It was just past the Syracuse, New York exit on I-90 when Bruce made a terrible vibrating sound. I quickly pulled over the side of the highway. It was Saturday and so most places I called were closed. But I did google VW-EuroVan near Syracuse and got on the Eurovan FB to ask for help. There was a reply from a local garage owner who was close to where we broke down.
After getting the van to the garage in Cicero New York, Vince the owner/mechanic hopped in for a test drive, he reminisced about breaking down once in Colorado. Estes park more specifically. He started talking about friends he was visiting in a small town in Colorado…by the name of Wheat Ridge. “Wait, I live in Wheat Ridge” I replied. We both looked at each other in disbelief. Then with a complete wild shot, I asked, “Wait, do you know Elke and Ryan?” Those were his friends! This was beyond any coincidences. Simply breaking down on some random highway near a town we had never planned to visit, way across the country and now being rescued by someone with a Wheat Ridge connection.
This world is so much smaller than we think. Despite, or in spite of our differences; political, economical and every other way we tend to separate and differentiate each other…. This world is basically connected by strands of DNA that really aren’t that different from one another. The actual difference is 0.1% difference.
In the last few months I’ve spent time in a few different continents, countries and cities. The different languages, religions , cultures and customs have all shown me that all people deep down, all look for the same things. Safe communities, clean food and honesty from each other and their governments.
Elections tend to highlight our differences. The trust we have in the quality of people . Including our friends, co workers and family members.
We judge each other based on our support of politicians, ballots and entire political parties. Yet, we drop our kids off at the same line at school, sit next to one another at the local bar and sometimes even park in the garage and even share the same bed.
Imagine one person in a family or friend group clinging tightly to their own ideas, leaving no space for others’ beliefs. Then one day, long after the elections, they find themselves completely alone.
There should always be room for more, or better or even “different”. I’m not asking you start voting differently. I’m not going to change my mind on 2B or 2C and certainly not on 80. But thanks to a friend of mine, I did change my mind on short term rentals. Through discussions and heated debates, we all either solidify our opinions or learn something new and change our minds. We certainly strengthen our relationships. This election season, do your homework and respect other opinions. In the long run, that’s how we all win.
As always, thanks for reading.
