As I said, Well It’s 2008. I truly didn’t mean to be so indignant towards 2007. But shit happens…
I did, however manage a few opportunities for personal enlightenment last year. Most notably was the reading of Caroline Moorehead’s fantastic book, Human Cargo: A Journey Among Refugees. “One of the greatest books of all time. It may change the way you look at life.” No kidding…
“Why should something as arbitrary as where one is born determine where one is allowed to live? Entrance restrictions, borders and boundaries, often themselves accidents of history stand as barriers to a more equal world, protecting the privileges of those who live in the least crowded, richest and safest states.”
Would it really be that hard to show, at least some understanding towards anyone other than oneself? No need for answers. I’m not really asking. I know. It must be…
With that said I should stipulate this is not a review of the work itself. I’m not too sure what I could say that could add to it’s effect. In fact I am quite sure anything I would say runs the risk of detracting from it’s relevance. So I’ll simply utter these two words, “read it!”
Reading about a refugee’s struggles after being forced from their homes only to face despair from new communities and governments provided me quite the realization.
Like a punch in the neck, I had to take “a few steps back,” wipe the tears from my eyes, catch my breath and contemplate. My life, sure but also the lives before me which are directly responsible for me being here. Those of my Grandparents.
My mothers parents came here from Scotland in late March 1957. And as hard as that must have been they had to deal with an added difficulty. Both are hearing impaired. Or in another word, one which I’ve known my whole life, they’re “deaf.”
I’m not at all suggesting their lives are in any way comparable to any of the individuals Caroline writes about. They chose to leave their home for opportunity. Whereas a refugee is forced to flee their home for safety. Two entirely separate sets of circumstances. But there are common themes. Difference and the resulting treatment from that dissimilarity…
I’m merely highlighting the connections that find me here thinking these thoughts…
Working at setting up a whole new life, for themselves and their young family, all while working at a disadvantage? How’d they do it? I understand they had help, from specific family members. But still?
And, yes I realize their situation isn’t all that rare. But until you’ve had to face difficulties living and/or communicating with the world around you, personally, most people couldn’t begin to fathom what they’ve managed to accomplish.
People often ask me where I get my outlook in life. A question that was, more often than not accompanied with a smug smile and a right shoulder shrug. But after reading Caroline’s book I’ve realized it goes much deeper than I let on.
Without ever recognizing it, I had two of the best role models a person could of had.
I am the person I am because of the people they are. Growing up I’ve witnessed my Grandparents having to face peoples often misguided expectations. And although they never showed one bit of frustration towards peoples unawareness they had every right to be irritated. Ignorance of peoples feelings is purely a reason for treating people indifferently. It’s NOT an excuse…
I’m so proud of what my Grandparents were able to provide, not only for themselves, but my mother and my uncle. Which, in turn gave me every opportunity to experience anything this life has to offer.
As it turns out they’re two of the strongest, most courageous people I’m ever likely to know. It’s truly been an honor being part of their lives. Both my Grandmother and Grandfather are my unsung heros.
I hereby dedicate my life, all I’ve done and everything I hope to accomplish to them…
And, while both are still around, things could be better. What with my Grandfathers Macular Degeneration and my Grandmother in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s Disease it’s getting tougher, if not impossible to communicate to both of them what I’ve so clumsily stumbled upon. I’m afraid they’ll never realize the effect having them in my life has had on me.
My life is that much more manageable having witnessed how to live differently with so much self-respect and dignity. I just hope I can live my life, even half as successfully as they have.
Realizing I AM different. And how proud I AM is the result of “internalizing” Ms. Moorehead’s attentively significant words…
I can’t say enough about this book, except, of course thank you so very much Caroline…