Mallika Chopra: September 2008 Archives

I was just watching a report about the children of the victims on 9/11 reading the names of those who died on that terrible day. I was so impressed that they were so poignant - a boy who looked about 8 years old, saying that even though my father is gone, he is ever present with me.

I remember my own emotions that day when our family thought for about 1 hour that my brother could be on the first plane, and watching the second, third and fourth ones fall. I remember being 5 months pregnant and feeling the light movements of my daughter inside me. Thinking about the world she would enter and fearing what the future held for her and those like her.

The children I watched today reminded me that the future is bright, and hopeful, and poised, and confident, and capable. They are truly a light in the darkness of the past.

Several moments of silence were observed today: 8:46 am, 9:30am, 9:59 am, 10:29 am. To honor those who died and the loved ones they left behind, I ask you to take a moment just now and tap into that silence.

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Should Oprah have Sarah Palin on her show?

Oprah Winfrey this year did something she has never done before. She used her celebrity status to promote Obama as a presidential candidate. Oprah's support undoubtedly brought him incredible exposure.

Todays controversy surrounds whether or not Oprah should have Sarah Palin on her syndicated show. She's had Obama on it, hasn't she?

Obviously, Oprah doesn't support McCain/Palin. But as the person with the strongest reach to women in America, is it her responsibility to her audience to give Palin the platform?

Is Obama on The O'Reilly Factor a parallel example?

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Back to school this year resulted in tears - mommy tears.

For me, it began with the closet cleaning to get rid of old clothes and stock up on new ones. Each outfit we packed up brought so many memories - remember when we chose this outfit; oh, her grandmother was so happy when she gave this to her; this is what she wore on her birthday; I can't believe she has outgrown this!

Then, there was the back to school shopping, and realizing that my younger is outgrowing her princess phase. I never thought I would miss those princesses!! And, my elder was focused on getting a backpack that could hold her books - books she is reading!

I was honestly surprised at myself - after all, my girls - 6.5 and 4 - are not even making major transitions. Same schools, same kids, just new teachers. But, this year, I really felt that they are growing up -- growing up way too fast.

And, then, today - first day of school. First grade! Excitement mixed with nervousness. I watched my daughter enter school - looking at the new kindergartners feeling older, proud that she had been there, done that. But, she couldn't hide her apprehension about going to her new class. Unsure which friends to coalesce with - just wanting, really, to hang out with mommy. Oh my little baby - I did not want to leave her!

First friend I ran into looked at me and said, "Don't say a word." She had dropped her eldest daughter to college last weekend. Had just broken down in the local coffee shop.

Second mom's lip quivered when I asked how first day of preschool went. Not great - he clung to her when she left. She peaked in through the windows. Held it together, but my question made her finally break down.

Alas, mommy tears.

- Mallika Chopra, http://intent.com

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