Immigration, Identity, and the Weight of Where We Come From
An emotional experience that reminded me why immigration is never just policy. It’s people.
I am an emotional person.
I feel things very strongly, and when I do, those feelings are usually written all over my face or pouring out of my eyes.
It’s how I’m wired!
That said, I believe there are some experiences, that when we allow ourselves to feel them deeply, could make anyone emotional.
Let me tell you about one such experience I had recently and why it’s so timely.
Background Information on SummerTRAC
For the past two summers, my son has attended a camp called SummerTRAC with TRAC standing for tradition, religion, aspiration and culture.
During the three weeks of camp, the campers learn Hindu prayers and religious stories, they play games, they have a themed art project they work on, they learn a Bollywood dance routine, and so much more.
At the end of camp, there’s a special program where the campers get to show off their dance skills. It’s a super fun way to end a jam-packed three weeks!
How the Program Starts
The end of camp program starts with the singing of the Indian National Anthem and then the American National Anthem.
And this is where things got very emotional for me…
Why All the Emotions?
Every time I hear the Indian National Anthem, I think about the beautiful line of people I come from, that my children come from. I think about what it was like for my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to grow up in India. I think about all that the country and its people has gone through.
That alone is enough to bring tears to my eyes…
But then when you layer on the American National Anthem, I think about all of my family members who took a huge leap, uprooted everything they knew, and moved to a whole new land on the other side of the world. I think about their struggles, their challenges, their pain as they navigated a place that is so different from their home. I think about all the hopes and dreams they must have had upon landing. I think about how they came with nothing but a few bucks and those hopes and dreams. I think about the privilege I now have because of the leaps that were taken before my time.
I think about how for most of them this was the land of the free and the home of the brave.
This makes my tears flow a bit faster…
Blend All of This Together With Immigration Right Now
And this is why my tears were really flowing at the show.
Hearing the two national anthems back to back made me think about how so many people try and make their way to the US with the same hopes and dreams tucked away in their pockets. One land to another. I thought about how my parents and family in general were able to make this country home, even though it didn’t always welcome them with open arms. I thought about how the land of the free and the home of the brave doesn’t quite describe the country I call home right now. I thought about the poor babies ripped away from their families, not knowing what crime they had committed to be taken from their only safe space…their only home. I thought about how a journey for better often turns into hell on earth. I thought about how it’s likely going to get a lot worse before it gets better. I thought about how much longer those hopes and dreams will need to stay tucked away.
I’m No Expert
I feel like anything even slightly controversial on the internet needs a disclaimer these days.
So here’s mine…
I’m not an immigration expert. I acknowledge that I don’t full understand the policies that shape our nation around this issue.
I’m no expert, but I do believe that…
…humanity should take precedence. Children should not be taken away from their families. Innocent until proven guilty.
Immigration is never just policy. It’s people.
Any and all thoughts, questions, ideas, criticisms are welcome!
Shakti Credits and Debits
Shakti Credits
The other day, I picked my kids up from camp and school, and we had time to spare until dinner. My son asked if I could make them fresh squeezed lemonade and cookies. Now, if you know me well, you know that I like to stick to the plan. And to be honest, lemonade and cookies were not part of my plan for that afternoon. However, I decided to go with the flow, AND we had such a fun time. They gave my lemonade a thumbs up and my cookies a “can we make these every day?”
I wish I had thought of this sooner, but giving my son an actual alarm clock has been a game changer for his ability to get up and get ready, his mood, etc. In turn, this has been a game changer for me and my husband as well. Overall, we’re all in better moods, AND we’re able to get out of the house on time. Credits all around!
Shakti Debits
The flooding in TX and the innocent lives lost at Camp Mystic has put me in a major funk. I keep thinking about those poor girls…babies really and what they must have gone through in their final moments. And also their parents/families. It’s all just so tragic and unfair.
I told a friend that I wake up every morning so thankful for my life, my family, and my friends. But I can’t help but also feel dread. You really just never know.
It’s all so scary and overwhelming. Please know that if you need to take a break from the news, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad/ungrateful person. It just means that you need a break.
Par’s Picks
This is an eye-opening post about how much time and money we really spend on things we don’t need.
Try this combo and thank me later - your favorite sourdough bread toasted a little extra, Whipped, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and a drizzle of spicy honey. SO GOOD!
This podcast episode was just what I needed to hear. My relationship with the scale is no where close to where it was 15-20 years ago. However, I still sometimes feel a certain way when I see it creeping up, especially when I’m doing all the ‘right’ things.
It was impactful to hear both national anthems back-to-back, your words describe it so vividly. I also love reading your shakti debits and credits. Similar debit for me this week :(......so heartbreaking.