Yesterday, I took my 4-year-old daughter to the zoo. At first glance, it seems like a typical day out—a fun mother-daughter bonding experience filled with rhinos and tortoises. But this outing held a deeper significance. We traveled to the Oregon Zoo using Portland’s light rail system, passing right by the Hollywood Transit Center, the site of a recent terrorist attack.
The public transit system is one of the reasons I decided to stay in Portland after college. My vision is so poor that I am unable to obtain a driver’s license, but the MAX train and buses offer convenient access to everything I need, whether I’m traveling alone or with my two young kids. Unlike my small hometown, my family can thrive here without a car.
However, our safe and vibrant community now feels threatened by terrorism, violence, and hate. Initially, I was filled with fear about returning to the train. If such violence could erupt on an ordinary weekday, what’s to prevent it from happening again? And what if the next incident involved more than just one deranged individual?
That night, as I lay in bed, I wondered if I would have the same bravery as those three men who stood up to hatred. I want to believe I would act courageously, shouting “Not today!” at the face of evil, but I have never been confronted with such a dire situation. The thought of my children being with me during an attack pierced my heart, prompting me to reflect deeply on my responsibilities as a parent. My children are my world, and I would do anything to protect them.
Yet, it’s also my duty to teach them to confront hate and intolerance. To defend those who can’t defend themselves. To stand alongside those who need compassion. This responsibility weighs heavily on me, and while I must prioritize their safety, I know I would rather face harm doing what is right than explain to them why I chose inaction.
It would be easy to retreat in fear, to abandon the life we’ve built because of the threat of violence on public transport. But we must face the truth: doing what’s right is often scary. Nevertheless, we are called to act, whether we feel fear or not. For my children and me, the right thing is to continue living our lives with heightened awareness, ready to respond to hatred with love for our community.
So, yesterday I took my daughter to the zoo, and later this week, we’ll likely ride the train to IKEA. We will keep riding that train because I refuse to let terror, hatred, or fear strip away our right to live freely and joyfully. Ultimately, love prevails.
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Summary
In the face of recent terrorist attacks in Portland, a mother reflects on her responsibilities to protect and educate her children about standing up to hate. Despite the fear that comes with such violence, she emphasizes the importance of continuing to live their lives fully and courageously, teaching love and compassion along the way.