(December 23, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The scenarios of the 83,000 war widows in the North, with unsaid numbers in other parts of Sri Lanka are poignant, particularly at Christmas. We wonder how they cope or resign to accept what has been their predicament, for the second Christmas since the end of the war. Will they consider it a special day or just another occasion for survival without their loved ones? With tinsel and wrappings, carols, the exchange of greetings, a tradition of Christmas around, a creeping loneliness pervades their living, without compensation.
A scenario of a different sort also unfolds for those living abroad this year. Without the worry of survival, they too are experiencing trying times to cope with the unaccustomed severe weather conditions this winter. Rail and roads snarled travel snafus, annoying glitches, airports closures for days, are derailing their daily routine, making life intolerable. What’s more is that almost all they try encounters a roadblock, but could be compensated.
However, it may be said that there is no real comparison between the two situations. Both have one thing in common their endurance being phenomenal. The displaced generation in the North, the weather worn in UK have not put their life on hold during this period. Well, where ever or whatever the scenario whether in Jaffna or in London situations have to be squarely faced and overcome. Both are not sitting still but are looking forward with joyful expectation of Christmas, for a turn of events, with self help.
As Pope Benedict XV1 summaries this expectation in his catechism message:
“The expectation of the world and the human heart came together in Our Saviour. All human existence in fact is animated by this profound sentiment, by the longing that the truest, the most beautiful, the greatest things we have seen and felt in our minds and hearts, may come towards us taking concrete form before our eyes. Giving thanks to the One, who in poverty and simplicity, chose to share our human condition – a moving symbol of the Father’s infinite love for us all.”
What more can one say but to give unsaid words, for the dispossessed and anguish of the weather weary, the former with little hope and the latter with little expectation, a voice at Christmas.
(Victor Cherubim,Freelance Journalist. He can be reached at victorcherubim@aol.com )
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