In the last few weeks we have been suffering with multiple tragedies as a Nation, many disastrous events in our own Country. For some of you these were literally in your own backyard, or like me, you had loved ones that were affected or involved so it hits closer to home. I had friends trapped by the flooding in Texas during Hurricane Harvey, and family in Florida forced to endure days without power during Hurricane Irma. My Aunt and Uncle were among the mass of people at the Route 91 concert in Las Vegas, fortunate to escape. I am grateful that everyone I know personally is safe by all accounts in all these situations; however there are many victims and families of victim’s still enduring loss, fear, pain. Scrolling through social media the posts were at first full of shock and wonder at how the world could be so evil, but quickly escalated to an uprising in anger, judgment and condemnation. Close friends are literally posting hateful posts with words like “Delete Me, If you don’t like my Opinion” and/or the equivocal “Our opinions differ; I am right so you must be wrong!” Or a few have gone on a rant, spewing expletives and casting blame, all which is unnecessary. Instead of coming together as a people, we divide, taking sides in a controversy that will never be won. Political Agendas, Conspiracy Theories, Protests for Social Injustice, and a fight for Amendment Rights has caused such a rift amongst friends, brothers, co-workers, that we are literally creating the groundwork for another civil war. The animosity tears at my soul so that I actively seek out the good to balance myself, to restore my hope in humanity. Let the benevolence of the helpers, professional or community driven, outweigh the disheartened. Take comfort in the patience of those that stood in line for hours to donate blood for the victims. Literally giving the Gift of Life, because when it comes right down to it, WE ALL BLEED THE SAME BLOOD! When donating or receiving there is no box to check for race, ethnicity, nationality, or political affiliation. We are simply a Blood Type and all humans share that common factor. Our world is built on diversity and inclusion, meaning differences and embracement; it is why we are proud to be Americans. Yes, there are race relations and social justices, all deserving of their own discussion, but for now, let’s learn how to embrace our diversion with dignity. In the wake of the horrific events that are still unfolding, let us be kind to one another. Mr. Rogers says it best, “It’s very dramatic when two people come together to work something out. It’s easy to take a gun and annihilate your opposition, but what is really exciting to me is to see people with differing views come together and finally respect each other.”
― Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember
