Another Lifetime Ago by Lara S

Lara S | all galleries >> Miscellaneous Galleries >> My Photo a Day Galleries Past and Present >> Photo a Day 2004 to 2006 >> pad_dec_03_sept_04 >> April 2004 > Another Lifetime Ago

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13-APR-2004

Another Lifetime Ago

20 years ago. April 13 ,1984, I said goodbye to my country.
20 years ago today, my family packed up our belongings and left Lebanon for the United States.
I am feeling a little nostalgic tonight.
This is my old expired Lebanese passport and the family identity card behind it.
That's all I have left of that old life. Along with memories of war.
Ironically enough, we left for a safer future and most importantly safer grounds.
I was 16 when we left. The war had been raging most of my young life there.
Today, 20 years later I mourn my lost youth.

Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel
1/40s f/4.5 at 35.0mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto

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Linda Alstead		15-Apr-2004 04:44
Lara this is so touching but I agree with most of the other comments - look on it as life enriching - I know I benefitted from your history while in NYC....

Susie		15-Apr-2004 02:26
Lara, this is the last photo I looked at last night before I went to bed and it haunted me all night. My college boyfriend's mother came from Palestine. Her father had been the personal physician to the leader of the country, and when things started to go bad he was able to sneak them out of the country, and the only thing she was able to take besides the clothes on her back was a little doll. I remember when she would talk about it she would cradle the doll and cry for her homeland and her youth. I understand what you are saying. I think it is fine to mourn what you lost.

Costi Jacky		14-Apr-2004 17:07
Wow, that a story that unfortunately reign the M. East Region. I am wishing you a better life where ever you will decide to live.

melissa		14-Apr-2004 15:35
What a beautiful picture, very poignant!

mikiruaq		14-Apr-2004 04:31
Thanks for sharing such a powerful memory and story.

brother_mark		14-Apr-2004 03:41
Wow.

Guest		14-Apr-2004 01:58
Powerful photo, and message! Lara - you ROCK for sharing this with us, be strong!!

DeMorcan		14-Apr-2004 01:30
There is a time to mourn, to remember that which is no more. It is right that one grieve that which is lost. To grow is to lose. Too often one tends to rush forward without realizing each step forward leaves something behind us. Something that is gone except in our memories. It is well that you take time to see what you have lost and what you have gained. There is no gain without loss. To know the gain is more than the loss does not negate the loss. The spirit within that mourns is the same spirit that leads you into each new day. You are a real person with deep caring. Your life has brought you that. Embrace the mourning as you embrace the smiles and laughter. They are you. As there is value in you, there is value in all that makes you the perfect you. Do not lose your capacity to mourn that which was taken. This capacity is also the capacity to love and give to others. In the right time, this day too will pass. Hold tight to your memories, only you have them.

Guest		14-Apr-2004 01:08
But Lara, all these things you mourn are not gone! They are what made you and your wonderful mom the people you are NOW! 2 of the kindest, most beautiful, warm-hearted people I've had the pleasure of meeting!! So rather than be sad, be happy for the life you have now, and the friendships you have made!! I love you sweetie!!

Ray :)		14-Apr-2004 01:07
You and your family may have emmigrated to live in a safer country, but in doing so you, and so many others like you, have enriched the cultures and given us a greater understanding of the diverse communities around the world. In short, the Lebanon's loss is your adopted country's gain.

Guest		14-Apr-2004 00:54
May your heart be filled with the joy in your life today and the joy you give to others. I'm sorry for your losses but know that there is much to be learned from the journey we all walk.

Guest		14-Apr-2004 00:51
VCL, I was completely moved by what you wrote. So eloquently put!

virginiacoastline		14-Apr-2004 00:46
I freakin give up . .I canNOT spell tonite

virginiacoastline		14-Apr-2004 00:46
L-A-U-G-H-T-E-R!!! what the hell is "lughter"??? Sheesh . .try to be serious and this is waht happens . . no more seious for me =P

virginiacoastline		14-Apr-2004 00:44
Do not mourn the loss . . . remember and appreciate it. But rejoice in who you are & where youare, for had you stayed in your original country, you might not be here (litereally & figuratively) today. We rejoice in the knowledge of who you are and who you are to become. . . .we appreciate where you have been and comisserate with you in the nostalgia of your youth . . . but do NOT mourn. It is not dead. It lives within your lughter and your sweet soft eyes and soul. You are here and alive inside! The best is yet to come, Lara!!!

Guest		14-Apr-2004 00:41
I have tears in my eyes from the combination of the photo and your words! What a tragic and scary time it must have been to live amidst the wars. Glad you and your family were able to come to America and live in peace. Rejoice that you have your freedom, but most of all, each other. Thank you for sharing your story, Lara.