Columbus Day weekend was gorgeous. I've come to refer to it as "the nicest weekend of summer", as the actual season left quite a bit to be desired, this year. You know - rain. C'est la vie. We're an adaptable lot. What to do? Hmmm, perfect weather for pulling the already-stored lounges back out of the shed, lighting a citronella candle or two, pretending that the pool's still aqua blue instead of pool-cover black, and devouring a book. Ah, if only this could be the biggest problem, universally.
Dawn had recommended what ended up being a terrific read. SARAH'S KEY, by Tatiana de Rosnay, was a blend of factual past and fictional present, interwoven into a story that educated the reader about the Vel' d'Hiv round-up that was aimed at reducing the number of Jews in occupied France. The sordid involvement of the French was a guarded skeleton for decades; that is, until President Jacques Chirac bit the proverbial bullet and forced tainted history to the surface. This slaughter was aimed at women and children. Before being shipped off to their deaths in concentration camps, these poor souls were held in squalid, dehumanizing conditions. Eventually, children were ripped away from their mothers. G-d, what agony. It happened in 1942, before I was born, but on July 16th, my birthday. I'm not liking that association, except for the fact that in my heart, I'll always remember. We must remember...
This brings me to the slanted history lessons we were taught. Columbus Day. There is something wrong in this celebration. Please link to this incredible input, found in a link-to-link search about Robert Looks Twice, whom you'll soon meet:
What's Wrong With This Holiday?
What's Wrong With This Holiday?
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| Photo from Robert's FB Page |
With perfect timing, Diane Sawyer and "20/20" presented "A Hidden America: Children Of The Plains". Did you watch? If not, please do find it in replay and be mesmerized by Robert Looks Twice. I'm not the only one to have fallen in love with this boy, as well as the other children and a certain selfless teacher. Robert has quickly become a bit of a celebrity and seemingly the new face of a nation... and, with a new FB page. You need not join to look. This beautiful child has an old, old soul. It's in his eyes. You'll see for yourself, when you watch the show or peruse other photos.
I'd love to be on the start-up committee that obliterates the celebration of atrocities. How 'bout subbing in a day of remembrance and new beginnings? It'd work for me.
