First In, Last Out

Greetings and seasonal salutations to one and all and thanks for joining us for another edition of Laura's Links.

As always, there has been no shortage of world news to report upon, and no shortage of outrageous world events and human behavior to comment upon. Davos is wrapping up, the Ayatollahs of Iran are winding up and emptying rounds, the last hostage held by Hamas was brought home to Israel to be laid to rest and the American midwest has sadly been a lethal mix of fire and ICE.

As for me and my house, it has been pretty busy. I've had a number of issues to deal with with my special needs son. I try very much to live in the present, but on the occasions that I have to relay his medical and developmental history, I find that the past creeps up with me in ways that I'm not always at peace with. I start thinking about certain tests, procedures, illnesses, or even things that people said about him. It can be exhausting. Oftentimes, me or Mr. C starts getting a little teary as the narrative progresses, realizing in real time that we are the only ones who really know all the tiniest details, every single episode, all the lines on every chart - all the fine print on the lifelong parental contract that we have with him as it were. Most of the time, we are blissfully uncoordinated in the lowest of the low down moments and can therefore lift each other up, and for that, I'm truly grateful. To be coordinated in moments of grief, even if they are truly just passing, can be quite overwhelming.

But I am grateful, even among the challenges.

But thank G-d, I am not one of the families that has buried a child. Watching the discovery of Ron Gvili's body by the IDF (the last hostage in Gaza), seeing the processional where his body was brought back to Israel, and hearing his family speak in such a dignified and even uplifting manner, puts things into perspective. His family said their pride in his heroism is stronger than their grief, an absolutely remarkable position indeed. I am humbled by their grace.

I'll sign off on that note because the day has been long.

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you in the comments.

~

North America:

Everyone is spelling "murdered" wrong. Of course, Canadians have to turn to the British press to get any information about the latest government murder of a helpless citizen who actually wanted to live.

Yes he did.

A wake up call.

This is great. Ezra really is a phenomenon.

A Caesar in the White House.

GOOD.

Remind me never to fly on an American airline ever again. Charles Murray also comments.

Welcome to the new Canada.

This seems fine.

This, too.

The "fine people" wake up call.

~

Israel and Jews:

HISTORY GEEK OUT.

Gad Saad Q&A in Tel Aviv on The Death of the West.

RIP (not sure we can say with complete certainty that he was the last, though).

An American in Ramallah.

"Security maturity." That's excellent.

First in, last out.

As it was written.

~

The Formerly Great Britain:

What the ACTUAL FRESH HELL is this?

If your government actively wanted your daughters to be raped and murdered, what would they be doing differently?

RELATED: Great question, and I think we all know what the answer is.

This has "why do you rob banks/because that's where all the money is" vibes.

Yes. It was him.

~

Europe:

Thirteen years ago and few remember. And too many of my stiff-necked people keep looking away and chasing the ghosts of WW2.

~

Down Under:

This seems fine.

~

Human and Sciuridae Grace:

This is perfection.

Up close and personal with squirrels.

"She was living among the dead, until help arrived."