Well, we are still at war. What happened with that ceasefire yesterday? It was brokered by Egypt, and while Israel honored the ceasefire from 9am until 3pm, Hamas did not at all. They rejected it, and it's come out that part of this rejection is because they didn't get the full story from Egypt. Who knows why. End of story, we do not have a ceasefire, rockets are still flying, and we are back to the routine of war, i.e. summer camps are still closed, shopping centers are closing early, and a lot of people are not going to work at all.
Which reminds me of a story that I must share with you from last evening at work. I've discussed this, I work at a large clothing store here in Be'er Sheva. Dealing with Israeli customers requires a special kind of patience, and while I have learned a lot (my Hebrew has gotten spectacular!), I'm turning quite confrontational and assertive...in Hebrew. So, what happened yesterday? The fireworks had started (I thought there was a siren earlier in the evening when there wasn't, and I sent people to the bomb shelter...whoops), and another siren came to greet us. I locked up everything I needed to and started for the shelter. Then, I see three women just casually going about their shopping experience, trying on clothes in the fitting room. I explain to them that there is a siren and that they need to come now. How did they answer? No, no, we'll just stay here and keep trying on clothes. Seriously? What did I tell you? I answered, maybe you didn't understand but you can't stay here and you need to come now! No, no, we're fineeeee. Ladies, we don't have time for this...let's go NOW. And very, very, veeeeeerrrrrrrryyyyyyy slowly, they sauntered to the bomb shelter. In my LIFE, I've never seen such self-centered behavior. Why in the world do I want to put my life in danger while you continue on your fun? So, please, Israeli public, during this trying and dangerous time, LISTEN to instructions from those around you. I fear for the next customer who does not listen to me...
So, where does that leave us? That leaves us still in the middle of a confusing and scary conflict. Sadly, Israeli had its first death due to rocket fire yesterday, a father who was bringing food and water to the soldiers stationed on the border with Gaza. Rocket attacks are striking in houses and schools and in cities with more accuracy. I'm not sure if this is accuracy or if after so many rockets, the statistical average increases the possibility of direct hits.
We are all shaken. I see that on people's faces. I hear it in people's voices. We're just not here. My poor dog barks wildly at the rockets, thinking, I guess, that he can catch them or that he's protecting us from them. Israel has even changed the sound of ambulance and police sirens to not resemble that of rocket sirens in order to not cause more panic in the public.
What is going on here? I'm feeling more incoherent by the minute, and unfortunately for me, I have three papers to write and a lot of business to wrap up before I fly to the States in a week and a half. The stress of my father's upcoming surgery is weighing on me, as he is the most special man in this world, and I love him with every inch of my being. I am such a lucky girl for having the parents that I do.
This stress is compounded by the news that I got from my doctor yesterday. I have been checking out my back because of extreme back pain recently (it's been on going for about three years), and I started physical therapy two weeks ago. I also did a simple x-ray on Monday and the results show that because of trauma to a disc in my lower back, two vertebrae are bone to bone rubbing together. I'm making an emergency appointment today with an orthopedic specialist in order to get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. Not fun. And my doctor ordered me not to run, ride a bicycle, bend, jump, stand for a long period of time, lift things...etc. and etc. That means not even running for a bomb shelter until I know what is going on, since after my running episodes last week, I was incapacitated by pain. That adds a different aspect to my time outside, knowing that running is not an option. I'm not looking forward to laying on the ground and covering my head.
Wow...a ton of rockets were just sent to Tel Aviv. Wonder when our turn is today? That's all for now. I've got to try to write these papers! Have a safe day, friends.
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