I want to write a message of hope this Remembrance Day. But for the last year, I have watched Israel’s war against Palestine and then last week the American election. It’s hard to find hope.
Self-interest. Power. Capitalism. Racism. They seem to be winning.
Over the past year, I have felt like public opinion has shifted. More people seem to recognize the wrong of Israel’s attacks. But our governments have not changed course. And watching the election last week, nothing has changed. I feel like people voted to maintain the status quo. To maintain their own status. I worry that Canada is on the same path.
No one wants to be inconvenienced.
More than 80 years ago, during World War 2, my grandfather left his family here in Canada. His wife. His three children. His home. He went to Europe and fought a war. His life was deeply affected for people he didn’t know, but for a cause he—and our government—believed in. I think about my grandfather.
I think about Indigenous peoples, Black people, Palestinian people whose lives are impacted everyday by injustice and inequality. I cannot speak for them, but I believe that for some it doesn’t matter who’s in charge. Liberal, PC, NDP, Democrat, Republican, they’re all the same. Perpetuating the same systems and the same injustices.
I think about myself. War, racism, discrimination, inequality, poverty–the evils of our world don’t impact me (so far). I get up in the morning. Get my daughter ready for school and go about my day. What reason do I have to disrupt my comfortable life?
In the aftermath of last week’s election, I have seen messages that we need community. We need to not rely on our governments and instead rely on each other. Not ourselves. Each other. We need to come together and work to change the world. I am feeling that strongly this Remembrance Day.
I think about my grandfather, World War 2 and Remembrance Day. I think about Ellie and her future in a world where people care most about themselves and are not willing to help others, to stop injustice, to change the world. What type of world do I want to be part of? How can I disrupt my comfortable life to help make that world happen?
Home on 129 Acres 
Julia,
It’s been a long time and every time I read your post, I pause. Reflect. Thank you for sharing your life, experience, feelings with us. Your community.
This post was particularly powerful. I often wonder how the everyday human can impact the rising evils we see in today’s world.
Stay well. Find your community. Discover joy.
Warm Regards,
Jennifer
It is so nice to hear that you are still following along, Jennifer. You were such an important support at a key time. It means a lot to know that you are still supporting virtually. Thank you.
In a world that is in constant state of change, not for the better, it is easy to become disheartened. I have become disheartened too in seeing the results of the US election and the wars continuing to ravage on in Ukraine and the Middle East.
We seem to be so far removed from it all living in Canada but are we really?
In leading by example as you are doing with Ellie, and I hope this is seen by my grandchildren and their parents too, we are putting forth good intentions and actions in helping others when we see need, not for self satisfaction. This will empower the next generation to continue to do better. Small gestures will gain big rewards down the road. This is my hope and my prayer.
Pam
You are correct that small gestures can make a difference. I want to do more gestures to make the world I want.
👍😊
Sent from my iPad
This post really resonates. This far past the US election, and I can’t believe how much damage has been wilfullly wrought. I think people will need to set up labour banks or ways to trade services. That will help them survive and also build communities. But maybe that idea is just a pipe dream, I don’t know. It’s very disheartening. I have to limit how much news I take in on a daily basis because it’s so upsetting.
It is all so disheartening. It’s easy to be discouraged. Or return to complacency and comfort (for those of us who have that privilege).