40 years later

40 years later and I’m thinking how our lives have changed. Years are not numbers; they are moments, memories, knowledge and experience.

I grew up in fear. In fear of touching an object in the fields in case it is a bomb. In fear of the sound of fireworks. In fear of the sound of the sirens each summer.

I grew up in half a country. Joined demonstrations and rallies. Barrels blocking the main shopping street, Ledras. The image of Kyrenia’s port and the “Lest not forget” in the classroom, books and notebooks. Hearing everyday about the pain and injustice.

I grew up with “Makarios’” portrait in every school and government building, with having only the state station to watch on TV, the sound of the national anthem closing every event. I grew up in a one-dimensional view, history and experience.

And now I grew up…

And I’m living with the “other side”. I’m meeting people who dream a common future, we talk, argue, collaborate, understand.

Really, how different would my child’s life be if they weren’t growing up in half a country, without demonstrations and rallies, or barrels blocking their way? How different is my child’s life already? Having contact with the “other side”, going to Kyrenia’s port instead of just seeing it on a picture? How different would it really be if I weren’t to grow up in fear?

So, 40 years later and I’m thinking that maybe 40 years was enough…