Hopes for Normal Life

    Since the US  invasion in 2003, Iraqis life had changed a lot. We starteddoing things they didn't useto like not leaving homes at night and watching the news carefully to have a clear idea about the security situation but we also stopped doing many things.

    One of the traditions that we gave up and especially during the sectarian violence wave in 2005,2006 and 2007 was the public parties which are hold near the house of any iraqi bridegroom.

    I attended tens of these parties for people I knew and even for ones I don't know. With the start of music, none of us stay on his chair. Everyone start dancing and singing.

    With the start of the sectarian violence, making such public parties was the craziest thing to do. I still remember my wedding party which was inside our house. I called many friends and told them not to come to the party and we can meet later because my neighborhood was a battle Field.

    Last Wednesday, I was doing my prayers when I heard a strange sound. OMG. It looks like the sound of music. When I finished my prayers, I went out quickly and I was really surprised with the scene.

    For the first time since 2003, I saw more than 200 young men gathered in our street. The first song was more than enough for them to start the crazy modern dancing which I find very odd.

    I went back home feeling happy not for the dancing but for our life which started the path back to be normal hopefully.

Comments

[Deb]

"A Christian", you make me feel ashamed as being a christian I could possibly be lumped in with your silly and simplistic view of the Christian faith.,,,,you obviously don't know your faith's history nor that of the Muslims' personally. Just the typical rhetoric of one who follows blindly, not one who studies deeply. I suggest prior to making your very small hearted, sanctimonious comments, you become knowledgeable of the Muslim teachings and recognize their faith teaches love, kindness, respect of life, non-violence. Their Islamic Inter-sect slaughter is akin to our white supremacist extremist populations, not the general christian/jewish/muslim populations. But, no, you probably wouldn't know it, you won't take the time to try to understand other's worlds, faiths, customs; you are too busy attempting to climb up on some self made pedestal claiming how great you are!!!!

To the blogger of "Hopes of Normal Days", please don't judge all christians harshly; most of us do respect and honor your traditions. My prayers and hopes for your return to an even better life for you and your family. God bless you.

A loving Christian

[A Christian]

Wow, Laura, a new tradition is what they need. If they worship Christ by "turning the other cheek," there wouldn't be Islamic inter-sect slaughter. You know, "Thou shalt not kill" and all that. Try something new.

[Laura]

I SO hope so. (And I suggest you start a new tradition--of anniversary parties--and invite your friends who had to miss your bridegroom party. Let there be lots of 'old fogey' dancing!!) ; )