By Janet W. Brown, July 27, 2011 — Our first day of the ten days is preordained. We continue the procession of our heritage without choice or option, we learn quickly the concept of time with an inner clock placing ourselves on a schedule. Our date and place of birth is a continuing part of out history. Group leaders sort us by the month of our birth looking for some common factor among us. This is the joy and the baggage of our lives.
December 6, 1934 is my day. It is also the day of celebration for St. Nicholas, who was “admired beyond the power of words” and he the hero of several legends involving children. The saint is often depicted with three bags of gold used to rescue children. Lucky me to celebrate with words and gold!
The joy of celebration brings a community to common grounds. History celebrated is a common theme in our culture. The Quaker community taught me the importance of space. Everyone is entitled to their arm’s length and honoring that space for every individual brings out the best in us. Yes, we call that celebration.
The children in my life taught me that ”reaching out and reaching in” could best describe the best ten days of any part of my life. I am comfortable in the silence or in the crowded streets working with others to plan a special event has the repeated theme of my life.
Celebrating a person or an institution is always the best day so far. I celebrate the teachers, teens and members of this class for showing up to celebrate new learning. I celebrate the professional storyteller bringing awareness and joy each time they step into a space. I celebrate my history with this beloved city and all those that continue to keep it a vibrant and a welcoming place with radical hospitality. I remember the night the Liberty Bell was moved in Philadelphia. Mayor Rizzo planned that special event.
My heritage is thick during the month of May. Back to the 1600’s with new beginning again and again informed by education, life changing events and repeating dates throughout my family history. So, dig deep if you are young but stay on level ground. Offer a space to your brother, sister or someone in the way of your life. Stay alert to the signals on the path and continue your journey with peace.