Once, I went on a date with a rather peculiar guy. His behavior during dinner was unusual, and to top it off, he left the restaurant with the unfinished bottle of wine tucked under his coat. Yet, he said something that has stuck with me: “You’re one of those tortured souls, aren’t you? You like to torment yourself by watching the news and all the terrible things happening in the world.” It was an odd moment, but he hit the nail on the head.
I do have this compulsive tendency to consume the grim news daily—be it shootings, conflicts in the Middle East, or bizarre health threats. It often feels like we’re spiraling downwards, like I tell my husband. After 9/11, I remember my brother grappling with the idea of bringing my nephew into a world that felt so unsafe. How could he protect his child when he himself felt vulnerable?
Despite the overwhelming negativity that surrounds us, new life emerges every day, completing the cycle of existence. As caregivers, our responsibility is to nurture a spirit of kindness and compassion in our children. In challenging times, they should learn to look for the helpers, as Mr. Rogers wisely advised.
Life often appears as a sequence of moments marked by significant events. As a parent, I feel especially aware of my experiences in this post-Columbine, post-Newtown era. There are moments when my children do or say something beautiful, and it hits me hard—somewhere out there, a parent grieves for their lost child. Someone is haunted by memories as they pass a familiar bus stop. Others struggle to accept the reality of a future their little ones will never experience.
Yet, even amidst all this heaviness, I’m continually amazed by human resilience. For every act of violence that captures headlines, there are countless stories of kindness emerging. More and more, we hear of people performing small acts of generosity—whether it’s buying a stranger a coffee or helping families in need cover their layaway bills at K-Mart. The human spirit rises in response to adversity.
Just yesterday, I had a particularly tough day as a mother—one of the worst in my five years of parenting. My kids were relentless in their complaints, and instead of handling it with grace, I lost my temper. I yelled, slammed doors, and even shed tears. I went to bed feeling utterly defeated.
This morning, however, both my boys woke up, sleepily cheerful. “Good morning, Mommy,” they chimed together, bright smiles on their faces as they shared stories of their pleasant dreams. It was a fresh start, a display of unconditional love. It reminded me that I should embrace each day like they do, recognizing that hope, love, and the human spirit ultimately prevail.
Choose hope. It’s everything.
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Summary:
In the face of life’s challenges, it’s essential to embrace hope and foster resilience. Parenting can be overwhelming, but each new day brings a chance for renewal and love. Amidst the chaos, we must focus on nurturing kindness in our children and recognizing the good that persists in the world.