Thursday 3 September 2015

Somebody's Daughter, Somebody's Son

For months I’ve seen and heard news reports about refugees fleeing war-torn Syria. Daily pictures of families packed into boats, total chaos at train stations and mass distress at borders.

It’s often difficult to process. Difficult to make sense of just what is happening. And why it is happening. It’s so far removed from our daily lives that it just doesn’t seem real.

Photo credit: The Economist

I already knew that people were dying, that people are dying as they seek a better life in Europe. I feel ashamed writing this because I knew and yet I ignored it. I’d probably heard it time and again on the news but turned over when it was time for the CBeebies Bedtime Song.

How very lucky we are to be able to turn the channel over, to gather our happy and healthy babies in our arms and wave goodnight to Charlie Bear at the end of a lovely day.

But today there was no switching off.

Today I have struggled to come to terms with the picture of three year old Aylan Kurdi whose tiny body was washed up on a beach in Turkey. Today I have witnessed outrage on social media from people who don’t think this picture should have been shared. People who weren’t expecting to see a photo of a drowned boy between a post about make-up contouring and a wedding selfie.
They didn’t want to see it.
They would rather not have seen it.
They wish they hadn’t seen it.

But I’m glad I saw it. Because it brought it home. Aylan was the same age as my boy, he was a similar size to my boy, he was wearing similar clothes to my boy. He drowned alongside his mother Rehan and big brother Galip, who was five. His grief-stricken father, Abdullah, has since spoken of his desire to lie in a grave with his wife and his beautiful babies.

No amount of shitty CBeebies can make that go away.

I can’t turn the image off. I can’t get it out of my head. It’s sitting behind my eyes when I close them and now instead of writing a mildly amusing but ultimately fucking valueless blog about the perils of weaning I’m writing this with a lump in my throat and a sadness in my heart.

I’m not politically sharp enough to write a letter to David Cameron. But my heart tells me that the greatest risk to our nation, over and above the ‘swarms of migrants' descending on our shores, over and above the UK becoming a ‘magnet’ for such 'migrants,' over and above our prejudice towards people whose lives we will never truly understand, is the risk that we’ll have to live with the human tragedy of failing to allow people sanctuary in their hour of need.

An hour of need so dark and desperate, so full of unspeakable horrors, that parents are prepared to load their vulnerable children into boats that may never make the shore.

I may not know a lot about war-torn Syria or indeed our current ‘refugee quota’ but I know that people are dying trying to reach safety and I’m finding it hard to understand how we are letting this happen.

I’m not starting a petition. I’m not creating a call to action. But after months of doing absolutely nothing, of turning the channel over, of blocking it all out, I am finally seeing it. I am hearing it. I am feeling it.

Amongst the baby scan pictures and mindless celeb gossip on my newsfeed today was an article from the Guardian about genuine ways to help. Things that can help now. So if you have been as moved as I have by what you have seen maybe take a look.

We can’t help Aylan, or Galip, or Rehan. We can’t help Abdullah who has lost everything and must kiss his whole family goodnight for the last time.

But we might be able to help others who are just like them. Who are just like us.

Abdullah described his boys as the most beautiful in the world and they were. They were his babies and I’m so very sorry we couldn’t save them.

It's remarkably sad that it took a photo this harrowing to wake up the masses. I hope Aylan's legacy is one of change.

Sleep tight little man.

121 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. While I feel grief for the dreadful unnecessary waste of life and the circumstances in which these children died I can't help but think it was the parents responsibility that this happened. The family had made it to a safe place away from the horrors of their own country, but chose to put themselves and their children at risk by paying huge amounts of money,to gangsters, to ride in severely overcrowded, totally unsuitable, boats and set out into open sea! I am gobsmacked that ANY parent would put their children at risk like this when there is a safer alternative. I was also equally stunned, that in this case, this father , very quickly, was able to make arrangements to return three corpses to his home village and bury them. ( it took my family 10 days bring back my father- in-law's body back from France!). it is just such a dreadful waste of life. This country, and others,are already supplying millions of pounds of aide and processes are in place to deal with refugees but the refugees are not willing to follow those processes, and chaos is ensuing. These children and unfortunately many others like them are the victims of this. Harsh, I know, but true. (I write this after making donations of clothes and money to Send to Hungary,)

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    2. The camps in Turkey are disgusting and the people are being treated very badly. I am really tired of people saying oh isn't it dreadful but......I am really tired of hearing people like you find excuses. Conditions in Hungary are appalling too, We have all been witness to that in the last few days. You keep sending clothes to Hungary if it makes you feel better but I think your comments stink

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    3. Dear Anonymous ...... you clearly know very little about the lives of Syrian and Palestinian refugees. Doesn't the fact that parents are taking these risks not tell you something? Not spark a little pause for thought?
      Can I suggest you familiarise yourself with the facts ...what safer alternative?
      Refugees are not willing to follow process?
      Oh dear..
      The ignorance is astounding

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    4. Dear anonymous, when you say you 'can't help but think', lets be honest. You can. You just don't want to. I think you're just trying to make yourself feel better that this was in some way the fault of the parents. Whereas in reality, you're just bloody lucky to be born where you are and not having to make those decisions yourself just trying to give your children a good life. They're not taking those boats for a cheap holiday. Get over yourself.

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    5. I'm sorry but this person is entitled to his/her opinion without being bullied. I cried my eyes out looking at the photo of that little boy!! Absolutely heartbreaking I agree but the fact of the matter is that anonymous isn't wrong in saying that it was the parents duty to care for those children - I've heard stories that the father wanted his teeth done hence the move and that he was living in a place that wasn't war stricken. Was that boat ride and losing his family really necessary? I wonder.

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    6. It's very easy to be judgemental whilst sitting on your comfy sofa in your warm house with your kids tucked up safely in their warm beds. We have NO idea what these people are going through. Stories like these need to be seen so we can all be a bit more open minded and compassionate

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  2. Wow, beautifully written. Exactly how I'm feeling today, given my littleboy an extra kiss tonight. Now to see what I can do to help

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  3. Well said. I have been feeling the same way today (I have a 5 and 2 year old). The desperation of these poor people.

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  4. Thank you for saying everything I've been thinking. Xxx

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  5. Such a sad day. It took those sad, shocking images for me to realise just what is happening. They do not choose to leave all they know. They have no choice. It is about survival. Sleep tight little man

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  6. Thank you so much. Using a platform like yours to raise awareness is awesome. If enough of us shout support the government will have to listen

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  7. Brilliantly eloquent. Thank you xx

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  8. Bloody brilliantly written!!!! I will look at Guardian article now instead of watching the damm E channel. Horrendousness for some people and we need to help.I kept thinking about it all last night too! My 2 year old choked on some bacon earlier (What was I thinking giving it to her) and scared the shit out of me so instead of spending my evening moaning about what a nightmare she was today and how I am losing the plot I just cuddled her....
    Great post, you are SUCH fab writer and think people ewill listen xxxxxxx WHINE OR WINE girl xxx

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  9. It's heartbreaking.

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  10. Lying here feeding my beautiful boy & sobbing. I haven't been able to quite get a grip of how those pictures have made me feel or how I should respond but your words have summed up perfectly what I have been struggling to say all day. Well said my dear, well said.

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  11. Well said. Something had to change and maybe now something might start to change. Sleep tight little ones xxx

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  12. Well said if only everyone thought like this xx

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  13. This 'got' me yesterday. I wrote this... http://ant1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/that-beach-photo.html horrific.

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  14. Thank you thank you for putting into words exactly the way I and so many other people are feeling after seeing those horrendous images of those poor children. I have a nearly 3 year old, I cuddled him that little bit tighter putting him to bed then made a donation to save the children and unicef Syrian appeals, we don't know how lucky we are. I wish I could do more x

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  15. Echoing my own thoughts and putting them so eloquently into words. I felt the shift too, and immediately donated. I should have done it before now.

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  16. The photos of little Aylan are brutal and heart wrenching, sadly he is not the first and wont be the last young victim of a war torn country and people fleeing for a better life.

    I'm amazed that people have been so blind as to what is happening; I'm surprised that it's taken the very public death of child for people to realise this happens every single day.

    I'm not sure why this child had to die for anyone to sit up and take notice, it's almost offensive that the British middle class decide now it's time to step up, where was the outrage years ago when Syria was being bombed?

    I'm sorry I sound so angry and ranty, but as with everything the tabloids latch on to, in a few weeks they'll be bemoaning the schools over crowded with immigrants children and NHS waiting times being extended due to an increase in people needing treatment from the effects of leaving a war torn country.

    I fear much of the outrage and concern is just more fair-weather theatrics from those who wont give a toss in a few weeks.

    Something needs to be done, help is obviously needed, in what form that takes for a long term solution I have no idea, I just know that knee jerk reactions from anyone aren't the answer.

    Sorry for the rant

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    1. I have to say that I agree with what you have said and have put it much better than me, I cannot understand why after 900 men women and children died in a similar situation in April the photos of this poor family spread all over the media has had more affect. How many defenceless innocent, perfect, loved children of all ages died in that one tragedy but because there was no brutal image of their lifeless bodies shamelessly plastered everywhere nobody seemed to notice! Of course every country able to help should but is anybody focusing on why these poor people are fleeing, maybe it's time to do more than just rescuing them after they have been forced to flee and do something about why?

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    2. Yes why do they have to flee their homes and why is the situation not been addressed at source rather than waiting until it is to late to save them.

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    3. I totally agree why is something not being done about why these people are compelled to flee and why is nothing being done to stop what is happening to stop it happening.

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    4. Would you believe this is why :(
      http://www.upworthy.com/trying-to-follow-what-is-going-on-in-syria-and-why-this-comic-will-get-you-there-in-5-minutes?g=2

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    5. How very true. Like unmumsy said we all buried our heads thinking it's not our country. Yes people die all the time including children but we don't 'see' it. That picture shared by everyone 'made' us 'see' what is real as we all love our children so to see that image, really SEE that imagine makes it all seem that more real that yes people and children are dying but our country can do something about it. I choose not to follow world news as it is so scarey and depressing what goes on but I'm glad I've been made to take notice.

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    6. Where pray have you all been when these tragedies have been happening all the time. Where were you when the Yazidis were taken by ISIS; when the Christians had to flee….,maybe , just maybe you did not care enough. You say we should do something and yet if our Government gets militarily involved, you will say not in my name. I am so glad you have woken up to the real world and the real suffering . The deaths seen on our screens was that of people moving from the safety of Turkey. How can we persuade them not to take this risk and save themselves.

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    7. Surely doing something is better than doing nothing, knee jerk or otherwise? Whilst I appreciate the points made above I also think that to criticise any effort to raise awareness or encourage discussion around difficult, emotive issues, should be welcomed not damned. The outrage and concern offers me faith in humanity! Some of the above comments are intended to shame people and discourage them from responding to a tragedy, however late you might view their concern. Why not make suggestions of how to support the efforts already being made to support these families instead of criticism?

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    8. None of the above is intended to shame, I was merely wondering why concern is coming at such a late stage for many. I was and have been supporting Save the Children since they started their campaign to help Syria with Tipping Point, this was years ago, please don't assume I've done nothing to help.
      But yes, actually I do think it's a poor reflection that for so many years people were able to turn a blind eye, people have been too caught up in their own bubble to see what has been happening and reported for years.

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  17. I am sat here crying because you have managed to convey everything I am feeling. So well written. I am so lucky to give my beautiful grandchildren (2 months and 4 months old) a kiss and hug goodnight x x x

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  18. Thank you so much for voicing my thoughts. Aylan will forever rest in peace in our hearts. What a shame that a little boy's death and the grief of his father is what it takes to make us realise what is happening.

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  19. I had just the same reaction to that photo. I can't turn it off either. It's time for me to stop avoiding the news and start trying to do something about this.

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  20. I have felt exactly the same way the last two days. So ashamed of myself and our country for being too late for so many. When did we stop being humans first and foremost?xx

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  21. You're not the only one. I think for many of us, its suddenly all too real. I feel like for the last couple of days I've been permanently close to tears or in tears (and I am again now). I've gathered up things to go to our local drop off point to help, clothes and toys, and I'm trying to help the best I can. I also feel a strong need to fight the hideous hideous comments I'm seeing from those who say they should all just go back where they came from because we're full. I have to fight that.

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  22. I feel the same, and yet again I'm in tears over the magnitude of this crisis and the number of families who have lost loved ones. X

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  23. I'm so glad I read this - finally someone who I can wholeheartedly agree with. Like you, I don't consider myself particarly 'in the know' politically, but this picture opened my eyes and humanised the whole crisis for me; before it was all about the slightly daunting 'swarm' mf migrants, but now I can finally see desperate people fighting for safety. Brilliantly said as always. xxxxxxxx

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  24. Thanks for putting into words what all mothers (I hope) are feeling. I immediately felt quilty for wishing away some of the days, weeks I have struggled with my newborn only to realise how utterly pathetic this is in comparison. I cannot imagine losing the most precious thing in the world - your own child. Here in New Zealand we are so far removed yet have the capacity and willingness to up our refugess quota, its embarassing to think some people may be "worried" that accepting people from a muslim country will somehow impact our own, we are all humans at the end of the day, regardful of our culture, religon or race. Thanks again for bringing to light such an important subject. You can also donate through UNHCR if you are not sure how else to help.

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  25. You are more than sharp enough to write to david Cameron.. Do it girl!

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  26. My five year old was watching Newsround yesterday and asked me if she would ever be a refugee. I told her she wouldn't because we're very lucky to live in the country that we do. It's so hard to explain to her that not everyone has the life that she does.

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  27. Write to your MP. You don't need political sharpness. This is a beautifully-written, articulate and empassioned post which will make an excellent basis for a letter.

    Heartfelt pleas are as effective as logical arguments and a mix of both will demonstrate broad support for doing more for refugees. We need a massive groundswell to get the government to change its position, and every little helps.

    This site makes the process trivial: https://www.writetothem.com
    I wrote one this afternoon and it is as simple as filling in a form (much like writing a blog post).

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  28. You are more than sharp enough to write a letter to David Cameron!

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  29. I've also been feeling this all day. Every time I thought of my own little boy I thought of Aylan, and how we are so lucky, just by a twist of fate that we were born here and not there.

    We must do something.

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  30. If I lived in Syria with my two year old boys I would want to get them out. Not for economic prosperity. Not for the prospect of a better job or home. But just for the fact that I was desperate to keep them and my family safe from the hideous and reckless violence that was occurring in my country and to get to family who could support me and my children. If I'd done the right thing and applied for asylum and been refused then, as I'm guessing money would be hard to find, getting on a boat would be my only option. I know I'd be scared of the risk I was taking but I'd be more scared of staying. My main aim would be that I want my boys to be safe.
    I am so devastated by the photo of that little dead boy on the beach in Turkey as if I had been born somewhere else, if my life situation had been something else, that little boy could have been my little boy.
    He was only 3 years old. He had little shoes on and a bright top. His hair had been cut. All showing he was loved and cared for. And his little hands and face. So, so heartbreaking,
    I can not understand the lack of compassion in my home country (australia) and the country of my current home (UK) in relation to these people fleeing desperate situations. It's all about how WE will suffer, how WE need to protect ourselves, how OUR resources are stretched. Our suffering is so minor, so pitiful compared to these fleeing people. We're one world but we always seem to forget that in our world of 'me'.
    “Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival.”
    ― Dalai Lama XIV

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  31. This is pretty much everything I am feeling but couldn't put into words. We need to help them. I don't have a lot but I will give whatever I can to help out those in need. Thank you x

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  32. You have captured my thoughts and feelings...i am going to do what i can...the sadness needs to translate in to action. Thank you for writing this. S xx

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  33. I don't know when we became so desensitised to another human life ending and if this poor boys body has been what it's taken to make us feel something, feel compelled to do something and make a change then it is utterly heartbreaking but his death may not just be in vain. It is so devastating and we simply must do something, I must do something! Thank you for putting out there exactly how most of us are feeling right now. We are very lucky to live in this country and be able to kiss our little ones goodnight. Those poor people.

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  34. You have mananged to put into words exactly how myself and im sure millions of others are feeling today. I too used to switch off, ignore it all. But that one image change it all. I cant switch off, i cant ignore, i wish i could save each and every one of them, i wish i could bring back that poor mans beautiful family. I will never take for granted how blessed i am to have the life i do with my boy xxx

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  35. Your words are weapon enough. Wonderful. Thank you for writing what so many of us could not find the words to say.

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  36. This is truly a wake up call for all of us ... thanks for sharing :) x

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  37. Yes, yes to all of this. If there is anything acting as a slight antidote to all of the horrors that we are seeing on the news, it is the social media mobilisation of ordinary people like you and me who feel compelled to do something, even if that something is to speak up and say "don't let another innocent child die in vain". But people are going further - they are self-organising to collect and send aid to where it is needed, they are organising protests, and they are lobbying their MPS and councillors - you don't need to be 'savvy' to do that, just tell them that we - their constituents - want action, we don't want out government to stand idly by and talk of 'tackling the source of the problem' - they know full well that may take decades, if (taking Syria as an example) it is ever tackled at all.
    There are many NGOs we can support, but also local smaller organisations like Kos Kindness https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kos-Kindness/159755314181314?fref=nf helping both refugee families but also local Greek families struggling there

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  38. Your words are the thoughts in my head. Thankyou for putting them on paper. That little boy's image will stay with me forever. I just had to visit my grandson today for a cwtch and to put a happy thought in my head xx

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  39. I have never been so moved by a photograph as I was today. Your blog perfectly sums up how many of us are thinking. I can't begin to imagine the horrors these poor people have had to witness and the desperation they must feel. Now to see how we can help...

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  40. We cannot bear to look at that little boy's cold body face down on the sand but we must all look at it and realise this is happening to human beings just like you and I. A heartfelt and moving post.

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  41. Captured exactly what I am feeling x have arranged to volunteer at my local shelter box x have signed all petitions i can x

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  42. There have been harrowing pictures of victims of war/famine and terrorism for years, this wasn't the first and I very much doubt it will be the last...

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  43. Thank you for this. So very much. Xxx

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  44. You've basically summed up everything I've been thinking since I caught sight of said image on the front of a newspaper in the supermarket today. So well put a damn flippin right too. Thank you, you write so wonderfully x

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  45. Thank you for writing so well and encapsulating exactly how I feel. X

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  46. What a beautiful, honest and emotional post. It made me cry all over again.

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  47. What a beautiful, honest, emotional post. It made me cry all over again.

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  48. Very well said. I am hoping that I stop reading in Facebook about how Britain is closed and the go back to where you came from hate type posts. I am hoping that everyone realizes finally that this is not just britains "problem" to rant about. It's the whole worlds issue to deal with, to bring this misery to a halt, or at least try to, and to offer some refuge, whilst we sit hear bitching about our Starbucks lattes.....

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  49. Thank you for writing this. You summed up my day and I have started trying to help. I don't know why it's taken so long.

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  50. Well said. I have been horrified by the media and political response to the refugee crisis, but have to admit to similarly forgetting about/ignoring it at times. When I saw that photo I burst into tears. It shouldn't take such a horrific photo to push people into action, but let's hope it does.

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  51. You have just written exactly what I've been feeling the past 24 hours. I held my wee boy just that bit tighter tonight. We're so lucky to live in this country, we have to remember that.

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  52. If maybe those of us who enjoy a cheeky bottle of wine at the weekend could donate the money instead to one of the good causes I have a feeling between us we could raise a lot of money x...have put my money where my mouth is x

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  53. You are so right. If anyone wants a petition then this one is out there https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/105991

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  54. Just send what you have so eloquently written to DC

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  55. Your post absolutely resonated with me, thankyou x

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  56. Its very fashionable to like migrants and immigrants at the moment.

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    1. This will be forgotten in week or so

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  57. Thank you for posting this, because you are exactly, exactly, right.

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  58. Something else struck me today - the insightful comment that while we consider it dangerous to put them in a boat, this is just one day of danger. One risk. While they stay where they are every day is risk and danger. So, so sad

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  59. This us excellently and honestly written. It's so easy to switch off or over. It's also easy to see them, refugees, as "others", while they are just the same but we are just lucky to be in a different context.

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  60. I immediately 'hid' the picture of that little boy yesterday on my FB feed. It stopped me dead in my tracks and came without warning. My eyes stung and the lump in my throat made it hard to swallow. Thank you so much for your post. You have written everything that I felt then and still feel now.

    I packed a bag of clothes and it has been waiting to be dropped off since Bank Holiday Monday, but I will ensure that I make the time to take it to the No Borders charity in the morning. It's not much, but it is something.

    You care, I care and everyone who has posted on here cares, so between us all we must be able to put that to good use in some way.

    Thanks for being so honest.

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  61. I avoided seeing this picture all day, I knew of it but didn't see it with my own eyes until late this evening. Up until I saw the photo I was aware of what is going on but that was it. I saw the photo and something has changed, I felt sick when I saw it, I turned my screen off because I did not want to see it. Now I am glad I saw it because now I can't ignore it. I need to do something, I want to do something now. I'm so very sorry that this poor man has to lose his beautiful boy before the rest of the world took notice to what is happening in our world.

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  62. As much as I wish it wasn't true.By next week no one will remember this boys name. :-(

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  63. Thank you for sharing your thoughts like that...
    I was touch last week when I saw the picture of the Syrian mother swimming in the middle of the Mediterranean with her baby trying to keep them a flote, then... That! I can not stop looking at all those kids and not putting my baby's face on them... It is soon sad. Everytime bring tears to my eyes!
    Now I am seriously thinking on offering the bedroom that we have free at home for any refugee... Have the need to do something and not just the fact of feeling sorry.

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    1. We have a small house but a spare room in it and was thinking exactly the same as.

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  64. One love one soul x yes, sleep tight little man. We love you x

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  65. Perfectly articulated. My thoughts entirely. Just read another excellent post over on wonderfully average which gives a list of ways to help. X MMT

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  66. One thing in your article that I disagree with. You say you are not politically sharp enough to write a letter to David Cameron. You are WAY more aware and politically savvy than he is. Don't be blind-sided by the title 'MP' or 'prime minister'. No qualifications required for these posts.

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  67. Sign the petition - there are encouraging signs that even our heartless government may have to bow to public sentiment on this. Do it now if you haven't already: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/105991

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  68. Such a well written piece. I saw the pictures on the news this afternoon and I have never hugged my children (2 & 6) so tightly. What ever our politics we are all human and I don't want to imagine a world in which anyone wasn't affected by those pictures.

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  69. You said exactly how I feel! It's horrific!

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  70. Thank you for posting this - and the other comments are right - you are insightful enough to write to David Cameron- just send him this blog.

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  71. You say you can't write to D C. This is the most profound writing I have seen in a long time. He should see this and, hopefully, be moved by your incredible words. Thank you for your incredible thoughts.

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  72. You say you can't write to D C. This is the most profound writing I have seen in a long time. He should see this and, hopefully, be moved by your incredible words. Thank you.

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  73. I'm reminded of the story of a man walking along a beach where tens of thousands of starfish had washed up and would soon die. He saw a woman walking in front of him periodically bend down to pick up a starfish and throw it back into the ocean. He approached the woman and said "Why bother? There are too many. You can't make a difference". As she threw another starfish back, the woman said "I made a difference to that one".

    We should each do our bit.

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  74. Very well written! While sending a copy to D.C. send a copy to Assad, Isis, and all world leaders who create the horrific environments that cause families to flee...and leaders who have the wherewithal to stop it and choose not to.

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  75. This is an excellent post, so well written. You have absolutely nailed the exact thoughts of the parents in this country yesterday after seeing such a horrific image. It is absolutely the time to stand up and say when something is not right. Surely as human beings we are duty bound to help others in distress.

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  76. It's the wording, they'te not migrants, not eastern Europeans coming here en masse. They're refugees, running for their lives. Running for freedom. And it is disgusting that the media fail to use that terminology. Proving that we are fed properganda and not truth. There are no pictures of what they're running from. Only of the naughty migrants breaching fences. Not the desperate refugees who pay a fortune to be put in a boat with children and pointed in the general direction of Europe. You wouldn't risk that just for money.

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    1. Yes! Too much going on in the media with the 'normal' migrants wanting to come here for the benefits and the house etc then the 'genuine refugees' that are trying to find safety. Don't care about possessions etc they just want to be somewhere where they not gonna be bombed up!

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  77. Bless you Hon I was feeling like a freak because everyone else discussed the migrants as a virus or plague that is going to reach our shores and infect us all and laughed when I tried to call on their humanity to see these people as people to understand the terror that would make a whole family pack up their precious family and flee there not interested in a free ride they just need sanctuary

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  78. Thank you.

    My daughter is three today and just left, happily, for nursery.

    That brave man will never see his children grow up.

    I am heartened that so many people have reacted this way and utterly ashamed of our government and those who do nothing but hate.

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  79. It is devastating, well written. We must all donate and do what we can x

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  80. My son is 3 and i sit here looking at him with tears blurring my vision, rolling down my face. It is such a desperately sad inhuman thing to happen. I hope so much that we can all pull together and help the people that need it.

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  81. I haven't been able to stop thinking about that beautiful little boy and the desperation his parents must have felt to put him on that boat. It is tragic and like you I think something should be done. I found a similar article on practical help yesterday and am speaking to some groups now to see what I can do. Thank you for writing this.

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  82. Thank you, I feel exactly the same x

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  83. Thank you for putting our feelings 8nto words. Also for letting 7s know where we can find out how to do more. X

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  84. Thank you for putting this into words for us all. X

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  85. Beautifully put. Thank you for putting into words what so many of us are feeling. #oneworld

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  86. Very well said. So many people are feeling this way, and I too am glad that photo was taken as it has made the world sit up and take notice of what's going on. x

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  87. so well written.... My mind is struggling from processing it all. I found a great 'comic' explaining why Syria is in the position that it is in. It was hugely informative on Upworthy.com Then I saw a picture of a WWII child being sent off for refuge, and it made me realise that this is our problem, it should be our problem. That child should not have died en route to safety.

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  88. The one issue I have with your post is that you say you are not politically sharp enough to write to David Cameron. Yes you are. We all are. For better or worse, he is elected and therefore obliged to listen. Write to him, your local MP and the home Secretary, and use your blog to encourage others to. Otherwise, well said.

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    1. Thank you. Funnily enough somebody encouraged me to contact my MP last night which I did and he has subsequently shared further x

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    2. Excellent stuff :) So pleased you made this blog. x

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  89. It is so so upsetting to see that things like this are happening. We are so far removed from this that it is hard to understand. I think that the pictures have made people realise that we need to do something about it.

    Laura / www.smileatstyle.com

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  90. It's heartbreaking...

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  91. What a beautiful piece Lets hope it goes viral I shall certainly share it with everyone I know.
    Listen to Hollie Poetry Mermaids and Sand and share that too
    https://youtu.be/tk-ydXvNoUM

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  92. I wrote a poem well a sort of prayer, I have children the same age and I am utterly horrified at what is happening:

    https://countrymumkin.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/225/

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  93. What a very well worded blog.

    You have pretty much summed up what's been on my mind. I have been in tears a few times anytime I've seen the image of that gorgeous little boy.

    At first I did resent people posting the picture publicly but then I realised it's because it did bring home a truth of suffering and how ignorant I have been.

    I don't wish to be ignorant and only wish I could do more to help. More than just donating clothes and essential supplies.

    For those who have no compassion for these refugees, They better hope they don't find themselves in a position of having to flee their own home to survive.

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  94. Can we not set up a 'fostering' type program for refugees. Their immediate needs are obvious, food, shelter, hygiene, safety, kindness. Surely it's as easy as letting people who are willing open their homes to families who need the help. If details are currently being written on paper is it not as simple as entering the details of refugees into a spreadsheet- pairing them with a 'foster' family and having an electronic system for reporting how they're doing. The general public can not stop the war that's a job for the Governments and the military but we can help other human beings survive by sharing our home, our food, our clothing and by keeping them safe until they are able to return to their homeland and start rebuilding their future. Surely it doesn't have to be made so difficult! During the World Wars people were billeted out to other families when their lives were at risk and their homes were destroyed. Food, land, buildings were commandeered to feed armies etc. Silk was taken for parachutes etc. Can we not commandeer 10% of all hotel rooms in the EU and abroad to help these people until a proper solution can be found. Can we not get them out to safety evacuation style so they don't drown! Then use force to remove the threat to their homes and lives and let them return to their homes to rebuild with our help. If everyone works together it makes the solution easier and may stop these desperate people having to live like prisoners of war.

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  95. The troubles of Syria have been occurring for a long time, as well as troubles everyday in various other regions. Libya, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, are to name but a few.

    One of the more crucial problems that need addressing here is also the trafficking aspect. How many more children are dying from the perilous journey that they hope will grant them freedom from war? Children need urgent protection.

    Here;s an observation: What is a massive shame about this country is that people are more concerned about what the Kim Kardashians of this world are wearing/saying/doing (which is generally nothing) than actually educating yourself on issues that MATTER. Yes, it may be escapism from mundane activities, but feel LUCKY that you can do those mundane activities.

    Furthermore, some people choose to turn a blind eye. From the great words of Faithless: Inaction is the Weapon of Mass Destruction. To hear and see and do NOTHING? Well, to all those people - shame on you! How this has come as a surprise to some people is frankly shocking. Get your head out of your ass and pick up a newspaper (preferably not the Daily Mail...!). Switch on the News. Look around at what is going on around you.

    People need to start caring about people! The more we continue to just live within our own little bubble, ignore others and generally not give a f**k is what is precisely wrong with the world.

    It's a moving speech that you make and awesome that you are spreading awareness. But from here on now, make it your priority to make a difference. If everyone gave even half a shit about other people, what a change we could all make, eh?

    Educate yourselves as much as possible, you owe it to the next generation (your children).

    Rant over. Thanks for reading.

    mashable.com/2015/09/03/refugee-crisis-how-to-help/

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