Pandora's Box

The family conversation has changed and sounds something like this:

Look at all the racially motivated killings by police...

Trump's victory is certainly bringing out fear in people...

Immigration policies must change...

Gun control, mass killings...

and then my son stating 

(so matter of fact)

I may not even want to bring children into this damaged world!  

I long for simpler days when our family discussion revolved around what everyone wanted to eat for dinner.

Sitting back I try to listen as they voice their opinions.  Before me are young adults who were raised with a moral compass pointing in the direction of love & mercy.  I've lead them this far, given them wings to fly so they can make a difference in this aching world.  No longer can I take their hands or shield their eyes from the many horrors lurking outside our family home.

It should be simple to let them think for themselves. But alas; it is not so!  I cannot contain my temper or hold my tongue.  Quickly jumping into the "Mother Hen" role when I do not agree or like the opinions they are expressing.  On the heels of my son admitting his wish to buy a gun, I lose it! Yelling like a looney, forcing my voice to be heard - I find myself strutting around in a fit of rage; hardly forming a coherent sentence.  Not sure what is worse, my yelling or my inability to clearly articulate where I stand on these very real situations.

Pandora's Box has been opened pouring forth all that is wrong with the world.

The bear has been poked and nobody appears surprised (almost like they were expecting my sudden Italian uproar)!   Laughter erupts, filling the brief lapse of any sound coming from my lips.  Ken and the kids work to control themselves aware that I am not ready to let it go and laugh...yet.

Later it comes to me, the words I wish I possessed at that moment to clarify my point.

The world can never be fixed.  But what we can do is Fix our eyes on what is right and what is just.  Then we will see only Hope in every tomorrow.

I am pleased with my ability to finally give voice to my feelings and begin to search for my son.  I'm excited to share and pass on these precious pearls of wisdom - but instead I am met by a young man who is concerned and asking what is most important to him at that very moment in time.  Mom, I'm starving - what's for dinner?"

So for now, Pandora's Box has been sealed again.