Children are resilient; however
circumstances can change a person’s outlook on life. Twelve years ago a good friend of mine had a
son in the first grade. He was a
positive, sweet, fun child who was in advanced classes at his school. After many tests, they received the news that
the cause for his headaches was a diagnosis of a peanut brain tumor that had
reached his spinal cord. This meant that
Chemotherapy was needed, and his life changed.
He remained in school but struggled from then on. His appearance was affected, stunted growth,
and some facial muscles were affected.
As the years continued, he began to develop a negative look on the world
around him. I recently ran into his mom
and she discussed how his emotional state has never been so negative. He is getting help but I think his journey
has definitely changed who he may have been before this happened. As human beings every one of us walks a
different path in this life with different events happening. I am a firm believer that we truly cannot
understand what someone is going through unless you are that person.
I
have always been interested in studying the play of children. I would love to learn more about children in
a country where they are in the midst of war.
I wonder how their play reflects the events around them. I found this image on the web page http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/feb/06/iraq.topstories3
Children of war: the generation traumatized by violence
in Iraq
Growing up in a war zone takes its
toll as young play games of murder and mayhem
This website talks about the
biological affects that the war has been having on these children. From night tares to muteness are just a few
of the biological effects that may occur in children from war zones.
This
study of war and children has been very disturbing and eye opening. I feel extremely lucky to be living where I do. The stress that these families and
children are facing seem overwhelming. I
cannot imagine trying to raise my children in a war environment.
I agree with you Tisha you can't really understand what someone is going through unless you are in their shoes. Even the stress his parent went through when they was told about his illness. His struggle in school was a issue also, feeling different trying to cope. My prayers go out to him and his family.
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