Together We Will Thrive

(You're not alone, there is hope)

I’m writing this the day after the four astronauts flew around the moon. Artemis II has re-ignited my love of space.

I grew up in Philadelphia and used to look up at the stars with a tiny red telescope that my mom got me from Toys ‘R Us. I used to balance the telescope on my grandfather’s car and aim it at the moon.

I couldn’t see much because the telescope was more for bird watching than astronomy, and light pollution obscured most of the stars.

But I got to see the moon and could see Jupiter and Venus.

I used to look up at the stars and think about how I wasn’t the only one who longed for a better life.

I studied hard in school, job a part-time job at 16 and have been working ever since.

I wanted to rise above the abuse my father inflicted on us, but I had no roadmap, no guide, no way—all I had was my imagination and looking up at the stars.

Well, that’s not entirely true.

I also prayed a lot.

I prayed to God to help my family and to teach me how to grow up and not be like my father.

And so I continued to glance up at the stars and pray.

Yesterday the astronauts looked back to see the Earth setting from the moon. The image they shared with the rest of us here on planet Earth looks amazing (Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!)

When I see that blue marble, I feel humbled.

All 8+ billion of us are on that.

For the four astronauts who looked back at our home planet, they had the distance to see what we often cannot: our home is so tiny in the vastness of space.

As I write this, I don’t know if the war in Iran will expand, spread, or be over by the time you read this. I don’t know if the astronauts will make it back safely.

But I pray that both the war will be over and the Artemis II crew will come home to heir families.

What I have known for the longest time is that only together can we survive.

I wish there were an easier way to find peace in our world, but I don’t have the answer to that.

What I know is that the more we work together, help each other, the better we will all be.

I have hope that we will get through these dark times.

I have faith that together we can overcome any challenge.

The problem is: will you join me?

Help your neighbor, be there for a friend, give back to your community.

In my view, I believe that healing from a traumatic childhood leads us down the path of giving back to others.

We lead by serving.

Helping others, no matter how small.

That’s my fervent prayer: that more people will come together and work together for peace.

Might be a dream of mine, but I will continue to work toward that goal.

And I hope you will join me.