I have an inspiring story of U.S.-Costa Rican friendship to share with you, but today, the U.S. side of my heart – and the Costa Rican side as well, since so many Costa Ricans are watching events in the United States, aghast – just can’t look away from what is happening there.
I’ll just share what a wise educator said on Facebook this week: No one has the luxury of an unbroken heart right now. Sad words, but also as comforting as anything could be at a moment that is, and should be, essentially comfort-less. Our grief is at least a reminder that we are alive and paying attention. May it also be a reminder that action is required of all white people in the United States at this time.
All together now.
katherine stanley obando 
True words. Thank you, Katherine.
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No, a feeling caring person is not immune. We’ll all suffer…and to quote one of my favorite songwriters, that’s how the light gets in. But damn! It’s hard.
Love you Katherine.
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No, a feeling caring person is not immune. We’ll all suffer…and to quote one of my favorite songwriters, that’s how the light gets in. But damn! It’s hard.
Love you Katherine.
People of ALL color need to wise up. A 30 year old adopted child of mine became a big man yesterday. His grandmother bought a house in a nice African American neighborhood…which, of course, used to be white. 50 some years ago. It is now so gentrified and not always in a good way. He was terrified to walk in his own neighborhood. And he took the step of finally posting in his neighborhood platform…100 people of all colors came out to walk with him last night. He accepted his fear, he shared it, and people responded!
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Wow. That’s incredible! I am sure people were eager, relieved and grateful to have a way to show their support. What a story. Thank you!
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Thank you Katherine. I’m sad, embarrassed, angry and remorseful. I was a young new nurse in the the late sixties here in Chicago and worked in an inner city ER during the ‘68 Democratic Ccnvention riots and uprisings. Has anything changed since then? Racism runs rampant here in the US. I’ve worked as a health care provider for 52 years in various settings in the Chicago area both inner city and suburban. We have made strides in many ways but it isn’t enough. I’m afraid our current leadership in DC has given permission and example to many people in this country who hold racism deep within their DNA. I cannot watch or hear that video being played over and over on television and social media forums. I simply cant watch or listen.
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Anne, it is terrible. Your experience in the sixties must make this particularly hard to watch (and I’m sure gives you some very deep insights, but those insights are probably not very pleasant right now). Thank you for reading and sharing this.
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