Last month, I traveled back East with my kids to visit family. I am originally from the United States – I made Canada my home 20 years ago. I grew up mostly in Maine and have always thought of that area as my home despite the fact that I don’t have a home there anymore and that my ancestors came to North America from Europe. That makes me an orphan twice over. I left the States to raise my kids in Canada, a place that I felt more closely aligned with my values. I feel very grateful to be living in Canada, and I am also very aware that I am residing in a place that is not my home. I’ve tried to make up for that by contributing to the community through my work.
Growing up in the States, I was always a pretty political person – politics seem to play a larger than life role there. My dad worked for Jimmy Carter and before I was old enough to vote I was out volunteering for his campaign back in the 70’s. Growing up during that time there was a sense of optimism about politics, how it really did matter, and how it really could change the world. There was also a sense that it mattered how a person conducted themselves – that kindness, ethics and values mattered. Martin Luther King was killed when I was just a year old but his message of justice reverberated into my lifetime such that he was a hero of mine.
Needless to say then that over the past few years I have felt pretty depressed about the state of the States. I am holding onto a thin line of hope that the people of the United States will inspire me by voting in the first black woman into the office of the President. I don’t imagine that this will solve all of our collective challenges, but I do imagine it will be a victory for kindness over hate, unity over division.
This brings me back to my recent trip to Maine. During our visit I made plans to visit Norma – my next door neighbour from my childhood. Norma is 91 years old and is now living in a small one bedroom apartment at an assisted living centre. When we walked into her place what struck me was that she really hadn’t changed since I knew her as a kid. She was still the kind person who would do anything for you. Still trying to make a difference in the world. Norma showed us around her time apartment – filled with plants and knickknacks. In one corner a sewing machine that she used daily to make dresses for children in orphanages. She explained that she had gone through three machines sewing dresses and reusable menstrual pads. We sat and shared stories for about an hour before we had to continue on with our journey. I was grateful that we had made the time to visit.
For the past several weeks I have found myself thinking about Norma and our visit. Her kindness has always been inspiring to me but at 91, I was struck by the consistency of her spirit. How was it possible for someone her age to be so filled with lightness and love? I wondered if it was something innate about Norma or just a choice she had made in life. Regardless, Norma has reminded me of the importance of kindness in our world. A simple thing that doesn’t cost a thing but is priceless in a world that needs it more than ever.
I cast my ballot for kindness this year. Regardless of the outcome I will keep practicing acts of Kindness. Thank you Norma.