As a child, my mother would often have the news playing in the background while I prepared for elementary school. Now, as I get ready for work with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, I still tune in. Yet, these days, it weighs heavily on my heart to face the grim realities presented on the screen.
From violent protests to tragic loss of life and controversial executive orders, each news segment fills me with a sense of dread. Just last Saturday, I found myself in shock witnessing stories of families torn apart by the recent immigration ban—one report featured a breastfeeding infant separated from her mother. Just months ago, I could relate all too well to that heart-wrenching scenario. When did we become a society that tears families apart based on where they come from?
The headlines paint a bleak picture: a neighbor in Texas takes a life over a petty dispute; a group of teenagers in Chicago commits a heinous act against a vulnerable individual, live-streaming their cruelty; and in Washington, middle-aged men debate the rights of women, yet again. Each time I turn on the news, I am left grappling with the disheartening state of our nation.
The economic, social, and political divides in our country have only deepened over the years. This year marks a quarter-century since the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles—a pivotal moment I was too young to understand at the time. I recently unearthed a birthday message from my grandfather, written to me when I turned four, which was also published in the Boston Globe in May of 1992. As I read his words, I can almost hear his voice echoing in my mind, sharing insights that feel eerily relevant to the struggles we face today. His message wasn’t just a personal note; it was a call to action for my generation and those to come.
A Birthday Message
Dear Lauren,
Yesterday, you celebrated your fourth birthday, while I reached the age of 54. It seems the stars have aligned our paths. I feel compelled to share a few thoughts with you—words that I hope you will one day take to heart.
At first, you may not grasp the weight of my message. In time, as you grow, you might find yourself too preoccupied with life to reflect on it. But perhaps one day you’ll revisit these words and find some wisdom within.
I trust your birthday was memorable, filled with cake, ice cream, and the excitement of friends. I recall you eagerly awaiting the arrival of your pals and the gifts they brought, like that alphabet book where each letter corresponds to an animal.
When I ask your age, you proudly hold up four fingers. Soon enough, you’ll add another to that and be ready to play tee-ball. You’re going to hit it out of the park, kiddo.
However, birthdays can’t erase the imperfections of our world. On the very day you celebrated, your mother was undergoing surgery—a tough moment. Meanwhile, the news from afar was bleak.
In cities like Los Angeles, people were left to clean up the aftermath of riots—an all-too-common occurrence in our nation’s history, born from a mixture of despair, rebellion, and, sadly, opportunism. The consequences of these events are far-reaching, and the grievances of racial, economic, and social injustice linger, unresolved. I worry that your generation will bear the brunt of the neglect from those who came before.
I want you to know that some of us have indeed tried to make a difference. When many complained about taxes or thought voting was an inconvenience, there were those who stood firm, advocating for justice and equality.
This letter isn’t meant to instill despair; rather, it is a reminder of the world you’re inheriting. There’s beauty, love, and joy to be found amidst the chaos, and you and your mother bring immense happiness into my life. Friendships can weather any storm, and humor can lighten even the darkest days. Individuals like you have the power to create meaningful change.
When I turned four, millions of adults waited in line for wartime ration books, while the world was engulfed in conflict. We were on the brink of living under tyranny. Many sacrificed so that future generations could live freely.
Your birthday arrives in a time that, while fraught with challenges, also shows signs of progress. I offer you a challenge: strive to make this world a better place than you found it.
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In summary, we live in a world that demands our attention and action. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities to make a positive impact. Let us embrace the task of leaving this world better than we found it.