It was the most joyful of times.

It was the most horrific of times.

A week before my first child was born,

an act of terror occurred on the other side of the world.

And ever since that terrible day, violence has steadily escalated.

My family has grown, while others are decimated.

I celebrate with my son, as he grows and showers us with smiles;

others search for their children amongst the rubble piles.

I hope and pray for my child to sleep through the night;

others beg for their child to wake up with all of their might.

I remember my son’s birth and the pain that nearly broke me

and think of the mothers in labor as they also try to flee.

As a new mother and pediatrician,

I feel I must make clear my position.

All children deserve a chance to grow up in peace,

and for that to happen, the bombings must cease.

No one should die while waving a white flag.

Hospitals and schools should not be under attack.

Where has our humanity gone

to allow such violence to continue on?

How can I live in comfort on my side of the world,

while innocent families are being slaughtered?

Raise your voice, donate, do whatever you can.

We cannot be complacent or bury our heads in the sand.

My world is their world; we are all part of the human race,

and the value of each soul is of equal weight.