When you're in the grip of the events in your own life and you have your head full of your current problems, sorrows etc., it's always difficult to accept that there are people out there considerably worse off than you.In fact, it's just not feasible to be spending too much time thinking of some other poor sod who may be having a really bad day. I mean, let's face it, it doesn't help you to solve the current matter in hand of where the money's going to come from to pay the next hefty bill. But, does that make us a selfish race? Not at all.
It makes us human. It makes us who we are. An intelligent life-form who can learn from mistakes and tragedies that can affect us. However, sometimes, it does help us to think about and remember the victims and survivors of past disasters and tragedies. It helps to recognise that there are others out there who are facing difficult situations in their own lives right now. That must surely help to put our own problems into perspective?
Columbine Survivors 10 years later by Boshemia does just that and more. It's a stark reminder of what the human race can endure and, ultimately, survive.
Events such as these can bring allies (countries) and friends together much closer than ever before. But, it can also do so much more to each and every one of us on a personal level. This is what we should never forget. In some way or another you, too, will be touched by a tragedy such as this through people you know, relatives or even your own immediate family; something that will affect you deeply.
Yes, life can be hard at times; even more than what seems fair to one person. But, these difficulties and hardships that we face can make us feel so very alive and surely that is what counts? To help us appreciate what we have and not what we have lost?
I have to admit that I am guilty of dwelling on my own personal hardships far too much which, I can now see, doesn't even come close to what these survivors have had to live through in terms of pain and emotional, psychological anguish. It's easy to get lost deep within your own suffering with no thought of anyone else.
Columbine Survivors 10 years later will surely help us recognise and cherish what we have that much more.
Carrie, indeed, Boshemia wrote a great lens. And yes, no matter how bad our days or weeks are, there are so many that suffer more, and the times like witnessing tragedies like Columbine can show us just how blessed we are. Those tragedies have changed family members and friends forever, and their pain will never go away.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful review, Carrie. Yes, it is natural to focus on the things that are not going well for us but in the back of our minds we know that there are others who have it much worse. This lens by bohemia is a fascinating look at how survivors can actually do something positive with their grief.
ReplyDeleteIt takes strong will to remember that there are always others that are worse off. I know I have had to remind myself of that a lot in the last three years (and others remind me when I don't remember). Great points and an excellent lens choice!
ReplyDeleteToday is one of those days you are talking about Carrie - it was panning out to be a very bad day when I heard about a tragedy that has touched someone else. Talk about a reality check..
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