My daughter has a new friend, she is from a far off place where life is so different. They are the same age, but their 14 years of life on earth have been worlds apart.
Grace is from Uganda and has been brought here for a better education and a chance to make her life what it should be – full of hope and promise and opportunity. Normally at home she would be sold, married off or forced to work at this age. Education would be over for her.
Good fortune has found her. And us because she has come into our lives.
We spent the other night sharing stories with her- prey predator games at a camp my daughter had just returned from (this is strange that we play this as a game and with her it has been a way life), zip lining for adventure (what if ‘adventure’ was another word for trying to save your life?And it was not anything about fun or thrill?) and girls they know who don’t eat. (So you have much to eat but choose to starve?). Honestly, everything that came out of our mouths was ridiculous.
She got into my car- my somewhat dirty nothing van after we all had dinner together and she said in her evolving english- “I love your car”. I laughed and grabbed her arm. She has a point. It works and for much of the world- it is a luxury.
I said “I am so impressed with you, Grace.”
She did not understand.
I could not find the words to cover what I was feeling.
“You are so BIG to me” came out of my mouth
She made a quizzical face .
I had tears in my eyes. “Grace you are beautiful and amazing.”
She and her siblings watched her father be killed. And yet her hope endures and her spirit is strong.
She said ” In my village where I lived we slept in the bush because we could hide there.”
“People are free here, Grace and that is a wonderful thing. People have problems everywhere, none that quite compare to some of what you have shared, but here we are very free”
The whole planet was spinning now and I was sitting, floating with her on top of it.
We hugged, she said good night and thank you and got out of the car.
She flashed her smile.
I watched her walk away. My eyes were stinging.
What a great opportunity for everyone, you, your children and Grace. How did Grace find her way to Canada? What a great, life changing opportunity for her. Although I recognize she isn’t a commodity to be passed around, she is however such a rich resource for those who may not have yet had a glimpse into the manner in which the majority of the earth’s population live. I hope as many as possible get the experience to know her and to learn and contemplate the life she has come from.
you are right Tom- she is teaching us all so much! It is a breathtaking thing actually.
Nancy, just the humbling kick in the yoga pants I needed. I was having my tantrum because my first yoga hour in many missed days was delayed because our living room technology was failing me. Instead fo my normally silent practice, I wanted Kino MacGregor to do yoga with me on DVD. Probably a sign that I should just keep doing my slient practice alone and be grateful for the hour of time I have instead of yelling at Steve (my tech support) over the phone. Amazing he’s still married to me after so many of these “your” technology sucks rants.
I saw the Lost Boys documentary, it was a staggering eye opener, beautiful and heartbreaking and inspiring. Much like your post. I really needed the reminder. Thank you.
thanks Id- I am glad it gave you that perspective that it has given us. I am trying to keep it in my back pocket.
Hi Nancy,
Grace gave me tears too. Thank goodness she has landed here and will experience you and your daughters and will see first hand that women can accomplish incredible things with a little sweat and determination and lots of humour and a few tears and the support of great friends. It sounds like Grace is well on her way but will always have you all as incredible role models. Thank you for making me stop today and think about how very fortunate I am.