I read “The Women” by Kristen Hannah and “Targeted Beirut” by Brad Thor and until this post had not connected “The Odyssey” to these current stories about war. The depth of such memories that must be managed and carried makes those who return heroic to proceed in life with calm determination.
The human moments you write about are profound and stick with me longer than the superfluous words of some writers. I can imagine both of you being completely exhausted and overwhelmed. Bless her for holding things together and bless you for loving her so much that you went to register your son for kindergarten rather than begrudgingly wishing you had a homecoming parade.
There are moments like these for all families, especially for those of us with neurodivergent children. But then, to add the extra, very deep stressors of what you went through to make it home is beyond comprehension for most of the world.
No modern audience would accept an Odysseus and Telemachus hanging all the guilty-by-association maids. Twelve of them all strung up on one rope so that their feet can't touch the ground. It is a horrific scene, and at odds with everything else. I was okay for Odysseus to be shackled up with Calypso for 7 years, while the maids had to make their way in a world in which no one could defend them. I am hoping its a late accretion.
I read “The Women” by Kristen Hannah and “Targeted Beirut” by Brad Thor and until this post had not connected “The Odyssey” to these current stories about war. The depth of such memories that must be managed and carried makes those who return heroic to proceed in life with calm determination.
Beautifully written!
The human moments you write about are profound and stick with me longer than the superfluous words of some writers. I can imagine both of you being completely exhausted and overwhelmed. Bless her for holding things together and bless you for loving her so much that you went to register your son for kindergarten rather than begrudgingly wishing you had a homecoming parade.
There are moments like these for all families, especially for those of us with neurodivergent children. But then, to add the extra, very deep stressors of what you went through to make it home is beyond comprehension for most of the world.
You may like this book, "Sailing Home" by Norman Fischer.
It uses the story of the Odyssey to help us navigate our way back to a more integrated self.
https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Home-Odyssey-Navigate-Pitfalls/dp/1416560211
Jack Carr wrote “Targeted Beirut”. I apologize for my error as an interruption hurried my comment.
Amen.
👏👏👏👏
No modern audience would accept an Odysseus and Telemachus hanging all the guilty-by-association maids. Twelve of them all strung up on one rope so that their feet can't touch the ground. It is a horrific scene, and at odds with everything else. I was okay for Odysseus to be shackled up with Calypso for 7 years, while the maids had to make their way in a world in which no one could defend them. I am hoping its a late accretion.