Why the Notre Dame Paris Fire Makes My Heart Hurt
by Sami Cone
Apr 15, 2019
Did you hear that the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is in flames? The Notre Dame Paris fire makes my heart hurt for many reasons, but especially as a mom.
Notre Dame Paris Fire
As of 2:30pm CT on April 15, 2019, one of the cathedral's spires has already fallen in the Notre Dame Paris fire. People have gathered all around, lining the streets, just to catch a glimpse.
Reportedly, many are standing in silence and shock. Still, some are gathering to sing hymns while flames continue to burn Notre Dame.
Paris without Notre Dame
Many Parisians have gone on record to say Paris just can't be the same without Notre Dame. As someone who lived and studied in Paris, part of me agrees.
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It's too early to say what the fate of this Paris landmark will be. I cannot imagine the Paris landscape without the iconic church. After all, millions gather to get a glimpse, regardless of nationality or background.
Yet a city is not defined by a building alone. While Notre Dame may be part of the heart of Paris, the true heart of the city lives in its people and culture. I can only imagine that spirit will live on even stronger in the wake of the blaze.
Why My Heart Hurts for My Kids
I love Paris. My middle name is a French word. I've always dreamed of bringing my family to France and passing that love on to my children. And now that trip will never be the same.
I can't imagine what the Parisian skyline will look like without Notre Dame in its entirety. But moments like this remind me that there's no moment like the present.
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While we dream of taking our kids on grand adventures, the truth is, life and finances seem to get in the way too often.
We wanted to wait until our kids were old enough to walk through Europe on their own, but even my fellow writers have talked about the ease of traveling with baby. Oh how I wish I had a picture with my babies in front of Notre Dame right now!
Live-Action Hunchback of Notre Dame
As a Disney fan, my mind also went to the recent news that Disney is developing a live version of their animated classic, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I love the music from the original and was looking forward to how they would incorporate the real Notre Dame into the new film.
Now that will be even more difficult.
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Perhaps all the dreamers at Disney can find some Disney magic to help the people of Paris overcome this tragedy and rebuild.
How to Talk to Your Kids About the Paris Tragedy
I'm already contemplating how to break the news to my kids. Helping kids control their anger and disappointment starts with us as their parents; if we lose our cool, they're more likely to lose theirs. If we model how to process emotions in a thoughtful way, our children are likely to follow suit.
Have you been to Paris? Did you dream of taking your kids one day like me? I'd love to hear your thoughts below.
Sami Cone
Best-Selling Author & Speaker
Sami Cone is the best-selling author of "Raising Uncommon Kids", is known as the "Frugal Mom" on Nashville's top-rated talk show "Talk of the Town" and educates over a million listeners every day on her nationally syndicated "Family Money Minute". She is proud to call Nashville home with her husband, Rick, and their two ‘tweenage' children.
