My last post (aside from yesterday's) was on September 22, 2023. And in order to get us to today, we must go back in time.
On September 26th, we traveled to Al Quds (Jerusalem) for a family wedding and returned home on Saturday, October 1st. Unless you've been living in a bubble or under a rock, then I am sure the date of October 7th has been seared into your subconscious. For those who don't know or who may have forgotten, my husband is Palestinian and has many family members in Jerusalem and also in different parts of Jordan. My focus has been on witnessing, listening and learning and, of course, being thoroughly disgusted with governments and politicians and all their lies and propaganda, along with being heartbroken at the devastation, loss and death that is happening in Gaza.
On November 16th, my mom walked one block from her apartment to a convenience store for snacks and on the way back, she was hit by a truck, while she was in the pedestrian crossing and was using a cane for balance. The driver said he didn't see her as he was turning. Her left ankle was crushed and the tibia broke through the skin. She required several surgeries and was in the hospital for 2 weeks and then in a nursing home for 2-1/2 months. I knew that she would need me most when she was released so waited until February to travel to the States.
When I went to clean her apartment on February 14th, the day before she would be going home, I noticed the calendar on the wall was testament to the time she had been away.
On January 19, 2024 my dad died. He had not spoken to me since 2005 so I already felt like he was gone and didn't feel a great sense of loss. But as his daughter, and because of Louisiana law, my brother and I had to sign papers agreeing to his cremation and in dealing with that long distance, I did have a little mini breakdown.
A week later, a very good friend died. In fact, he and his wife (and another friend) were the ones who accompanied us on our first family trip to Jerusalem in 2003.
That brings us to February, a trip to Dubai for business. Then a month in the States to take care of my mom and see my sons. I returned to Kuwait on March 13th which was the start of Ramadan and then the Eid holiday was in mid-April. My focus remains on events in Palestine but I'm still walking and taking pictures; just not sharing them anywhere, so figured it was time to come back to my blog.
I'd like to say thank you to those who have checked in on me over these many months. I appreciate it and will stop by your corner of the world very soon.
Peace and blessings.
5 comments:
Tammy it is so good to hear from you! My word you have been through a lot and I am sorry to hear that. Life can be so cruel at times and loss is never something we get used to. I had no idea Sam was Palestinian but I have been on their side completely! I am reading The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi. I am ashamed to say I had no idea about being "occupied" or many of the attrocities that go on in the world. I don't totally blame myself but the media too which are fomenting lies like crazy! Since cell phones came on the scene they can't hide the truth as there is photo and video evidence! I have cried almost every morning when I pray for the Palestinians and I have written to my representatives who just return a form email reinterating the same lies and talking points. I used to protest back in the day but I'm a bit old and there are no protests where I live. I am so proud of those who do protest but now they are arresting them. Biden kept saying Trump would destroy our democracy but he's doing a fine job himself. We are owned by Israel and other lobbyists so the people here have no say so. I can't believe I've lived this long and had no idea how corrupt our government has been regardless of who is elected. I'm done voting....it's a choice between dumb and dumber. I just wish there was something I could do. I donate to the aid organizations and medical but they won't let it into Gaza. I cannot believe there is nothing the world can do but stand by and let this happen. It's a nightmare that never stops. I have a bumper sticker on my car but I don't think people here listen to anything but the regular media who are supporting Israel totally and smearing the student protestors. Anyway, I'm sorry to go off like this but there is no one I can talk to around here. Please tell Sam, I am so sorry for what the Palestinians are going through and what they have had to go through all through history. There was a heart surgeon out east who lost over 100 relatives and I sent him a sympathy card...a lot of good that did. I told him, here he was a heart surgeon who healed people's hearts every day but he couldn't heal his own. I'll shut up now, but please know you are all in my prayers.
Love, Sam
Tammy, so sorry to learn of all you've had to deal with over the past months and pray life will be easier for you and your family from hereon out. Your mother's accident was so upsetting to hear about - hope she is making a good recovery and is now able to get around - know your staying with her was a great help. Hope the boys are OK - I take it they are still living over here.
Your father's passing brought mixed feelings I'm sure, hoping he rests in peace. No family is perfect and sadly we all have bad times along with good times - hopefully more of the latter! Losing a dear friend is always hard.
Regarding the current status of so many countries on the planet, one can only hope and pray that peace will be restored some day and all people can live together in harmony.
Bob and I were glad to see you back on your blog. I don't post as much since starting the IG account! Blame that on my granddaughter who set me up - and now it's a bit of an obsession - but so much quicker to have a place for pix, and kind of a mini-diary and scrapbook for my photos!
90F expected here in NC today - a hot spring and not much rain lately. We have stayed very busy here at home with projects, hope to travel more later, Despite feeling a bit older we think we can pack a suitcase and fly away somewhere!!!
Take care dear Tammy - our best to you and your husband - stay safe and be happy.
Each day is a gift.
Love, Mary -
So much you have had to deal with. I am so sorry. I think most people are leaving out that these are everyday citizens that are having to deal with the tragedy in Gaza. All they want is a home for their family, food, schools, health, jobs and safety. It is the politicians and agitators causing trouble. And getting the press. And I am embarrassed beyond belief that my government is supporting all this strife (and starvation and murder). I pray for all affected by this ongoing tragedy.
You have been through so much in these last months. I'm glad your mother is recovering and I'm sure she was so happy to have your help. Did you see your boys while you were in the States? I always enjoy the images you share on your blog.
I'm so sorry for your losses this year. Life does get so complicated and overwhelming. Take care now that you are home....
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