Beauty and Tragedy

So, I finally watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower this weekend. (And uh, unrelated, but Emma Watson = amazing).

I read the book years ago, maybe even in middle school (I really can’t remember). It is one of my favorites. Beautifully written.

But it is heavy. (Warning –> spoiler alert) I remembered that the protagonist, Charlie, was sexually abused. But I had forgotten about all the other elements of the book, including struggles of LGBTQ youth, suicide and domestic violence. It’s really heavy, haunting stuff.

But, hey, I don’t mean to bum you out. The story is also one of friendship and love, and the ending is a happy one. The characters overcome their obstacles, and the reader is left believing that they will survive because they have each other.

Anyway, as I sat on the couch crying, watching the credits roll, my mind started racing with thoughts and feelings (because this is my reaction to pretty much everything).

Why? I thought. Why is there evil? Why are some children abused and others are not?

Why are some kids born into poverty and abuse while others are born into wealth and privilege? 

Why did my best friend lose her Dad to cancer and I still have mine? 

Why is the world unfair? Why do bad things happen?

Now, okay, these are big questions…and I don’t have the answers. I don’t think anyone has the answers, and many different people seek many different ways to find peace with these tough questions.