Today I spoke with one of my closest friends from Brooklyn. I was lucky enough to visit his family when I traveled to Senegal last summer. I met his new wife and even newer baby, even before he has had the chance to. I met his great aunt and uncle. I grasped the hand of his brother, who looked so much like him I could have sworn it was my friend himself. I clung close to his mother and father.
I am thinking of my friend now because he just lost his father. Living in Africa is a reminder of how close death follows us. Where there is little access to healthcare, people often wait too long to get help or simply can not afford the life-saving treatment.
As a woman living far from my family, albeit by choice, I have such empathy for my friends who suffer the loss of losing their parents. Returning home for a funeral is not possible for many, due to economic or political limitations. For many of my friends who don't have legal documents to stay in the U.S., returning home is an impossible dream.
As for my friend in Brooklyn, although he does have documents and desperately wants to go home, he needs to keep working to help pay the medical and burial expenses. He may have to wait even longer to mourn this tremendous loss in the presence of the rest of his family.
I always question this choice I have made to travel far from home, just as I question my friends' choices. Being among family is a gift. To live and share in the day to day events of life is truly important. Yet in today's world, economic and social factors drive many people away from their homes in search of a better life. At the same time, technology is always inventing new ways for us to stay connected. Life is always about difficult choices and the consequences!!! One of which, unfortunately, is to miss out on the fun times families share (I am missing out on my entire family's trip to Hawaii next week), as well as the solidarity needed during difficult ones.
Today I am thinking about all of all of my friends who live far from their families. I am hoping for health, peace, and happiness!
I am thinking of my friend now because he just lost his father. Living in Africa is a reminder of how close death follows us. Where there is little access to healthcare, people often wait too long to get help or simply can not afford the life-saving treatment.
As a woman living far from my family, albeit by choice, I have such empathy for my friends who suffer the loss of losing their parents. Returning home for a funeral is not possible for many, due to economic or political limitations. For many of my friends who don't have legal documents to stay in the U.S., returning home is an impossible dream.
As for my friend in Brooklyn, although he does have documents and desperately wants to go home, he needs to keep working to help pay the medical and burial expenses. He may have to wait even longer to mourn this tremendous loss in the presence of the rest of his family.
I always question this choice I have made to travel far from home, just as I question my friends' choices. Being among family is a gift. To live and share in the day to day events of life is truly important. Yet in today's world, economic and social factors drive many people away from their homes in search of a better life. At the same time, technology is always inventing new ways for us to stay connected. Life is always about difficult choices and the consequences!!! One of which, unfortunately, is to miss out on the fun times families share (I am missing out on my entire family's trip to Hawaii next week), as well as the solidarity needed during difficult ones.
Today I am thinking about all of all of my friends who live far from their families. I am hoping for health, peace, and happiness!
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