The dreams of an African child… REST AND DREAM
We will find out in this column, edited by Xaverian missionary Father Oliviero Ferro, which concludes today
And when we understand that dreams (but not rights and possibilities) are the same as those of our children, it will be time to wake up and perform works of mercy.
Because through them, an African child (and others) will be able to live in the joy of being able to dream of something that can become possible
“Lala, mtoto wangu, lala” (sleep, my baby, sleep).
It is one of the carols that mother sings to her baby. Finally, after housework, she is able to find some time to cuddle her baby. She takes him in her arms, caresses him, whispers sweet words to him, and begins to make him dance slowly in her arms.
He, with half-closed eyes, follows Mama’s song and slowly falls asleep and dreams.
Sure, they are dreams of a child. But they are of someone who wants to grow up. Now he feels protected by Mother. But one day he will have to stand on his own two feet, and he doesn’t know if he will find someone to help him.
Mom continues in her song and she too dreams: what will my son be like, what will he do, who will be there for him when I am gone
I will be gone.
The dreams of mother and son become one dream. And me looking at them, who knows why, I start dreaming. I don’t want to wake up.
But after a while, I see that mother lays the child gently on a blanket and leaves to prepare dinner.
He, with his eyes closed, rests gently. I feel like caressing him. But what if he then wakes up?
It is better to send him a little kiss with my hand saying, “Sleep and dream in peace, my friend.”
READ THE OTHER DREAMS
Source
Image
- Photo by father Giovanni Piumatti
- Image digitally created by spazio + spadoni