Wednesday, February 14, 2007

VALENTINE'S DAY BLIZZARD

Today I am a shut-in, the wind is blowing and a combination of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and the like are falling all around me. In an act of supreme sacrifice, I bundle myself and trudge toward my car, moving it across the driveway so that the plow driver can clear a path to the garage doors. Two cars sit quietly in the warmth of the garage.

I cannot help but feel blessed despite these conditions. I do not work in a job that lists me as essential personnel, making my progress out in a storm required in order to earn my pay. I do not have to wrestle groceries or other purchases home via bus or subway; I can unload my purchases in the windless environment of the garage. I do not have to deal with the loss of pay because my hours were cut or cancelled. In short, I am aware that I live a blessed life.

I am thinking about the reality that I did little to deserve these blessings. The situation of my birth plays a large role in who I am, what I have, who I interact with, and the extent to which I am free to imagine and dream. I wonder what the perspective of a person on public assistance or lacking a home would be in this situation. I can imagine an answer, but I probably will never know.

I wonder about the extent of all that I do not know, especially the things that I can't even imagine to ask. What does it feel like to not be able to keep warm, to feed one's family, to clothe my child in a warm winter jacket and mittens?

These are not questions directly related to race, but I am aware that many of those who confront these problems, also are dealing with an inability to overcome the oppression of racism in their lives. I imagine that reality puts an extra chill in the air and a heavier weight on the shovel.

What else don't I know?