On Saturday, my wife and I decided to go out for brunch. By the time we got to the restaurant, it was almost noon. The restaurant was crowded and we were seated next to a group of 12-15 third-graders who were having a birthday party. By this point they had consumed their cake, ice cream, and beverage and they were feeling the effects. I imagine some patrons would not appreciate being seated next to such a rowdy group, but for some reason on this day, I found it to be quite entertaining. They giggled and squealed and were oblivious to the fact that they were in a restaurant and not on the playground.
I am not around groups children this age on a regular basis, so I was fascinated with their constant movement, exuberant laughter and pure joy at just being together. Standing around the table were their mothers each of whom wore a broad smile. This was not the obligatory smile often seen in polite company, but the irrepressible grin, just like my own, that was the result of seeing their own child so excited and happy.
These children and their mothers evidenced the diversity that is characteristic of the Washington, DC area where we live. There were Asian, Hispanic, African-American, and Middle-Eastern as well as caucasian children. At this age children appear totally unaware of any difference between each other. They are drawn together by their love of life and are capable of thoroughly experiencing the moment, something that becomes harder for adults as we grow older, take on responsibilities of various kinds, and have difficulty putting aside thoughts of what must be done later today or at work on Monday.
As I watched the children disperse and as I saw the mothers stand and chat, I realized how much more similar they were than they were different. Jumping, wiggling, laughing with their birthday hats and favors, I'm sure they could have continued in this fashion for a few more hours. Each parent obviously took great joy at seeing their child happy, lost in the sheer exuberance of being with their peers. Each was devoted to making their child's life a full as possible, evident by their willingness to spend a Saturday morning at a birthday party.
Often, when I hear immigration issues discussed, various national and ethnic groups are mentioned and if one is not mindful, it is easy to forget that those being talked about are these children and their moms who are much more like us than they are different from us. Immigration, legal and illegal, are complex issues that require thoughtful decision-making. I just do not want to think of immigrants as nameless groups to be dealt with. They are the giggling children and their moms at a birthday party on Saturday morning.
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