December 17th Reflections on Romania and Pakistan

It is 25 years ago that Communism collapsed in Romania. I don't think those of us who are brought up in a democratic society can ever fully comprehend what life could be like for people such as those in Romania. A regime of fear and not knowing who to trust. Every move and thought was constantly watched. What it actually was like is George's story however, and not mine.

When we travelled to Romania in 2007 the reason was to allow me to meet George's immediate family and to see where he lived his life before coming to New Zealand. That visit certainly brought it home to me, even after knowing what George had shared with me, what his life was like growing up and being an adult in a Communist regime.

We flew into the city of Timisoara, and this city is where the revolt to overthrow Communism and Ceausescu's regime started. We stayed with a lovely couple, Ana and Marin. Our first day in Timisoara, we went into the city to go sightseeing and see the beautiful city sights. First up was the wonderful Cathedral in the Town Square. We were with Ana, Marin, Ana's sister Ileana (George's sister's best friend), Felicia and Johnny - George's sister and brother in law.  We made our way up the steps of the cathedral, and can you imagine to be standing there and then to be told on the day of the revolution soldiers were firing at innocent people in the town square, and they rushed to seek safe haven in the Cathedral. They were gunned down on the Cathedral steps - where we were standing. I still am reduced to tears when I remember standing on those steps and hearing of that event. Bullet holes can still be seen in the facade of beautiful buildings throughout the town. We were walking around and then Marin stopped in a doorway to show us more bullet holes. This was the doorway where he was shot. He tried to shelter there and was shot in the back, and does not know how he survived.

The revolution spread throughout the country and finally to the capital, Bucharest, where Ceausescu and his wife were eventually shot dead.

That was 25 years ago. Today I read that in Pakistan, the Taliban entered a school and butchered innocent children and a teacher.  Is this humanity? Is human life so shallow that people are willing to end others lives in a most inhumane way, and for what? For their own ideals? What the answer is I don't know.

I can only be thankful that due to a turbulent time in Romania's history, that George was able to travel to NZ. We would never have met if Romania had remained a Communist country. I am thankful for that fact and that my life here in NZ is only beset by ''First World Problems'' Be thankful for what we have and the lives we have. I just wish that happiness and security can be enjoyed worldwide. Isn't that the true meaning of ''Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Men"