Persian Tea

Growing up in a small-town, I didn't really understand the fuss about diversity. We had two "black" kids in our school, who had been adopted, a few exchange students, and a few native americans. However, the predominant ethnicity was certain white, white and super-white. While I didn't have any particular prejudice, (or so I though), I really couldn't comprehend what it meant for other people to have been raised differently, experienced different things, and how that diversity of perspectives and experiences can create something rich and beautiful. Over the last decade I've had the opportunity to live in 5 different states, meet people from many different backgrounds, religions and experiences. What I've learned? As cliche as it may sound, we're more alike than different. Today I had lunch and tea with a beautiful Iranian woman and her daughter. After 15 years of applying her Visas her family of four immigrated to the US, and her husband continues to travel back and forth to attend to the business. In Iran, they were well-educated and well-to-day with a big house, servants, and strong ties to the community. Here, they paid cash for 2 bedroom condo, and she works graveyards at a position far below her education and experience. And yet, when she talks about it, she is "so happy". We shared the grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat and talked about her worn-torn country, the generational changes, the tendency of people to rebel (in subtle ways) as more power and control is exerted. We talked about how challenging the path of raising our children alone can be, and yet, we are blessed because they have access to an amazing eduction, unlimited opportunities, and the ability to choose their own course. Our skin, our cultures, and our experiences may be vastly different, yet, our hearts couldn't have been more closely aligned. As mothers, we shared the same fears, fought the same battles, and looked forward with hope that we are teaching our children to live with joy and compassion. Thank you S for the Persian Tea.