Remember when my son was hurt in May? Well, last Friday, another young man, a 28 year old Palestinian, who was a photographer the day my son was shot, was himself shot. Same thing - high velocity tear gas canister, about 4" lower than my son's injury. Unfortunately, this young man did not survive.
It really put me in a slump -- 4".. that's the difference between life and death. I have been so sad and disgusted and thankful and pissed and so many emotions. I didn't know this man, but there was a connection.
He was 28 years old, engaged... and now...
Life is so unpredictable.
1|1|I am so sorry, to hear this!! My heart goes out to his loved ones, and I hope you are some how able to come to peace.|dlpavitt|dlpavitt@att.net|19:16:11|12/13/2011|
If you are a HONEST trader, there is nothing to fear in having a feedback link. If you do not have one, please set one up, BEFORE contacting me for a trade. If you insist on not having a feedback link, please do not contact me to trade. Feedback links protect all of us, on RS. Thanks for understanding. Donna 2|1|Oh Robin, I am so very sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. You know I love you.|Mackiesmudder|Mackiesmudder@aol.com|19:17:33|12/13/2011|
Cathie 3|1|So sad, Robin...I am so sorry....is your son ok? I bet this really hit him hard too....|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|19:23:35|12/13/2011|
" You'll get what's coming to you ... Unless it was mailed."
4|1|Oh that's so sad. I'm sorry to hear that! |sunriver|sunriver@gmail.com|19:28:55|12/13/2011|
:( 5|2|Robin.,....did not realize that....am so sorry to hear this|BusterBrown|srfreezerqueen@hotmail.com|19:30:20|12/13/2011|
but that sure explains alot.....i know you have been worried but did not realize how very very close it was... 6|1|Joy --|whitmarg|robin@whitmannet.com|20:36:12|12/13/2011|
I think it hit him hard. When he sent me the news clip on Friday, I had recognized the name and asked if that was the guy who was the photographer in May. He said yes. I looked at the very graphic photos and in the pit of my heart, I wasn't hopeful. At the very least, he would have lost an eye. What I didn't know until yesterday is that the back of his head was split. But in the beginning when I asked my son how serious it was, he said "He'll be okay - he's strong. He may lose an eye, but he'll be okay." It was Saturday morning when in the middle of a long facebook conversation, one of my son's friends stated that one of the news agencies was saying he had died. My son's response was "what? are you talking about Mustafa? he died?" Like it was something so out in left field - how could that happen?
He hasn't talked too much about it. Has sent me some articles. The funeral turned into a fiasco because border police fired tear gas into the crowds. Just no respect.
I said something to my son about the fact that 4" was the difference here - and that I believe in divine intervention and although I don't know who it was who made him duck that day... I am convinced that is what happened. I suspect my grandmother because she would never let them take my son away if she had anything to do with it. I just hope she continues to watch over him.
I wish this was enough to bring him home. But... it's not. He has a mission, a passion and although I don't share it, I appreciate it and admire it. I would never have had the guts to live, work and go to school in an area of such unrest. Hell, I had trouble being there for a 2 week "vacation". But you know, someone has to fight for the oppressed around the world - I never in a million years thought it would be my child. And, several thousand other internationals living in the West Bank. 8|2|Robin, he must be an incredibly remarkable man to stay and stand for what he believes in.....I'll have to keep him in my prayers, it is frightening over there to say the least :( As for the divine intervention....absolutely believe in it! Go, Grandma! :)|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|20:39:25|12/13/2011|
" You'll get what's coming to you ... Unless it was mailed."
12|2|Robin, sorry to hear that you have been in a funk, but I totally understand it. I know firsthand how fragile one minute in one's child's life can be. You must be so very proud of your son. I am a huge believer in divine intervention. |Ranalt|ainebailey@gmail.com|22:20:41|12/13/2011|
I will keep your son and you in my prayers.
Life is like a cup of tea,
It's all in how you make it.
Lisa
7|1|Cathie -|whitmarg|robin@whitmannet.com|20:37:36|12/13/2011|
Thanks hun - I needed that!! I know it, but it's nice to hear.
And you!!! How are you doing? I've missed you and it's so good to see you posting again. Sounds like you're getting back to yourself. It's tough, but so are you!!!
9|1|Thanks everyone -- I knew I'd find solace here|whitmarg|robin@whitmannet.com|20:41:48|12/13/2011|
Just keep all the humanitarians/activists around the world in your thoughts.
While we enjoy our nice homes and 3 squares a day (or how many you allow yourself!) and the ability to change our clothing every day, think of the people in many parts of the world who don't have those luxuries or who can't afford to have their children live with them; or who are imprisoned for political reasons. And think about the thousands, or tens of thousands or maybe hundreds of thousands of those who share their hearts and souls to help these people. It's truly a gift - a gift I'm ashamed to say I don't have. I help in other ways - monetary, "things" but I admit I keep my selfish part here.
But these people need our prayers and good thoughts and whatever -- the work they do doesn't make them rich (or in some cases, not even up to the poor level) and sometimes there is more heartbreak than there is joy.
Love you all! 10|1|Oh Robin, I so admire him. Look at everything we ever gotten as far as freedom, etc., was done by brave, young people with high|Mackiesmudder|Mackiesmudder@aol.com|20:48:10|12/13/2011|
ideals. I couldn't be anymore proud of him if he was my own son. LOL, we are both tough, and that IS what gets us thru. I am always here for you, friend.
Cathie
As long as the dang computer will play nice for me! ROFL 11|1|My heart breaks for the palestinians too|cinda68|lacinda68@gmail.com|21:29:30|12/13/2011|
It is so honorable what your son is doing, God bless him for the having the courage, not many would be in a such a dangerous situation. I think I remember reading an article he wrote a while back? I'm not sure if it was posted here or I saw it somewhere else but I remember thinking about how honorable he is and what great courage he has. It reminds me of Rachel Corrie too, how she tried to protect a home that was going to be bulldozed and they ran the bulldozer over her and killed her. Just breaks my heart. It so awful, she was young too.
My prayers are with your son and with you as well, I hope you can have peace knowing that God will protect him. Not easy for a Mom, I can just imagine. 13|2|yes, he wrote a couple articles and was interviewed on tv|whitmarg|robin@whitmannet.com|07:23:52|12/14/2011|
It's amazing really - he was interviewed on Democracy Now within days of his injury and was able to converse perfectly. As his mom, I picked up on some slurring but considering the degree of his concussion, he was fabulous.
I think it was the NY Times that picked up one of his articles and our local paper picked up on.
Yes, Rachel gave the ultimate price and Tristan Anderson continues to battle his injuries. I believe Rachel's lawsuit is coming up soon - but don't quote me on that.
I've heard a lot of criticism in the past few months about "these students" getting involved in this stuff. But who else has the time? What other large group of people can organize these things? As much as we like to criticize them, please remember, throughout history it has been folks in their 20s who have been called to serve -- whether in the military or on a political or humanitarian front. 14|3|No criticism here at all, only respect|cinda68|lacinda68@gmail.com|07:38:37|12/14/2011|
I was shocked to hear the criticism in the media about these courageous young people, really upset me. They are showing the greatest love of all, laying down their lives for their friends. They ought to have our utmost support and respect. It makes me wish I were young and healthy, I would love to be a part of it too. 15|3|I'm proud of them for trying to do the work they are doing...|sunriver|sunriver@gmail.com|11:49:58|12/14/2011|
They have my respect and prayers. 16|1|I don't have the bravery, guts, or whatever it takes to do this kind of work -- so I admire those who do!|whitmarg|robin@whitmannet.com|11:50:20|12/14/2011|
.. 17|1|Robin...I'm so sorry to hear this, so sad and so senseless :( My thoughts and prayers go out to the family (((HUGS)))~*~|RebekkaVA|queen_vulture@msn.com|22:54:41|12/14/2011|
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18|2|awww so sad...I'm sorry.|shellysmsmo|jpksms@sbcglobal.net|07:34:43|12/15/2011|
I know it's alot on your mind. hang in there...