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| Image source: @FamiliesSyria on Twitter |
On October 11th, the Families for Freedom bus began its journey in London. The iconic double-decker, covered in photographs of Syrians who have been illegally detained, disappeared, and even murdered by the Assad regime, carries the families of these detainees, mostly (but not only) women, in a journey across Europe to call for the release, at the very least for information, of their loved ones. Their next stops will be Paris and Berlin, "wherever peace talks are being held", as their website states.
Their final destination, as the bus so proudly announces above the windshield, is Damascus. To "pick up" their loved ones. The sheer hope in that sign—it blows my mind.
And that's why I decided to use it for my WATWB post this month.
There are few things as hopeless as having someone you care about vanish into a corrupt, totalitarian system. In Latin America we're well versed in the subject—and we know, first-hand, how unfathomable that particular black hole is. We know, also, how distant any possibility of hope seems. And we know, all too well, the excruciating pain hope can bring when it comes any closer.
And that's why I decided to use it for my WATWB post this month.
There are few things as hopeless as having someone you care about vanish into a corrupt, totalitarian system. In Latin America we're well versed in the subject—and we know, first-hand, how unfathomable that particular black hole is. We know, also, how distant any possibility of hope seems. And we know, all too well, the excruciating pain hope can bring when it comes any closer.
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| Image source: Amnesty.org.uk |
And yet here they are, these women. Against all odds. Against the whole world. Holding their heads high. Holding on to a ragged shred of hope as tattered and worn as the once-favorite blankie of a grandchild long grown and gone.
We are women-led. We are peaceful. We are determined.
Can you imagine the courage that must take? I try, but I fail. It's staggering, isn't it? And that's why I find it so inspiring: if they can do it, if they can—after years of not knowing, of being turned away, of being silenced and threatened and ignored—still find a way to hold on to hope, then we all can. No matter the odds. No matter how impossible the goal may seem. No matter how many times you've failed. No matter who stands in your way, who tries to drown out your voice. No matter what.
Hopelessness is, quite simply, not an option. And the impossible, as they say, just takes a little bit longer.
Hopelessness is, quite simply, not an option. And the impossible, as they say, just takes a little bit longer.
This post is part of the We Are the World Blogfest, a monthly event created by Damyanti Biswas and Belinda Witzenhausen to spotlight stories of hope and light. This month I'm helping Belinda out as a co-host, along with extraordinary bloggers Shilpa Garg, Sylvia McGrath, and Mary Giese—please hop over to check out their WATWB posts when you get a chance; they're always amazing. And take a peek at the other WATWB participants for a dose of feel-good to last you a whole month. You'll be happy you did :)
Thank you so much for the visit!
My heart goes out to all these women and their families. They are truly strong and courageous. More power to them and success and happiness in their lives. Thanks for sharing their story, Guilie for this certainly needs to be told.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Shilpa—this is a story that hasn't received much media coverage, and it really needs to reach far and wide. Thanks for coming by :)
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ReplyDeleteHi Guilie - I hadn't heard about the Freedom Bus ... but a heart-rending story - and no I cannot imagine how terrible it must be. Desperately sad to have to do this to bring attention to the horrors of the Assad regime ... this is just not something in the 21st C we or they should have to deal with in our lives ... if only we can reach peace in our world ...
ReplyDeleteMy post will go up on Tuesday ... Hilary
You're so right, Hilary... How is it that so many people, all around the world, still have to deal with situations like these? Have we learned nothing? Maybe one day a different generation of humans will be able to put a stop to it, to evolve beyond violence and greed and the hunger for power. We can hope, right? :)
DeleteAn amazing story of courage and strength in their need to do something Guilie - we each can learn so much from this - against all odds the impossible can be achieved with determination ... power to these women and may they find their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Susan... I find these women so, so inspiring. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteThere is such deep heart-break and pain in these stories, it's hard to imagine how one carries on. And yet the ineffable courage and hope such a response as the Freedom Bus and movement creates is exponentially powerful. May the message be heard widely and may it inspire us all. Thanks so much for sharing this Guilie!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what made this story stand out for me, Deborah: the fact that they responded not with despair and defeat, but with courage and hope. How amazing is that, right? I'm so glad you found inspiration in it, too :) Thanks for coming by!
DeleteIs it hope or is it a statement to try and put an end to what is going on?
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's just a different kind of hope.
Exactly. (The other kind of "hope" is just wishful thinking ;) )
DeleteI cannot begin to imagine their courage through the pain and heartbreak. Hopefully they are able to be reunited with their loved ones at the end of this long journey. Thanks Guilie for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too, Emily. Glad you found a bit of light here—and thanks for the visit!
DeleteSuch a poignant story of something that needs to be done, but for the saddest reasons. I'd not read about this, am sorry that it needs to exists. It's a powerful and moving project.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it needs to exist, too, Ally... But I'm darn glad there are people in the world like these women, people who refuse to stay down and will always meet the enemy (even when that enemy is despair and defeat) head on, chin up.
DeleteThanks so much for coming by!
I really do think that collectively, women are going to save the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree, P. J. Someone has to, after all... and the other side doesn't seem to be able to do much, do they? ;)
DeleteThanks for the visit!
What heartbreak and courage these women have, to not give up hope and to persevere against the odds. An incredible and powerful story. Thank you for sharing it, Guilie.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it, Lynda! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteThank you for enlightening me about these wonderful women; its takes a lot of guts to come out of all the challenges and refuse to give up... I love the words here we are peaceful, we are determined. I salute these women for doing the impossible:)
ReplyDeleteThose words struck me, too... Such hardiness here, but such hope, too! Glad you found something inspiring here, Angela. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteThese women standing up to a world where people can just disappear are truly awesome. Thank you for drawing attention to them through your post.
ReplyDeleteAwesome is right, Gina... I'm glad you found something bright here. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI cannot even imagine what these family members are going through. I wish nothing but the best for them in their peaceful pursuit of answers and hopefully the return of their loved ones. Thanks for sharing and for being a part of #WATWB
ReplyDeleteI know, right? Such unimaginable pain and devastation... And yet here they are :) Thanks for coming by, Lynn, and happy Sunday!
DeleteI don't know how these women do it! Such inspiration and grace in the face of something so heartbreaking. Thank you so much for sharing this and being a part of #WATWB! Hope you have a wonderful week! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story of strength, courage and hope. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. The strength and determination of these women shows in their faces. I hope they find their loved ones, or at least the peace of mind they lost due to the mindless war in their homeland.
ReplyDeletePradita Kapahi
Oh my gosh, this story makes me weep - the strength of those women. Thank you so much for sharing it Guilie - such courage and hope - the world needs people like this who won't give up on hope. As Pradita says above, I hope they find their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteSuch a strong group of women. Never underestimate the power of those with a just cause. Thank you so much for posting this.
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