So much was lost. From a peaceful shared experience with neighbours and communities of diverse faiths, to fear, otherness, and separation of all that had once defined safety and belonging. Then all of that embodied in the loss of your arms. You and your body, your family, your country and your faith have endured so much. Belma thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Thank you most of all for your most courageous act of choosing love over hate. You are valued.
Wasn't this a really deep and nuanced story, Melanie? I feel deeply honored to share Belma's brave story here. And I welcome yours anytime, my friend. You know I'm here. 😊❤️
Thank you for sharing your story. Your courage in your story shows hope. Even when you were at your lowest, your sister's gentle reminder gave you the strength you needed to change.
There is too much hate, animosity, and distrust in our current society. I pray every day that this will change. I see now that those of us who have Faith in our lives can help those who are hurting. We need to be Love intended to heal hurt and suffering.
As I help my daughter today with her many struggles, I will remind myself of your story, Belma. We need to look for God in others and keep helping. Jane Hoover
Jane, what a beautiful comment for Belma! I love how her story highlights the effects of hatred and violence on one person and how each of us has the agency to make changes in how we will live and choose to love.
This is a story of an unfolding, for people unwilling or unable to have viewpoints of their own. How devastating it is to lose limbs but how rewarding to find a safe space within oneself and within a partner. How one can cherish the embracing of a perspective of goodwill, of an emotion dissimilar to hate. Of a recognition to be better than to what so many have become.
I am so very sorry for all the horrors you walked through. Thank you for taking something so horrific and turning it into a gift to bless us also to turn from bitterness to hope and joy and love. May that blessing you have given us be poured back into your own lap, in overflowing abundance.
Your story helps me to see how much we all need voices of truth around us in all the pain, injustices and losses we walk through in this world, like your sister, who remind us who we truly are and help open our eyes to recognize and embrace the gifts hidden in hardship.
Isn't that beautiful, Anna? Belma's story is about love, forgiveness, finding herself and her faith. It's about so many things. Thank you for seeing that and for seeing her.
I am doing a voice to text message here let's hope it comes out okay forgive the errors. What a great job in writing the story! Belmont has been such an inspiration to me and one interesting note that I learned from talking to Belmont and her family is that before the war Neighbors would like frequently go and have coffee at the coffee shop and have social time. Well those neighbors were proactive and bosnians. They were all friends. What's the war broke out everything divided their loyalty to their Nation was more important than their friendship in other words neighbors were fighting and killing Neighbors which made me think of kind of the Divide we have going on in our nation I think it can never happen here but it could it happened there. When I was working on the documentary, I got to know Belmont and her family and I have to say that came very close and they became like family to me and my wife for the sweetest people and I think about their religion which is not mine but I think about the fact that they pray five times a day every single day that takes devotion. I could go on and on here but I just want to thank you for writing the story it's wonderful and Belmont close friend and an inspiration to me like you said it's about love and forgiveness and we all need a lot of that right now
It's so beautiful, this connection, Eddie - first, to you and Belma and her family, and then in connecting Belma with me. I deeply value the context you added here in the comments!
Oh how merciful God is that he brought you and your husband together what a beautiful story and how many other lives will you save sharing the pain and suffering you’ve gone through and how you have been like a phoenix rising from the ashes a new life a new way of life and love real love
This account reminds me that while we are here in this earthly life, nothing is more important than the family. Belma, your family helped you and gave you encouragement when you needed it the most. I am a member of a family that is splintered by petty, childish things, and we’ve never been tested by the awful circumstances that you and your family have had to face. I pray that if we’re ever tested the way you and your family have been that we will come together and be the close, loving, strong family that we were meant to be. Much love and prayers for you and your family, and I’m sure that you can see why Jeannie is one of my first and best friends on Substack. ❤️!
Oh, Rafael, I am so glad Belma’s story touched your heart. I was thinking of you a few days ago, wondering how your back pain has been. I know chronic health conditions can be so hard and drain a person of energy. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and offered a little prayer, too.
Thanks for showing Belma some love in this space! So glad to have you and your heart here.
Belma is a hero and her family too. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayer. It means so much to Bonnie Jean and me to know you and your family, such as it’s possible with sporadic communication online. I almost didn’t read your latest because of the trigger warning but I’m glad I read it. Yeah, my back hurts and Bonnie is wheelchair bound, but there are people who have much more of a cross to bear. We’re grateful for all the blessings we’ve received, including forty-one years of ever deeper love for each other. Most importantly, we’re grateful that we believe in the afterlife where God will give us perfect, whole bodies and wipe away every tear. We’re thinking of you and your family too. May the Lord bless you and all the work you’re doing. Hugs and prayers for your family, especially Sarah. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts. ❤️!
And you know what, Rafael? Even if you had chosen not to read it because of the trigger warning, that’s okay, too. It really is. That’s why I put it there. That reminds me that I need to add a content warning to a couple more guest posts I have scheduled for publication this year.
Take good care. Sending lots of love and prayers your way.
The trigger warning was an example of the thoughtfulness that I’ve seen time and again in your posts. I also notice the upbeat character of most of your work, so I decided to read Belma’s story. I’m glad I did, because not reading I would never have known about her recovery and her wonderful husband. The role of her family and some of her neighbors in her survival is an example of how trauma and suffering can bring out the very best in some people. Thanks again for thinking of Bonnie Jean and me. I’ve been taking a bit of a break from Substack because I’m working on a musical instrument project. I have some beautiful hardwood that’s been air drying in my attic for three years and it’s calling out to me. I’m not completely swapping out reading and writing for building a mandocello, but I’m checking in on Substack a lot less these days. I have a lot of hobbies and possibly not a lot of time to engage in them. Working with wood offers a nice break from the mental focus needed to write. Thanks again for offering Belma the opportunity to tell her story! ❤️!
Rafael, how wonderful that you are spending more time revisiting hobbies and your own creative work. I really believe that is part of what soothes and heals the soul. More people, it seems, are realizing the importance—and necessity—of stepping away from our technology and engaging in real life, especially in connecting to other humans and to the activities we enjoy.
Looking forward to hearing how your project comes along!
So much was lost. From a peaceful shared experience with neighbours and communities of diverse faiths, to fear, otherness, and separation of all that had once defined safety and belonging. Then all of that embodied in the loss of your arms. You and your body, your family, your country and your faith have endured so much. Belma thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Thank you most of all for your most courageous act of choosing love over hate. You are valued.
Wasn't this a really deep and nuanced story, Melanie? I feel deeply honored to share Belma's brave story here. And I welcome yours anytime, my friend. You know I'm here. 😊❤️
Thanks Jeannie. That's appreciated. 🥰
Of course, Melanie. :)
Thank you for sharing your story. Your courage in your story shows hope. Even when you were at your lowest, your sister's gentle reminder gave you the strength you needed to change.
There is too much hate, animosity, and distrust in our current society. I pray every day that this will change. I see now that those of us who have Faith in our lives can help those who are hurting. We need to be Love intended to heal hurt and suffering.
As I help my daughter today with her many struggles, I will remind myself of your story, Belma. We need to look for God in others and keep helping. Jane Hoover
Jane, what a beautiful comment for Belma! I love how her story highlights the effects of hatred and violence on one person and how each of us has the agency to make changes in how we will live and choose to love.
"What is safe? Where do we belong?"
This is a story of an unfolding, for people unwilling or unable to have viewpoints of their own. How devastating it is to lose limbs but how rewarding to find a safe space within oneself and within a partner. How one can cherish the embracing of a perspective of goodwill, of an emotion dissimilar to hate. Of a recognition to be better than to what so many have become.
Thank you, Stacy, for such powerful insights into Belma's story. I'm so grateful for your presence and your contributions to this space.
I am so very sorry for all the horrors you walked through. Thank you for taking something so horrific and turning it into a gift to bless us also to turn from bitterness to hope and joy and love. May that blessing you have given us be poured back into your own lap, in overflowing abundance.
Your story helps me to see how much we all need voices of truth around us in all the pain, injustices and losses we walk through in this world, like your sister, who remind us who we truly are and help open our eyes to recognize and embrace the gifts hidden in hardship.
Isn't that beautiful, Anna? Belma's story is about love, forgiveness, finding herself and her faith. It's about so many things. Thank you for seeing that and for seeing her.
I am doing a voice to text message here let's hope it comes out okay forgive the errors. What a great job in writing the story! Belmont has been such an inspiration to me and one interesting note that I learned from talking to Belmont and her family is that before the war Neighbors would like frequently go and have coffee at the coffee shop and have social time. Well those neighbors were proactive and bosnians. They were all friends. What's the war broke out everything divided their loyalty to their Nation was more important than their friendship in other words neighbors were fighting and killing Neighbors which made me think of kind of the Divide we have going on in our nation I think it can never happen here but it could it happened there. When I was working on the documentary, I got to know Belmont and her family and I have to say that came very close and they became like family to me and my wife for the sweetest people and I think about their religion which is not mine but I think about the fact that they pray five times a day every single day that takes devotion. I could go on and on here but I just want to thank you for writing the story it's wonderful and Belmont close friend and an inspiration to me like you said it's about love and forgiveness and we all need a lot of that right now
It's so beautiful, this connection, Eddie - first, to you and Belma and her family, and then in connecting Belma with me. I deeply value the context you added here in the comments!
CoolI'm so glad you did a story on Belmont
Eddie, it was natural to share her story after you connected us! Belma is the brave one. I simply shone a flashlight on her life. :)
Oh how merciful God is that he brought you and your husband together what a beautiful story and how many other lives will you save sharing the pain and suffering you’ve gone through and how you have been like a phoenix rising from the ashes a new life a new way of life and love real love
Belma really does have an incredible story on so many levels. I am truly honored to share it here. Thank you so much for showing up for her today!
This account reminds me that while we are here in this earthly life, nothing is more important than the family. Belma, your family helped you and gave you encouragement when you needed it the most. I am a member of a family that is splintered by petty, childish things, and we’ve never been tested by the awful circumstances that you and your family have had to face. I pray that if we’re ever tested the way you and your family have been that we will come together and be the close, loving, strong family that we were meant to be. Much love and prayers for you and your family, and I’m sure that you can see why Jeannie is one of my first and best friends on Substack. ❤️!
Oh, Rafael, I am so glad Belma’s story touched your heart. I was thinking of you a few days ago, wondering how your back pain has been. I know chronic health conditions can be so hard and drain a person of energy. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and offered a little prayer, too.
Thanks for showing Belma some love in this space! So glad to have you and your heart here.
Belma is a hero and her family too. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayer. It means so much to Bonnie Jean and me to know you and your family, such as it’s possible with sporadic communication online. I almost didn’t read your latest because of the trigger warning but I’m glad I read it. Yeah, my back hurts and Bonnie is wheelchair bound, but there are people who have much more of a cross to bear. We’re grateful for all the blessings we’ve received, including forty-one years of ever deeper love for each other. Most importantly, we’re grateful that we believe in the afterlife where God will give us perfect, whole bodies and wipe away every tear. We’re thinking of you and your family too. May the Lord bless you and all the work you’re doing. Hugs and prayers for your family, especially Sarah. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts. ❤️!
And you know what, Rafael? Even if you had chosen not to read it because of the trigger warning, that’s okay, too. It really is. That’s why I put it there. That reminds me that I need to add a content warning to a couple more guest posts I have scheduled for publication this year.
Take good care. Sending lots of love and prayers your way.
❤️!
The trigger warning was an example of the thoughtfulness that I’ve seen time and again in your posts. I also notice the upbeat character of most of your work, so I decided to read Belma’s story. I’m glad I did, because not reading I would never have known about her recovery and her wonderful husband. The role of her family and some of her neighbors in her survival is an example of how trauma and suffering can bring out the very best in some people. Thanks again for thinking of Bonnie Jean and me. I’ve been taking a bit of a break from Substack because I’m working on a musical instrument project. I have some beautiful hardwood that’s been air drying in my attic for three years and it’s calling out to me. I’m not completely swapping out reading and writing for building a mandocello, but I’m checking in on Substack a lot less these days. I have a lot of hobbies and possibly not a lot of time to engage in them. Working with wood offers a nice break from the mental focus needed to write. Thanks again for offering Belma the opportunity to tell her story! ❤️!
Rafael, how wonderful that you are spending more time revisiting hobbies and your own creative work. I really believe that is part of what soothes and heals the soul. More people, it seems, are realizing the importance—and necessity—of stepping away from our technology and engaging in real life, especially in connecting to other humans and to the activities we enjoy.
Looking forward to hearing how your project comes along!
What a gift you gave given. Thank you Velma.🙏
Thank you for showing Belma your love and support, Candy.