For the past few days, I have heard myself say frequently the phrase, “I can’t even imagine.” I was referring to the gut-wrenching grief the families and community of Newtown is going through. I also noticed I was feeling guilty about my strong emotions because “I’m not a parent.”
When I allowed myself to release the guilt, I realized that in many ways I have been a parent to children. For over 21 years I have worked with youth. I have run an after-school program, worked in drop-out prevention programs in the South Bronx, created youth summer camps, served as liaison to the city about positive youth development, and developed a mentoring program for youth with an incarcerated parent or involved in the juvenile justice system. I have supported, advocated, taught, nurtured, protected, and loved many, many children.
I have decided to turn my, “I can’t imagine” to “I imagine.”
I imagine a world filled with beautiful children, laughing, singing, playing, dancing, drumming, drawing, swinging, coloring. I imagine a world with adults loving, nurturing, hugging, laughing, and teaching our children. I imagine a world where we choose love. I imagine a world where we love ourselves.
I know this is possible because I have seen it – I have lived it.
May our love of children be our guide.
I imagine…