I took a newly arrived immigrant family to watch the July 4 fireworks. Their English being spotty, I am not sure that they understood my explanation about the point of the fireworks, but I thought they’d enjoy the excursion, and a part of me considered it an act of defiance against a president that does not share my values.
Groups and families were sprinkled across the hill and excited children ran around with glow sticks and other glittery toys. I was kicking myself for forgetting to bring toys, when a tall man walked up to our group with one of his kids. He happened to have some extra glow sticks, and would the children like some?
It is hard to describe the swell of emotions I experienced in that moment. These days, a stranger approaching our group might just as easily have said something nasty and unwelcoming. For the first time in a long while, I felt proud of — and hopeful for — my country. Let’s keep being good neighbors and make that effort to help each other out.
Thank you for the reminder, Mister Glow Stick, you made my July 4 extra sparkly.
Susan Waite
Amherst