I will be working on Thursday.
In the past, I would take a religious day off on April 24 of each year in order to commemorate the Armenian Genocide and reflect on the obliteration and legacy of my ancestors. Indeed, I do not think that I have attended school or worked on this day for as long as I can remember.
All the same, I feel ambivalent about this year’s Armenian Genocide commemoration day. On the one hand, I would have liked to respect the memory of my forefathers in quiet and serenity, but it is not possible to do so for logistical reasons (relatively new employment). Instead, it will be like any other day of the week. . . yet a part of me feels that the best respect I can show my forefathers is to be at work. After all, their grisly and tragic sacrifices were, in part, to ensure that April 24, 2008 would be like any given day for all intents and purposes.
Over a year ago, my beloved Dadig passed away and as I look back at her complex, fascinating, and enriched life, I am filled with such bittersweet undertones. Despite my plans to write about her role and influence in my upbringing and her memories, I feel melancholic and mostly too harried to do her justice. At the same time, I feel that I have neglected her dreams for me, to carry her torch so to speak. Indeed, I have not felt connected to the Armenian culture or community that she held so near and dear her heart.
Interestingly enough, I find myself imbibed with inspiration, hope, and creative juices tonight. I wonder if my sweet and ethereal Dadig is silently guiding me back to my feverish love for Armenian literature and culture as well as my passion for genocide studies and post-conflict memory. Nonetheless, the first step is to acknowledge that yesterday’s dreams still promise to be fruitful and this blog is the raison d’etre and the gradual catalyst for all things Armeniana for me.
Posted by Saro 