When I wake up in the morning, I say to myself, “Rejoice, God has given me another day! Then I remember the advice from the Harvard security guard, “Don’t slow down, until they put you down.” The same advice from a Buddha prophet:" What can I do today to make somebody’s life a little better?”
Then I cross the street with my walker every morning to take my breakfast at the Sheraton Commander hotel, remembering in my mind kind people, like a truck driver, who stops his truck and goes outside his cabin to stop the traffic.
Later, I wandered across the street again to sit on a bench in Cambridge Commons, to enjoy the sun, and greet many different people crossing to Harvard University. People come here first to study, fall in love with the area, and decide to stay. For me, it is a perfect place.
The Park also keeps me away from the actual politics of President Trump. It seems to worsen each day. He divides the country and puts the world on edge with his proclamations, ambitions, and declarations. His comments about Iran, taking Greenland from Denmark, invading Venezuela, horrible Cabinet meetings, and disrespect for the UN General Assembly are proudly made.
I would rather focus on strengthening my connections around the world with old friends from UNICEF, Peace Corps, university students, Argentina, and England, remembering the birthdays and anniversaries of special people in my life.
I am also trying to reflect on a memorable quote from Nelson Mandela, the former leader of South Africa, who spent 27 years in prison and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. His quote, “UBUNTU,” is especially meaningful.
“I am because of who we are.” His quote from his Zulu tribe has been gone for many years, but his wisdom lives on. Another quote is old but very local, it is from Harvard Philosopher Henry David Thoreau, who studied in Walden Pond and said,
“Pursue the same path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.”
“I was not born to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion. Let us see who is the strongest.”
All of these are helping me to survive in the Trump years with my spirit intact, focusing on myself, learning, and keeping myself inspired in many ways. As JFK said, “Every accomplishment comes with the decision to try.”
As an Irish Catholic, my perception of the world changed when I was invited to participate in the cremation of my Buddhist colleague in Yala, Thailand, marking the beginning of my 45-year career with the Peace Corps, UNICEF, and Human Rights, as well as in conflict situations in Africa and the Middle East.
As I said in the beginning, my days in Cambridge, Massachusetts, start with breakfast at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, then I cross the street to Cambridge Common Park. Before my knee operation, I used to walk around the park, do my errands in Harvard Square, and travel more often. Now I sit on my favorite bench and meet people from around the world who came here to study at Harvard University and other colleges close by.
The selection of President Trump's Cabinet has not encouraged me. And also, His maneuvering at the Supreme Court has been troublesome. But I hope on, and I take action and use my voice with my vote in the elections as appropriate.
I also find refuge in my family. Recently, I have learned details about my uncle/Godfather William Francis Mohan, who was lost in France in World War II. He was the gunner/navigator on a plane. That was shut down in France. That was occupied by Nazi Germany.
The Pilot of the plane was former Senator George McGovern of South Dakota. The entire crew and my uncle were rescued by the French underground.
I told this story many years ago when I was hitchhiking in southern France. An older farmer stopped his truck to help me, and He asked me where I was from.; when I told him from the USA, he said, “The USA saved my country,” and then He said, “Get in my truck, and I will drive you wherever you want to go”.
Kindness and hope are natural human choices to help me and move forward with God's guidance.
Good to hear from you. We missed your enthusiasm at the exUNICEFers reunion in Manila last year. We are happy to read you are doing well and enjoying every minute of your life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. Your spirit and wisdom come through in every line — and the story about your uncle and George McGovern's crew stopped me in my tracks. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, we need reflections like yours in times like this, stay well, Morten
ReplyDeleteGratitude and respect, dear brother! I love these reflections and quotes: tools for our antifascist survival kit! Warmest abrazos.
ReplyDeleteThat was from me, Robert Cohen. Not sure why it posted as anonymous.
DeleteWhat brought Jim’s uncle to France was fascism in its most literal and brutal form. It was a system that abolished democratic institutions, suppressed dissent, mobilised society for war, and relied on violence and terror to sustain itself. Remembering that history is important, not least out of respect for those who fought, died and suffered under it.
ReplyDeleteMany people today feel alarmed or distressed by political developments they oppose, including President Trump's actions and rhetoric. Yet describing every form of right-wing politics as “fascism” blurs an important historical distinction. When the term is applied too casually, it diminishes the very real horrors associated with the regimes that originally defined it.
Fascism was not simply harsh language, controversial policies, or polarising leadership. It was the systematic dismantling of democratic life. Preserving clarity about that difference helps maintain the seriousness of the historical experience that people like Jim’s uncle confronted in Europe during the Second World War.
Political disagreements are inevitable in democratic societies, and they should be debated vigorously. But using historically imprecise language, especially when referring to something as grave as fascism, weakens that debate.
Thank you Jim. Your reflections reflect contentment and confidence as our generation navigates the trials of getting older and still finding meaning and pleasure in getting on with life. Three cheers. Habib hhammam@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jim, for sharing your reflections and for staying in touch with former colleagues. It means a lot to most of us and I was very moved when I received your call to my birthday. It has been a long time since we worked together in Chile (about 50 years?), and since we saw each other,- but you remember and this friendship means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that you had knee problems and have to use a walker now. Hopefully you are on the way to full recovery. Like you, we all need a favorite spot, a bench or comfortable chair to sit and reflect a little, and think about past experiences. And sometimes I even dare to plan for some work to be done. I spend each late afternoon after doing some exercises in just relaxing and dreaming, Best wishes, Jim, and enjoy meeting new friends at the Square.
ReplyDeleteThose reflections say so much about who you have been, who you are and who you always be - a treasure for all those you touch. The truck driver who stops for you clearly sees the same as we do and feels gratitude to God for these few moments he can spend with you. So must all those who stop to chat with you in the park each day.
As you say, these are challenging times for all of us. These are times when we need that faith and hope for a better future, one that starts with each of us. Thank you for taking the time to share these very meaningful reflections. May God bless you always. Tom & Viviane
I was also touched by your essay, Jim, and I agree with Tom McDermott - your piece says much about your character and integrity when I knew you in UNICEF.
ReplyDeleteI especially share your horror of the impact Trump is having on the world and I am profoundly embarrassed to carry a U.S.passport. I despair at Trump's actions in areas close to the heart of those of us who spent much of our career in UNICEF. These include (but aren't limited to) Trump’s dismantling of USAID, withdrawing from WHO and his total lack of respect or compassion for women and children. He shares none of UNICEF’s core values.
For my part, I now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico half of the year and in a small village in France the other half. Both bring me great joy.
Finally, as some of you know, my husband, Steve Joseph (also former UNICEF HQ staff) passed away in November, 2003.
All the best to you, Jim, and all my former UNICEF colleagues
I am so pleased that we published your "Reflections" Jim as the many comments to it show. They are quintessentially "You" as many of us who worked with you well know and it is appropriate that others among the XUNICEF network share them. Please continue to send such materials to the Blog.
ReplyDeleteEn passant, I was very happy to read comments from Beth Preble and to learn of her whereabouts. We worked together in NYHQ many years ago and I remember her as a young and promising programme person. Am also sorry to learn of Steve Joseph's passing as he was an integral part of the group around Jim Grant who developed and supported the GOBI/CSDR /UCI programmes.
It is great to be back in contact, Fouad, after many years!
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