So many bits of this broke my heart; got me to stop and think; surprised me; made me nod in agreement...
I loved your use of questions throughout:
"How much do we really love our kids unconditionally and how much do we love them if their ideas support our ideologies?"
"Are most of the people in my group interested in the truth and solutions or are they just interested in chit chat and noise? Or is it the pity, righteousness and camaraderie they get in suffering?"
Lavinia, thank you for reading and your support! After being stuck in travel hell past couple of days , I am catching up on everything and its a delight to see this resonated.
Having lived in the Soviet Union, having many friends who are refuseniks, all of this feels so devastatingly true: "The conversations are more open and frank than in the West, if you speak the language, the parties are more real, the homey feeling of the Russian banya and dacha gatherings, the soulful songs that suck you in" And then as a parent who teaches privileged kids "All kinds of neediness and expectations are often disguised"-- I loved every moment of this piece, and the boldness you show in writing it, Anna.
Whoa, what a bold piece!
So many bits of this broke my heart; got me to stop and think; surprised me; made me nod in agreement...
I loved your use of questions throughout:
"How much do we really love our kids unconditionally and how much do we love them if their ideas support our ideologies?"
"Are most of the people in my group interested in the truth and solutions or are they just interested in chit chat and noise? Or is it the pity, righteousness and camaraderie they get in suffering?"
Well done writing and publishing this!
Lavinia, thank you for reading and your support! After being stuck in travel hell past couple of days , I am catching up on everything and its a delight to see this resonated.
Having lived in the Soviet Union, having many friends who are refuseniks, all of this feels so devastatingly true: "The conversations are more open and frank than in the West, if you speak the language, the parties are more real, the homey feeling of the Russian banya and dacha gatherings, the soulful songs that suck you in" And then as a parent who teaches privileged kids "All kinds of neediness and expectations are often disguised"-- I loved every moment of this piece, and the boldness you show in writing it, Anna.
thank you Alissa ! how did you end up in the Soviet Union? you have to tell me sometime. Your name - Alissa is very russian you know, its not Alice..
We were there as diplomats 1986-89. I'm hoping we can have a long chat soon (in a quieter location this time?)
absolutely! Will arrange on whatsapp after school holiday , I am sure you ll have your hands full then.