"There is no trust more sacred
than the one the world holds with children.
There is no duty more important
than ensuring that their rights are respected,
that their welfare is protected,
that their lives are free from fear and want
and that they grow up in peace."
Kofi A. Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize 2001
peaceCENTER Peace Quotes
It's 2:00 AM as I ponder this quote by Kofi Annan. I have trouble with Restless Leg Syndrome which causes me to leave my bed in the middle of the night to seek relief by changing my thoughts; to focus on something besides the tension and jerks of the legs. It is difficult to lay in bed, awake and unable to sleep. I am thankful for the ability to read and write, to study, and to share what I learn with others.
Is it really possible to control what our children will face in their lives? Yes, I want and pray for, my children and grandchildren, all children to "have their rights respected...their welfare protected... lives free from fear and want and... grow up in peace." I feel sadness and sorrow for all the children that do not have these freedoms and ideals. Yes, I understand that Kofi Annan is speaking of "a standard of perfection...a goal..a model," for all mankind to work toward. I believe that there are millions of people, all over the world, working for these goals to help all of mankind as well as children. What can we do as individuals? There are thousands of web sites on the Internet that have suggestions. This is why I have chosen to focus on my "One Word," peace for a second year. To continue to read, and study peace, and try to analyze what I can do to help my children, grandchildren, all children experience peace in their lives.
"Let peace begin with me. Let this be the moment now."
Photo: Henry reading in the afternoon light - 2/21/08
4 comments:
I read your blog a lot and always enjoy your thoughts. I have a question for you about your restless legs syndrome. Have you had your iron level checked recently? I used to suffer from the same things and found out my iron was extremely low. Now that my iron level is normal, I rarely have nights interrupted by my legs. Sorry if that's too personal, but I know that what you're experiencing is no fun.
Angie
Pati, thank you for this post.
I am sorry that you are suffering from RLS. May your reading and writing bring you comfort and peace during your time of sleepless nights. Thinking of you. Kyra P. ¥
I really needed that quote this morning. As an early childhood educator, I am struggling with the push in the lives of our children to do more, more, more and to play less. Reading this quote and thinking about how I might be a beacon of peace in the lives of the children and families in our school will help me face one more day in the trenches. Thanks.
That is such a beautiful quote. Thanks for sharing it.
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