Remembering what can Be

Jack Layton died yesterday.





I have been mired in my own issues, my own disappointments with my life, and I had shut out the world. And then, someone who did care about improving the lives of others dies. And I remember that I once had a greater purpose than my own fulfillment.

Layton reminded me in many ways of Edward M. Kennedy, an American Senator who consistently worked towards equality in his career. He had more personal failures than Layton, who was beloved for his great successes, but Kennedy and Layton had a vision for the future, a vision which gave them hope and stamina to continue to fight against unwinnable odds. I have given up already. Not only has giving up been unsatisfying but I am deeply ashamed of myself for feeling so sorry for me. But then, I am reminded that there are battles I can fight when I look to those that are fighting. Maybe I can start again.

One of my favorite eulogy passages belongs to Robert Kennedy, as recounted by his brother Ted in 1968:

"There is discrimination in this world and slavery and slaughter and starvation. Governments repress their people; millions are trapped in poverty while the nation grows rich and wealth is lavished on armaments everywhere. These are differing evils, but they are the common works of man. They reflect the imperfection of human justice, the inadequacy of human compassion, our lack of sensibility towards the suffering of our fellows. But we can perhaps remember -- even if only for a time -- that those who live with us are our brothers; that they share with us the same short moment of life; that they seek -- as we do -- nothing but the chance to live out their lives in purpose and happiness, winning what satisfaction and fulfillment they can."

I have shifted my priorities towards myself and I can shift them again. If I can catch that spark again, who knows what I can work towards? I need to remain open, to resist cynicism. I need to find my passion again.