In the midst of all that is going on in our world, I have been challenging myself to look myself in the mirror (more than ever before) and ask myself “how can I be a better human?” Part of that is how to raise my two boys in a manner that enables diversity and inclusion and acceptance to be something they never have to think about – but just do naturally in all they do. Given they are 16 months, books have become my way to instill that in them right now. One book I recently picked up and has become a daily read for them is called “We Are Together” by Brittany Teckentrup. As I sat their Saturday reading it to them, I realized, everyone should read this…sometimes the most simple are the most impactful. Sharing the words of the book with you all – if for nothing else…leverage the diversity we each bring and become the best in all we do…
On our own, we’re special, and we can chase our dream. But when we join up hand in hand together, we’re a team. We may travel alone, free as birds in the sky, but by flocking together we soar and we fly. If storm clouds gather, and we’re caught in the rain, let’s solace through the puddles until the sun shines again. We can change the world with the power of words. Let’s all rock the boat so our voices are heard! Hear the song we sing to encourage and inspire. If we all sing together one voice becomes a choir. Walking all together, on paths yet unknown, may lead us to places that feel just like home. We’re off to climb mountains, all the way to the top. Our friends keep us going, they won’t let us stop. Embrace all life’s colors, each shade, every hue. And life will be brighter whenever you do. When the icy wind blows and winter takes hold, your friends keep you warm so you won’t feel the cold. When life is confusing and our way seems unclear, the horizon is distant but our friends will stay near. At the end of each day as we watch the night fall, a million bright stars shine down on us all. If ever we’re lonely, we’ll just out-loud – “let’s all stand together, one big, happy crowd.”
