Never Forget

I took this picture in Dachau last year. It was such a haunting experience and I have thought of my time there over and over again. It was profoundly moving. And while the focus of that trip was something totally different - this is what I think of the most and it is what haunts me.

A friend of mine told me her father had been held there. I cannot imagine what that must have been like. Since then, I have read many books on the need for ancestral healing and how the wounds of one generation are passed on to the next and the next...

I felt compelled to thank the guide I had for teaching countless others about what happened in that camp, so that we would never forget.

I asked myself then, how could this have happened? But the truth is, I knew. And we all know. And yet it continues to happen.

Like many, I am profoundly affected by what is going on in Israel and Gaza. I am also very concerned about all of this escalating into something much bigger.

I have many friends who are Jewish. And I have many Muslim friends as well. All are wonderful people. All would have my back in an instant. And I would have theirs. 

I stand with those who are suffering in Israel. And with those who have missing and detained family and those grieving the deaths of loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine what it would be to be in such a situation. I am at a loss for words but I find myself thinking of Dachau - and Israel, where I have also been, and the people who are being targeted or used by terrorists.

I can only pray…

And I long and hope for a better day and future for all.

I long for a day where there are no divisions such as we see here, in the US. 

I pray for a day when our diversity is celebrated - not feared or despised.

I envision a day where violence is no more - or is so rare that it would be shocking - and not so mainstream that it dulls our senses.

I do believe we can ALL make a difference: One person, one experience, one moment a time.

We can open our hearts and listen - listen deeply - and express kindness - and reach out wherever it is necessary.

I heard it said once, that a mother's prayers are so very strong and that if we could see the energy of those prayers - we would see the whole planet surrounded in the Light and Love of those prayers.

Let us all do what we can to make it so.