Words
Life Lessons from the Rear View Mirror
It wasn’t my first time in rural America, but it was definitely my first time to live in rural America. What was I doing here? How could I be studying something as worldly as international development in rural America? It didn’t make sense to me…But my expectations were so wrong about life in Athens. Because it wasn’t until a whole three years later, in June 1997, that I finally peeled myself away from this 20,000+ person college town that surprisingly stole my heart from the get-go.
Emotions as a Universal Language
Upon their request, we stopped what we were doing, took a seat around the living area, and quieted ourselves to be fully present in the moment. Then, one by one, each caregiver stood before us and spoke of the last few days and hours with Lola. Their words were at first calm and measured. But soon, lips quivered, voices cracked, and tears fell as they endeavored to be heard through the rush and release of their pent-up grief.
Denied by One, Embraced by Another
I couldn’t help but smile about what had happened. Denied by one, embraced by another, it taught me the power of engagement. That a mutual willingness to connect at a personal level, even with those who are different than us, can make what seemed impossible, possible. It was also a great reminder that despite the broad-brushing of people, there are always those who will rise above the stereotype to share in our common humanity.
How 9/11 Changed Me
…as I reflect on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, I again feel distraught. Because sadly, two decades later, just as I worried two decades ago, the world is still full of hate. Perhaps more so, because the hate has divided what was once a united America in response to 9/11. And I find myself yearning once again to put a human face—on everything.