This time of year brings a heavy weight for many. The holiday season, regardless of what holiday we may mark, is meant to be a time of joy. It is a day we are told to be with “family” and those we love and those who love us. You know the drill.
At the same time, we all know the stress the holiday season brings. Even those of us who have much to be grateful for feel that stress. You know that drill as well.
I know full well, however, that there are far too many who don’t feel just stress during the holidays, but an immense sadness and loneliness. I’m thinking of those who have grown up in our child protection system. So many pass through this system that is unforgiving and harsh, only to be dumped out (there is no other word for it) alone, rootless and disconnected. There are over a million people in and from care in our country. Can you imagine?
I want you to think of them this holiday season.
I don’t believe they need our pity. We don’t need to save them. Youth in and from care are people just like the rest of us. They are. They are people. They are people who often demonstrate a courage, a strength and a determination that is awe inspiring in trying to overcome what may have brought them into child protection care and the wounds of living in the system. Qualities that others do not have to try to summon from within themselves. I have asked them with deep respect “how in heavens have you been able to cope?” “We have no choice” they say “we do what we need to do”. They are people finding remarkable strength living in remarkably difficult circumstances through no fault of their own. I acknowledge them and honour them
I want you to think of them this holiday season.
There is something I learned years ago about people who are or were in child protection care. They – almost to a person – have a deep seated desire to ensure that no child has to endure what they endured and that no person ever has to feel the heartache they feel.
A call to action over the next few days.
Think of them this holiday season.
Allow them to move you to reach out. In their name, say a kind word to someone that you know needs to hear it. In their name, notice who is living on the street in the community you live in and make a gesture to acknowledge them. In their name, offer your words of support and more if you can, to the families living with children who have a special need. In their name, offer solace in some way this holiday season to those who are grieving a loss…..
Let young people in and from care to know that we are thinking of them. I realize it may seem trite, but it is what we can do right now – today. Change will need to come tomorrow. I want everyone to try to find a way to let them know that they are not alone. Let them know that there can be some meaning to the struggles they undertake.
Could your act be a statement of love? Maybe. Your heart will be the measure of that.
Remember that youth from care who when a Deputy Minister told me “we cant legislate love Irwin” told me to respond “its true Deputy but we can legislate the conditions in which love can flourish”. Until and when government decides to take up that call we can all play a part by making actions of love.