These are following diary entries of war, freedom, and peace:
7/12/1923 Vanesa Lyon
War has engulfed our peaceful country. War. No peace can be seen from far to wide. Even a 12-year-old can see that. My parents try to shelter me from war, but I’ve seen war. As I gaze out my window, I can see in the distance the glint of cold steel. I can’t help but wonder if this war will end, all previous wars had an end. I look at the sky trying to determine the time. Dad could be home from his job any minute now. He is a small piece in the mosaic of those fighting for freedom. My younger siblings play at my feet, innocent and sweet, not knowing of the anger and hatred that hover over the country like a bad fog. I could go on and on pouring out my feelings over the whole fare of war, but my mother is seeking me to help her make our supper.
7/13/1923 Vanesa Lyon
I’ve been looking at the local newspapers. The only topic on the pages is war! I can’t escape it. Even as I sit outside the sky is gray with coming rain, with coming dreariness. My siblings wish for me to come and play tea time with them, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Last night I overheard my parents saying how this war business is affecting my attitude towards life. I believe it’s true. I was used to peace, but now peace is like a fairy tale. I’ve been offering up prayers to Our Lord for this war to end. May He answer my prayers.
7/15/1923 Vanesa Lyon
My family is hiding in the basement. The basement is the most hidden area in our home. We hide for war has reached our village. My parents are as scared as me, maybe even more! Even my brothers and sisters understand the danger in the situation. Banging is heard above, disturbing the once peaceful atmosphere. My little sister starts to cry so my mother covers her mouth. After a few hushed words to her, my sister stops crying. Thank God. If anybody above heard her our lives would be hanging by a thread. Then again, the banging is so loud that there was most likely no chance of anybody hearing her. The loud noise provides me a mental image of our home all wrecked and destroyed. This image pierces my heart with sorrow over our lost home.
7/16/1923 Vanesa Lyon
The noise has not subsided. I’m almost used to it! Thank goodness I can sleep through LOUD noise. It must run in the family because our baby, Guinevere, has slept ever since we fled into the basement. Amazing how long a baby can sleep! Oh my! I hadn’t noticed! The noise is gone. How wonderful!
7/17/1923 Vanesa Lyon
The noise stopped yesterday but mom and dad still won’t let out the basement. Augh! A frightfully loud noise has started! I am on my knees along with my parents praying to God for safety. The noise draws nearer. Suddenly the hatch flies open! There stands a family friend alight with joy. He is babbling and finally we make out that war is over. After many lives lost and desperate fighting peace prevailed!
God prevails! War won’t go on forever and even if it does, God has his reasons. He protects his people through all.