Voltaire in Candide
Sometimes I am amazed at the hurt we can feel for others. I remember reading the end of "Candide" and being so disappointed that he did not find the happiness he had fought for throughout this novella. I felt the same way for Newland Archer at the end of Age of Innocence.
But these are characters in books. I have never, and will never know them. I cry because I feel their pain in a way that I relate to my own life.
Last night I went to a sports banquet for Reese and Hope's football and volleyball teams. Although Hope was never able to play (I am glad to say she is an artist and not an athlete), she was very excited to be able to receive a certificate and stand on the stage with her friends. But when the members of the volleyball team were called up to receive their rewards, Hope's name was not called. She smiled and said "It's OK. I don't mind." But I knew better, and I hurt for her much like I hurt for Candide and Newland.
1 comment:
Hope is such a brave, beautiful soul. From the stories you tell about her, I see so much of her mother in her. These let downs in life will be what mold her into a fantastic woman with the ability to care about others, much like her mother.
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