The stories we hear
Of war and peace
May cause us concern
Or relief
And yet
Reality
Is most often
Something inbetween
When orienting at the prospective new care home last Wednesday, a resident started talking unquietly about the war in Ukraine. She was quickly calmed by a staff, in as simple words as possible, suited to her intellectual capabilities.
That night, I heard an airplane or a helicopter fly by very low over my current home. I thought, perhaps influenced by the woman in the other home, that it was a jet fighter. “Are we going to war now?”, I asked the night staff when she responded to my call button. She put my mind at peace, saying someone had probably booked a night-time helicopter flight over Raalte. I took her story at face value and went to sleep.
The next morning, I found out that both of our stories are probably equally unlikely and reality was something inbetween: the helicopter had been called in a medical emergency to resuscitate a baby. Thankfully, the baby survived.
This post was written for Friday Writings, for which the optional theme this week is war and peace.
A Multitude of Musings 
It’s interesting how snippets of conversation stay with us. I’m glad the baby was ok.
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Yes, I’m glad about that too. I agree, I can’t even remember what exactly the woman said about Ukraine, but it in some way stuck with me.
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Things are not always as they seem and there is so much more going on than can be seen. I like the condensed paradox of your poem.
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Thank you so much. Yes, I agree, things often aren’t as they seem.
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How very thought-provoking. We just don’t know, do we, what is happening out there?
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And – the story behind the story. I am glad that, although you must live in care now (which I am only just realising) your mind is obviously still sharp, and you are able to write and share your writings.
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Thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, I live in a care home due to my multiple disabilities, including blindness, autism and mild cerebral palsy. My fellow clients all have an intellectual disability – most in my current home are profoundly intellectually disabled, in fact. It’s complicated why intellectual disability services suit me best despite the fact that I have an at least average IQ. I am so happy I am capable of writing my thoughts down here on the blog indeed.
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What extraordinary strength, resilience and positive attitude you must have!!! I’m lost in admiration, and I celebrate your spirit.
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Thanks so much. I appreciate you stopping by to say that.
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That was really thought provoking.
I hope the baby is OK. x
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I really hope so too. Thanks for stopping by.
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glad the baby survived! Great news indeed! ❤
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Thanks. I’m happy about that too.
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I agree with you that reality is something between war and peace. We do not really feel secure about this world. Some little madness can tip the balance to war.
I read Rosemary’s comment. I admired your strength and positive attitude too.
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Thanks so much! Yes, it’s true that some seemingly small action can tip the balance towards war, sad as that may be.
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Life is often like that–terrifying (war seems to be everywhere) and wonderful (babies stay alive); simple and complex, life… war and peace too.
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Thanks so much for sharing this thought-provoking comment. Yes, I agree, life can be terrifying and wonderful and often apparently at the same time.
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