I received a heart wrenching letter from a Ukrainian whose family has moved to Canada as a result of the war. It brought to mind how often immigrants are vilified, especially to serve political purposes, and how wrong we are when we jump to judgment without knowing the whole story.
So, next time you come across someone who can’t speak the language, please know this:
- there is an emotional, intelligent person behind those broken phrases
- while you may see a smile, know that they likely cry quietly into their pillows each night, so as not to alarm other family members, especially the children
- the person they most need to hug may be left behind, or worse, lost in the conflict that brought them here.
- they carry a pride for their nation, for their accomplishments, for their dreams that they cannot share here – so few know about the life they have come from.
- they did not ask for the strife that brought them here.
- it is difficult to have to accept and rely on help from others, but they have no choice
- they are starting life anew from a clean slate, after enormous loss, and this takes incredible courage
- while they are eager to learn all they can to become integrated into this new life; they also have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share
- you could learn a lot from this soul
- they are most likely suffering depression and PTSD
- they need our help
Please be kind. If you can valid my thoughts with an anecdote, please share.
(Image my own)
One Woman's Quest II 
Most immigrants are people looking for/needing a better life. I wonder how those so eager to judge would feel if it were the other way around.
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Exactly. I always try to put myself in their shoes and usually come up amazed by their spirit.
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It’s awful how ignorance and fear-mongering have become the norm. Thanks for the loving kindness you share and spread to all.
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Thanks Eilene.
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I am very sorry to hear that immigrants to Canada are being vilified. It’s such a shame that your reminders should have to be said and reiterated.
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I think this is a global phenomena actually. Trump certainly campaigned on fear of immigrants. It’s fear born of ignorance – sad that so many are happy to land there.
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I don’t doubt that the contagion of he-who-shall-not-be named has spread, and there does not appear to be a vaccine (or antidote) in sight.
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Wow a beautiful list of things we can keep using to remind ourselves to be open and kind. Lovely post, VJ!
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Thanks Wynne!
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Amen V.J.! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks Deborah
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There is immense compassion and perspective in your message, VJ. I hope people will listen… It is really so simple, to take a moment to imagine what it would feel like to lose HOME.
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Exactly, Susan. Thank you.
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