“Man cannot discover new oceans unless
he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” … Andre Gide
***
I dreamed last night that I was walking in the cool, early evening of a parched Arizona desert.
The yellow white light of a setting sun invited me to wander from the safety of shadows. Seduced by billowing clouds, and rays of calming light that were like pathways to heaven, I left my footprints in the shifting sand. They would soon disappear, as would I.
The setting sun was not so suffocating as the scorching midday ball of fire. I felt as though I could walk for hours. Early in the day had I not chosen to deny death, I would not have kept pace with my companions.
A southerly breeze carried the promise of rain, and as I paused for one final look back, I saw that my footprints had already vanished from the path. No one could follow. I found comfort in knowing that Maria and Miguel would think it too dangerous to try and find me. They would continue north.
There were so many paths, I struggled to decide which one to take. As I grew weaker in the waning light, all the paths seemed to diffuse into a beautifully blurry sense of arrival. I could go no further.
No more footprints in the sand, no more dreams of a better life. For me the journey was over.
As I fell to my knees the softness of the earth embraced me. There was no more pain as I laid my head down, and felt tiny grains of sand roll across my face.
Tears flowed from my closing eyes as I said my last goodbyes.
***
I can only imagine the hardship and terror that migrant workers endure as they leave their homelands in search of a better life. Courageous souls risk their lives every day, daring to jump aboard the ominous mata gente, freight trains that run north across Mexico.
Mata gente translates from Spanish as people killer. Have you ever attempted to board a train while it’s moving at 10 miles per hour? With your life’s belongings on your back, running as swiftly as you can, as careful as you dare, perhaps holding a child tightly under one arm? Again, I can only imagine.
I’ve had the pleasure of riding Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder, among others. Their names are as inspiring as the routes they follow, conjuring images of twilight dancing upon curling waves, and diesel engines charging across snow laden mountain passes. Perhaps we could call these trains people pleasers. In the USA, land of opportunity and abundance, Amtrak has always allowed ample time to safely step aboard before the train leaves the station.
For the less fortunate, the gauntlet begins at the Guatemala-Mexico border. Perhaps encouraged by a false sense of success, a relatively easy, and cheap river crossing provides hope for what will become an arduous and unforgiving journey. No one pays much attention to the migrating herd unless they see some means of gain from the migrant’s prerequisite wealth.
Braving robbery, beating, kidnapping, and rape the journeys are fraught with danger. Even if the migrants evade the evil that their exodus creates, they must still avoid loss of limbs, and lives, while attempting to climb aboard the moving trains that run north.
For those that beat the odds, and manage to survive, another battle awaits as they must attempt to cross the formidable deserts of the Southwestern US.
Every year hundreds die.
***
I wake up and wonder, where is the kindness in my dream?
I place myself in the shoes of a migrant, I empathize with their struggles, I desire to change the outcome of their journeys; but as I recall my fugitive slumber, what have I done to improve their lives?
Many would say, “Who are you to influence the outcome of another’s life?”. And rightly so. My responsibility is myself, but I can be a kind person, do good things with my life, fulfill my purpose by giving to others, and perhaps someone’s life may be blessed with a little less pain.
Kindness is the greatest force in the world.
Where does one find kindness?
I believe the answer to be, everywhere!
There is kindness in a friendly smile, in a loving embrace. Serving food to the homeless, delivering clothes to a shelter. Listening when someone needs to be heard, speaking up when something needs to be said. Offering to stand so that another may sit, caring for others when others are sick. Volunteering in third world countries, volunteering in your home town.
Opportunities to do good works are endless. It’s up to each of us to help create a better world by sharing with the world our kindness.
The kindness in my dream is in the actions of my life. It is in my power to make a difference, to touch the lives of others.
Life doesn’t wait for me to begin. Time will continue to move forward, with or without me, yet life can be better, and lives can be made easier, if I step aboard this part of my journey, and make a difference.
There are journeys within us all. It can be no other way.
The world is my canvas. It is yours as well.
***