely.
"The thought that it promotes stereotypes was very off putting."
And worse, that people are entertained by watching that sort of dysfunctional family unit.Ugh!
As always brilliant commentary, Doc. ; D
What a lovely story and what a wonderful little boy you have…well he probably isn't little any more but so wise for his young years.
I heard about the troubles in Greece but don't pay much attention to it. Thanks for the photos and information. So sad that a few can ruin Christmas for the many. Let's all pray that their actions will have the opposite effect and make the world more thankful for Christmas.
Thanks for commenting WPG. Yes, the little boy is 21 years old now..(Sigh) that went fast. I think when times are troubled, people are more appreciative of the good things in life, so I share your hope….
Patricia I think that is what gets me up in the mornings, hope that all will be well with the world.
I suppose that's the hope of all good people…. : )
Amen!
Nick…what a great attitude. I would feel condescending if I called it optimism. It probably sounds trite but I think there is truth in the idea that terrorists only "win" if we give a rat's behind. Forget their hypocritical drama, just ignore the bullies and rebuild and move on. Each time. I agree, Nick said it best.
(I know, easy for me to say….although being a native New Englander I learned never to fight the snow, but to just accept shovelling. LOL lame analogy I realize)
This story really touched both my heart and soul, so close to my spirit with the true beauty being in the subtle lesson that all the world could seriously do with.All this violence, all so sad… it is the same in my old country, have seen it, felt it, smelt it and cried oceans because of it all. Thanks for sharing this one, it's in the salad!Aud
I know what you meant by th analogy. And the point is well-taken. Sometimes the very hardest thing to do is to ignore something that hurts so terribly. I'm not saying people should get away with murder. But to retaliate on a whole country is equally irrational. But to be frugal rather than flamboyant in one's response can make so much more of a powerful statement and is also many times braver. If only people would practice that, they'd be shocked at the positive results, I think…
After reading your post and excerpt I struggled to leave a comment because the beauty of what your son began leaves me quietly in awe. I will never understand hate. Your excerpt is such a beautiful contrast against what those who protest everything tried to destroy. I cannot wait to get your book.
How nice to see you here, Aud. Yes, I can imagine how things were for you there and because they were, I guess this little story would be all the more poignant for it. Well, time to start over in a new place, with a new life. And in this new year comimg up, I wish you all the very best things, for you are a talented, hardworking, warm-hearted girl who only deserves to be happy…
Thank you, NayNay and thank you for leaving this comment. I admire your spirit, especially against all the odds you have faced. You woudl be justified to be closed and bitter ( the spiritual equivilent to throwing malotov cocktails) but instead you, too, are a builder. You build warm relationships, and bridges to hope…. I'm still thinking about what you wrote to me in a pm, and I pray every day that there will be a positive turn of events….
That's very true
It just sucks when there's so much aggravation everywhere. Sure, it didn't help when the police shot the kid. But I'm sure that the rioters didn't need to cause this much ruckus in Athens and elsewhere.
There is a price which we all pay for freedom and democracy. I'm not sure that the right to cause mayhem and damage as a way to express your view, is one of them.
Two wrongs do not make a right.
You're SO right. And that's why the saying exists, yes? There had to have been a better way to get the point across. In fact, I wonder if in some cases this is not just sheer vandalism…
Anyway, let's not dwell on it today. I don't know if you celebrate Christmas, but even if not, I hope it's festive where you are today and you are in the holiday frame of mind. Even those of us attempting social reform deserve a holiday once in a whiel! : )
The Clan does celebrate Christmas, but we're a bit mor subdued this year. Everyone's watching to see how the world's going to behave in the next few months, what with the GFC and so on. But we're being merry in our own way. I hope your family is having a jolly time as well.
What is going on in Greece now is horrible. I don't know what sparked the riots, but people have been living in a war zone. I am so sorry for it.The fixing of that Church is a wonderful story. I think Nick is a special person to not ask "why?" to just propose the remedy. Most kids and adults concern themselves with the "unfairness" of life. Such worries can delay or prevent the reconstruction. Excellent. Now that memoir of yours is even closer to reaching my hands!Lucy
The riots were sparked by a shooting of a teenage boy by the Greek Police, but the faltering economy and political corruption was another fatcor. Also I'll point out that there are many factions- some protesting peacefully, and others simply looking for an excuse to vandalise! Thanks for your comment, L.
[isto é bom]
I know it sounds a bit naive, but I really have hopes that they will. They seem as a whole, more willing to communicate with one another, rather than kill each other. I honestly think it's all the interaction and communication on the internet. Which is why the powers that be are trying to regulate it….What will happen to their jobs if they can't convince our children, as they did us, that theonly solution to our differences is to blow each other up?
Whats happening in Greece remindes me of the 70's roits in america. I know a few who were in it and they told me it was an excuse to go out and have fun and destroy and loot. I realise Greece is different,I know shooting on site would make it worse,putting the hoolicans in prison is just a bandaid but something has to be done. I don't think time will stop it,but burning and bombing is so serious drastic measures have to be taken. When Libia started funding militant groups to kill americans Reagan bombed Libia and we never heard from them again. When Iran took our american hostages and Reagan said he would bomb the heck out of Iran the day before he became president they were released. If they want to stop the bullcrap a show of force in my opinion would stop it all. It will have to be a limited plan where innocent people mostly don't get hurt but thats the only way. Craig
The relevance of your son's attitude is highlighted, yet again, by what's happening in Gaza right now. There is nary a peaceful and safe place on this earth anymore.
I know you will disagree with my perspective, but I say it with respect:
When Iran took our american hostages and Reagan said he would bomb the heck out of Iran the day before he became president they were released
It's now become known that the hostages would have been released way earlier, but the US delayed it so that it would make a bigger statement on Reagan's inaguaration. Sorry, but I juts don't trust politicans, Republican or Democrat. i know reagan has a great repuatiuon, but alot of it is myth, just like the legends people tell about heroes from bygone eras.
To my mind, violence only breeds violence. That's the pointof my son's action on the church. he didn;t say we shoudl retaliate. He simply fixed the mess.
You are absolutely correct that those responsible for the vandalism need to be arrested, thrown in jail and made financially responsible for the damage they cause. Because in Greece, in particular, much of the damage is being done by spolied rich kids who want to loot just for fun(as you say) But, some however, are protesting the death of a young boy. They are doing so peacefully. How will the piolice be abel to tell the difference between peaceful protesters and vandals, if they use a show of force, as you say? Do we really want a military action against citizens? Is it not better to just arrest the perpertrators and force their parents to be finaiclly responsible for the havoc their kids are wreaking? When you shoot and kill kids, it makes people angry. When you arrest themn and force their parents to pay for their damages, you bet the parents will not allow their kids to do this again.
I don't know why every human being's first thought is to react violently. There are better ways that improve us as a species.
For you and for me, who were born in a somewhat privileged circumstance, there has always been the illusion of safety. Others have never had this illusion. The world has never been a safe place, wars and other humanly-induced threats aside. Living is in and of itself dangerous. This is something I learned from my father in a very particular circumstances when I lived in Greece. (Of course, it's in my book) He told me, "You're never 'safe' until your dead." It was an eye-opener, and instead of making me more afraid to live to go about my life, it actually made me less afraid to do the things I needed to do.
Im sorry Patricia but I didn't say to go kill or maim anyone. I said they need to have a show of force,not kill anybody, I admire your son and think he did it right,and to protest a fallen kid is admiral. If all they did was have a group statement about how unfair it all is more power to them. But when you throw firebombs and burn police and tear up innocent stores and police something has to be done to stop it. A watercannon should have been enough to quell the violence where nobody gets hurt. I hate violence and would rather save people in danger any day of the week,but the sad truth is police sometimes needs to control before it gets out of hand and a innocent child gets hurt. Craig
" watercannon should have been enough to quell the violence where nobody gets hurt. I hate violence and would rather save people in danger any day of the week,but the sad truth is police sometimes needs to control before it gets out of hand and a innocent child gets hurt"
I agree, Craig..By the way, I read your windmill post to my husband, He thought it was fantastic! We can;t wait to read more about your adventures with the electric company!
You can see my high school behind the church!!!
That's the same high school Joan's son went to! I am continually astonished at how small the world actually is. I canlt tell you how much I enjoy it that you live there, where I used to. It somehow makes me feel as though I haven't completely left it…
I have read this post about once a day since it was posted. I could not understand why. Untill today. I think it is because I have studied Greek history and appreciate the importance human concepts as much as I appreciate the history of the United States, Those concepts and values that we try to immulate. And to some extent this story could be about some incident in the US, And that makes me feel like I have lost something of great value. This may not make much sense,,but it is the best I can do.
Thank youf ro commenting, Lightfoot. It does make snese and I know what you mean. Sad, isn't it?