Despite all the problems and tragedies, I will allow it. I will allow myself to be happy, at least for a while. With that happiness that doesn’t just come from within, that happiness is always there like the deep calm waters of the ocean that a tsunami can have on the surface. I want joy that also feeds on what it sees, smells, and hears.

I like the rain. It fascinates me to see the darkness of the sky that is about to release the water that gives life and takes it away. Hearing the drums of the coming downpour and the smell of wet earth is one of the greatest joys. Getting soaked under the gutter with ice from these waterfalls, then preparing hot chocolate for everyone and making fried cakes with rainwater, is a treat that brings together all the children from the area. Seeing the pigeons and vultures still creeping on the posts waiting for the rain to stop to spread their wings and dry a little, is the subject of comments and amazement. I know and I’m sorry, that this rain is a disaster for many, that it takes away bridges, animals, houses and dreams, but I need, we need a breather to continue life with joy. And the bittersweet taste colors that celebration of nature that causes pain and tears to others.

I want to look forward to the sun that came out today and to the small joys of life, I want a break from tragedies, landslides, crimes and terrorism, I want to escape from parliamentarians and their hollow speeches, their quarrels and insults that are paraded on social networks like theatrical pieces, their masks and their lies , I want to stop so I can continue.

And I remember the movie Life is Beautiful, by Roberto Benigni, and his almost impossible challenge to find something good in a concentration camp, to avoid the suffering of a child.

Will all the rulers and members of the assembly realize, beyond their political interests, how they are subjecting the entire population to an emotional exhaustion that almost nullifies that Ecuadorian joy that dances its sadness in sanjuanitos and corridors? Will they realize that they are largely responsible for people’s mental health, for the suicides of hopeless youth?

I want to rejoice in the sun that appeared today and the little joys of life…

Monsignor Cabrera told me: When someone sees people singing and dancing songs with sad lyrics, full of disappointment, with so much emotion, he discovers that they are finding a way to hope and peace, as when they enthusiastically dance “poor sad heart, I can’t take it anymore” , something is reborn between the feet, the rondo and the handkerchief.

León Gieco sang a few days ago, at the artist’s meeting with Pope Francis, that old and sick priest who possesses a tenderness that protects and listens, his symbolic song I just pray to God. Surrounded by church figures, serious, withered, opaque, little by little he managed to make them sing: “I only pray to God that my pain is not indifferent, that dry death does not find me, empty and alone without possessions. done enough.” . That unfairness, fraud, the future is not indifferent to me. Do not trample on the innocence of the people.”

Allowing yourself to be happy without denying, without running away, without being moved by the suffering of others is a challenge. (OR)