Jenna, I am so grateful to you for that comment! It usually feels hopeless and helpless. I did get some extra sleep. Not the "sleep in until 10:30" dream that was in my mind lol but that was because my body wanted up before that.
Now I'm drinking my strong coffee and the pancakes are prepping! Happy Mother's Day to you too. Let me know if you have any Gaza related questions I can help with - and check out Zeteo here on Substack by Mehdi Hasan - it's an excellent resource - lots of very well researched journalism there.
I think this was what Mother’s Day was originally made for, a woman who wanted to celebrate her mother who was a peace activist. That it is up to us to think of the children, and to keep the children of the world safe. And to be reminded of the mothers trying desperately to keep their children safe.
I am so glad that you will get rest and pancakes today. Thank you for taking the time to write. For giving us so much, and for your poetry, and your perspective.
My youngest child asked what I wanted today, and I used to just want “peace and quiet” for myself. But this year I honoured that my children want to spend the day with me. My youngest wrote me a card because I said all that I wanted was some gentle words. And he wrote me a card. It was beautiful.
But this year, what I really want, is peace and quiet for the world. And for the children to be heard.
Wake, that's beautiful - I haven't heard that before but it's so much more meaningful than the idea of just another holiday to buy more stuff!
I have been trying to convince my kids not to buy things for me for a while - my youngest got the memo and made me a beautiful paper and yarn flower. My eldest got me something, but it's a dessert so at least it's edible lol.
"Gentle words" - what a lovely way to point your child in the direction of peace and gentleness. Love to you too - and for the children to be heard. 💔
I appreciate that you continue to show up for Palestine. I cannot believe people are still allowing this to happen. I hope you had a great day yesterday and enjoyed the pancakes!
Thanks, Rojeen! I'm in disbelief too. My cynicism is definitely at its peak but I'm trying to resist it and keep my heart soft. On the flip side of the horrors and the callousness are all people who are standing up to protest, to say this is wrong, to say not in our name. I have to believe that it will lead to change, even if it takes longer than we want.
Much love to you, Rachel. It's such a beautiful poem! I could see myself in the mix of sternness and love, even if I only aspire to some of what you captured.
Thank you for sharing, this is gorgeous and comfort while having Mother's day in a safe place and thinking about the mothers and families in Palestine!
Happy Mother's day @Noha! hope you have a lovely day with your little ones.
Happy belated Mother's day to you too, Kiran. May God protect them and lift them from their difficulties and suffering, and reward them immensely for their incredible forbearance.
As always, Noha, this is well curated and much appreciated. Ambata Kazi's poem made my heart hurt while also reminding me of just how much I have for which to be grateful. The plea to not lose the will to continue speaking out is vital. Thank you, though I wish the appreciation could be directed toward less heart rending circumstances. Courage, dear hearts.
wasn't Ambata's poem incredible. My heart hurt too, in the best of ways.
Appreciate you being here and continuing to engage on the issue. It's so easy to turn away for wanting to protect our small p peace, at the expense of theirs.
I am making breakfast for my mother and father. Yesterday I took my mom to lunch and we went thrift store shopping. Her first time out, shopping, having fun, in a year. Taking care of my dad is a round the clock job. Usually I go and hang out with him for a few hours twice a week, take him to the doctor, etc - and she gets a break but only to buy groceries or run errands. Yesterday was really fun. Both my parents are praying for Gaza and all Palestinian people. They have written to their representatives. They question the media. They ask how can they help the children? I’m so proud of them.
Oh Camille that is beautiful... I'm so proud of them too. And so proud of you for taking such good care of them. I'm glad you took her out shopping and to have fun yesterday. I've been feeling so depleted, to the point of just swinging back and forth between exhaustion and burn out on one hand, and crankiness on the other. Yesterday I binged some tv in the morning instead of doing groceries and cleaning, and then in the evening we went to a remembrance circle with one of my teachers and it was so good for my heart. I'm feeling a bit more balanced today and hoping I can make that stretch out...
When it runs out take another break. You can’t keep doing this important work, for the small p at home and the big P in the world, if you are too worn out. I am grateful for you.
I'm grateful for you too. And for the reminder... I'm going to keep thinking of things in terms of the small p and the big P. It's so helpful.
Our teacher yesterday spoke of zooming in and zooming out, in terms of this seen world we live in now, that seems so immediate and as though it's the only thing, and the world we can't see, where God is in control of every thing. I need to remember that too, so I can cope.
This is a very relevant and fitting tribute for Mother's Day. The holiday celebrates ALL mothers across the globe who do their best to nurture the next generation. The poems you've shared are beautiful, and I hope, on this day, they can enlighten at least one other to the horrors that mothers and their children are going through in Gaza right now. Thank you for speaking up.
Thank you for continuing to show up with courage and heart, Noha. ❤️
Thank you, Dana. All I have are my words and my prayers. ❤️❤️
I am building lessons to teach my 10th graders about Gaza and your writing is helping me. Thank you for keeping the spotlight on Gaza.
Also, happy Mother’s Day. I hope you got those few extra hours of sleep.
Jenna, I am so grateful to you for that comment! It usually feels hopeless and helpless. I did get some extra sleep. Not the "sleep in until 10:30" dream that was in my mind lol but that was because my body wanted up before that.
Now I'm drinking my strong coffee and the pancakes are prepping! Happy Mother's Day to you too. Let me know if you have any Gaza related questions I can help with - and check out Zeteo here on Substack by Mehdi Hasan - it's an excellent resource - lots of very well researched journalism there.
I’ll check out Zeteo! Thank you 😊
Thank you. 💖
I think this was what Mother’s Day was originally made for, a woman who wanted to celebrate her mother who was a peace activist. That it is up to us to think of the children, and to keep the children of the world safe. And to be reminded of the mothers trying desperately to keep their children safe.
I am so glad that you will get rest and pancakes today. Thank you for taking the time to write. For giving us so much, and for your poetry, and your perspective.
My youngest child asked what I wanted today, and I used to just want “peace and quiet” for myself. But this year I honoured that my children want to spend the day with me. My youngest wrote me a card because I said all that I wanted was some gentle words. And he wrote me a card. It was beautiful.
But this year, what I really want, is peace and quiet for the world. And for the children to be heard.
Sending love.
Wake, that's beautiful - I haven't heard that before but it's so much more meaningful than the idea of just another holiday to buy more stuff!
I have been trying to convince my kids not to buy things for me for a while - my youngest got the memo and made me a beautiful paper and yarn flower. My eldest got me something, but it's a dessert so at least it's edible lol.
"Gentle words" - what a lovely way to point your child in the direction of peace and gentleness. Love to you too - and for the children to be heard. 💔
Strength to you, and thanks for posting all these important writings. Happy Mothers Day, and take good care.
Thank you so much, Diana. Happy Mother’s Day to you and thank you for placing importance on them while others try to minimize
My pleasure, Noha.
Thank you for this. 💕
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Sometimes the hopelessness takes over and the apathy seeps in. Then I see one of your post. Thank you for continuing to speak up!
Stanley, I am so glad to have met you and count you as a friend! Thank you for your friendship and solidarity. We lift each other up.
Jazak Allah khair many thanks for including me in your roundup ❤️❤️
always.
Ambata’s poem. So beautiful. Thanks for introducing it to me.
My pleasure
I appreciate that you continue to show up for Palestine. I cannot believe people are still allowing this to happen. I hope you had a great day yesterday and enjoyed the pancakes!
Thanks, Rojeen! I'm in disbelief too. My cynicism is definitely at its peak but I'm trying to resist it and keep my heart soft. On the flip side of the horrors and the callousness are all people who are standing up to protest, to say this is wrong, to say not in our name. I have to believe that it will lead to change, even if it takes longer than we want.
Your work is always so fruitful. Thank you for including me in a round up of beautiful and intentional work.
Much love to you, Rachel. It's such a beautiful poem! I could see myself in the mix of sternness and love, even if I only aspire to some of what you captured.
Thank you for sharing, this is gorgeous and comfort while having Mother's day in a safe place and thinking about the mothers and families in Palestine!
Happy Mother's day @Noha! hope you have a lovely day with your little ones.
Happy belated Mother's day to you too, Kiran. May God protect them and lift them from their difficulties and suffering, and reward them immensely for their incredible forbearance.
Ameen to you beautiful dua :)
thank you for your lovely reply.
As always, Noha, this is well curated and much appreciated. Ambata Kazi's poem made my heart hurt while also reminding me of just how much I have for which to be grateful. The plea to not lose the will to continue speaking out is vital. Thank you, though I wish the appreciation could be directed toward less heart rending circumstances. Courage, dear hearts.
wasn't Ambata's poem incredible. My heart hurt too, in the best of ways.
Appreciate you being here and continuing to engage on the issue. It's so easy to turn away for wanting to protect our small p peace, at the expense of theirs.
🧡
And this piece is incredible. Thank you for your poem.
I am making breakfast for my mother and father. Yesterday I took my mom to lunch and we went thrift store shopping. Her first time out, shopping, having fun, in a year. Taking care of my dad is a round the clock job. Usually I go and hang out with him for a few hours twice a week, take him to the doctor, etc - and she gets a break but only to buy groceries or run errands. Yesterday was really fun. Both my parents are praying for Gaza and all Palestinian people. They have written to their representatives. They question the media. They ask how can they help the children? I’m so proud of them.
Oh Camille that is beautiful... I'm so proud of them too. And so proud of you for taking such good care of them. I'm glad you took her out shopping and to have fun yesterday. I've been feeling so depleted, to the point of just swinging back and forth between exhaustion and burn out on one hand, and crankiness on the other. Yesterday I binged some tv in the morning instead of doing groceries and cleaning, and then in the evening we went to a remembrance circle with one of my teachers and it was so good for my heart. I'm feeling a bit more balanced today and hoping I can make that stretch out...
When it runs out take another break. You can’t keep doing this important work, for the small p at home and the big P in the world, if you are too worn out. I am grateful for you.
I'm grateful for you too. And for the reminder... I'm going to keep thinking of things in terms of the small p and the big P. It's so helpful.
Our teacher yesterday spoke of zooming in and zooming out, in terms of this seen world we live in now, that seems so immediate and as though it's the only thing, and the world we can't see, where God is in control of every thing. I need to remember that too, so I can cope.
A lot of good reads for this evening. Thank you 😊
You're so welcome. Any time....
This is a very relevant and fitting tribute for Mother's Day. The holiday celebrates ALL mothers across the globe who do their best to nurture the next generation. The poems you've shared are beautiful, and I hope, on this day, they can enlighten at least one other to the horrors that mothers and their children are going through in Gaza right now. Thank you for speaking up.
Thanks for being here, Bethel. I hope they can too.