We hear a lot about diversity in the workplace, rainbow coalitions, racial preferences, etc. We work to bring people of diverse backgrounds together but often we highlight the distinctions.
We talk about inclusion -- and somehow I get the feeling that the person who feels like including me feels he is the one with the power.
Shouldn't the aim be acceptance -- acceptance of each other's points of view, talents and those things that make each of us a whole person?
I grew up believing I was a terrific little kid. I didn't know I was "different" until I went to high school. I had been eighth-grade valedictorian at "Our Lady of Guadalupe." But at the end of my freshman year after winning five scholastic awards -- I learned that I had spent my entire freshman year in classes on the vocational, and not the honors, track.
A song by Gloria Estefan says, "In life there are many pathways we can walk. It's ironic they lead us to the very same place. In spite of the differences we try to find ... We breathe the same air ... We wake up to the same sun above ... The same moon gives us light ... We each just need to be loved."
In Spanish, "En la vida hay tantos senderos por caminar. Irona que al fn nos llevan al mismo lugar. A pesar de las diferencias que solemos buscar -- respiramos el mismo aire, despertamos al mismo sol, nos alumbra la misma luna, necesitamos sentir amor."
Our Nisqually Earthquake affected me greatly. In particular, I feel that the magnitude of the phenomenon brought us closer together as a community.
We each faced a significant, life-changing event -- as one. We experienced being on the brink of a true catastrophe. We yearned for news of our loved ones. And we had an adrenaline rush that left us breathless, with rubbery legs.
The tremor didn't discriminate between infirm or healthy, rich or poor, educated or non-tutored, white or non-white, young or old. Instead it allowed each of us to be a hero in our own way with each of our unique talents. Lending a helping hand. Checking on a neighbor. Securing buildings to ensure safety. Taking care of children in a schoolyard. Making repairs. Reporting the news.
An earthshaking incident certainly serves to remind us that we are a community -- a breathtaking, colorful mosaic of diverse personalities living side-by-side with extraordinary soul. It shows that the backdrop of our neighborhood's tableau is etched with the radiance of personal associations. It offers us an opportunity to celebrate life.
Wouldn't it be grand if we could generate those special bonds with residents in our vicinity in a haven of joy without the trauma?
Actually, I am lucky to have often been a new member of a circle with no conditions or expectations. These experiences firm up my sense of community. They truly make up a fabric of good will.
Today, I invite you to embrace someone just because he or she is here and in your life now.
Imagine!
Linda Villegas Bremer is a mother, and a community volunteer. She works as assistant director for the Department of General Administration.
On the web:
Earthquake links.
Earthquake stories archive.