Tag Archives: Humanity

Life

I can’t breathe


I can’t breathe.
Three words that hurt my soul to the core.

First and foremost, at this very moment, my heart aches for George Floyd, his love ones and all that his death now means to all of us. Along with this comes the great ache in my heart for my brother who passed away just a year and a half ago from an asthma attack…not being able to breathe. And at a time where we are all just trying to get past this crazy pandemic that seemingly targets the lungs, making it difficult for those to do just that- breathe.

Haven’t we had enough of being attacked as humanity that we dive further back generations, deep to bring to the forefront of the past that we all thought we left behind?  What kind of man puts all of his weight onto someone’s neck… and continues to do so despite desperate pleas of:
I can’t breathe.

How is this lack of humanity that has been ever present still here upon us? Perhaps I live with rose tinted glasses on as I want to believe that Covid has brought humanity back in different ways then we had seen the last several years. Engaging with one another, unlike I’ve seen for many years. Helping one another through this pandemic. Then. Just then, a man puts his weight upon man’s neck, suffocating him, leaving him to beg for breathe- even if it was his last. How you can be so barbaric to control the breathe essential for life, for a man begging for his mom? Have you no heart at all? I know I can’t understand the full scope of what the inequality is that still exists, no matter how I may try or show my support. Though I sure as hell can’t understand how you can watch a man die before you, as you take his breathe away.

Although I understand that I can’t breathe is a statement to pay tribute to George Floyd, I hope we can change our saying to I CAN BREATHE…And I plan to make a difference. Keep breathing friends and inspiring one another through your voice, breathing in peace. New Hope. And finding Light at the end of this darkness.

RIP George Floyd.

Life, Travel

a Gringa in Havana

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My love for Latin culture runs deep.  The irony is I have no idea why.  I grew up with German roots in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and yet a salsa song comes on and you’d think I’m busy celebrating my very own Quincenara.  I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy many incredible adventures to Latin countries- from Colombia to Costa Rica and now to Cuba.  I’ve wanted to go to Cuba for so many years I’ve lost count.  When Obama opened up travel, I was thrilled for the chance to finally learn more about this country, it’s people, arts and music and get the Real Real on this country.

Needless to say, I was a bit…..hmmm, how shall we say, oddly surprised?

I know my expectations might be slightly off- The spirits of Buena Vista Social Club Streets playing throughout the streets, while couples dance Salsa with reckless abandon.  Instead, it was more like streets ripped apart, riddled with trash, clearly uncared for, for decades.  This country has endured a lifetime of entrapment, not only NOT moving forward….not staying as-is either, as nature still manages to take its course in dilapidating and further breaking down not only the land, but also the former captivating architecture that Havana is so known for.  This stunning beautiful buildings crumbling all around.  And not just in the outer areas- the inner cities that welcome tourists.  It is not hidden, as may be the case in other cities. People residing in buildings that have no windows, floors consisting solely of rubble.  Trees growing out from where the foundation used to be.

Inspired and stunning architecture still remains within the soul of this city.  Even if most of the buildings appear to be blown out- as if a war had taken its toll.  Though in reality, most of these buildings being owned by the government and unfortunately not upkept by its residents has turned this great potential into a sad reality.

As you walk the streets you can feel the pain this city has endured.  From the many years of revolution and take over from other countries.  This is not a city to be taken lightly.  For it’s people have incredible heart and determination.  Not to mention loyalty.  To my surprise everywhere I turned was either the image of Che or a memorial of sorts for their recently lost Fidel.  I’ve never been to a communist country before this excursion and I was apparently a bit surprised to learn, experience and bear witness to life within.  And yet with all of this said, this place is still hopeful.  The locals offer smiles beyond the struggle.  With the spirit and soul to believe that one day Cuba can truly be Cuba Libre.

Life

Full Circle on a Saturday morning

I wake up early on this fine Saturday morning to go and enjoy a relaxing morning and catch up on writing.  For me, writing is a beautiful way to recap life’s experiences and moments that, although may seem small at the moment, are truly what makes life worth living.

I arrive at Coffee Bean and Tea leaf, my usual spot for a latte and letting go in expressing my thoughts.  Though todays visit also came with an added bonus: inspiration.  Upon ordering, I see two men working on getting connected to wifi.  One of these men is a homeless local that tends to hang around, very peaceful and in his element, often just taking time to relax inside.  The other gentleman is simply lending a hand in helping him out.  It always warms my heart to see when there is goodness to speak of, that people take the time to help one another, even if just to get on wifi.

Moments later as I’m awaiting my delightful vanilla latte, I notice a woman going up to the same homeless man.  She says:  “You’re the one who helped push my car yesterday, aren’t you?”  With great appreciation and love in her heart, she handed him a gift card and thanked him for his assistance.  You could tell she was beyond appreciative and yet a bit intimidated to show her thanks to this “Stranger.”  And the beautiful thing about it was that he was humbled in his space, as if helping her was not even a thought.  That it was his duty to help her.  A person in need and that’s what he did…Second nature, nothing to be thanked for.  Though it is truly in these moments that I am thankful to bear witness to the beauty and simplicity in these gentle gestures of humanKIND.  From witnessing this man go from being helped to helping another, all within moments.  This is truly what makes life so sweet.  And a sweet vanilla latte to further savor the moment….ahh, it’s going to be a good day.  Happy Saturday to you.  May you experience a moment of humanKIND today.  (and everyday for that matter!)