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WE ARE A FAMILY,
AS WE ARE A COUNTRY
By Rae Pfundt
We, in
the theatre community, think of
ourselves
as one large, close knit family.
The
hand(s) we have is(are) far-reaching.
If
we do nothing else, in this dire time,
let
us stand strong in our family alliance.
Not
just now, or in weeks to come, but forevermore.
In
this, our most demanding audition in life,
let
each of us shine brilliantly in our own way.
Let
this be our finest "stage presence" ever.
We
have gone through the same turmoil
that
many families experience.
We
have fought bitterly with one another.
We
have, at times, turned our backs on one another.
We
have said and done things that we regret.
Yet
we share the many good things of a family.
We
share a bond comprised of a strength that is like no other.
We
share a camaraderie, though tested and shaken, has prevailed.
We lend
emotional support, whether we agree, or agree to disagree.
When
one of our own is in need,
We
diligently and without hesitation,
set
aside our differences and bridge the gulf.
Such
is the persevering power
of
our connection - thus our resilience.
In
the face of adversity, we stand united.
When
united, we are a force to be reckoned with.
When
together, we are fortitude of great magnitude.
We
embody a oneness; that may waver, yet does not fail.
In
the darkest of times we come together.
This
is, hopefully, the darkest of any time we shall face.
Sadly,
it is an atrocity that makes me aware of my vulnerability.
Sadly,
it is an atrocity that makes me aware of my need for others.
Sadly,
it is an atrocity that makes me aware that there is no single
person,
moment, feeling, thought or action, more important,
than
the one(s), I all too often put off for "later".
Sadly,
how many thought they had time to accomplish a million
"laters"? |
It
is at this time, I urge us all;
to
extend our arms wider,
to
accept all,
to
embrace all,
to
give comfort to all,
to
lend strength to all -
to
love all.
It
is a time to show we cannot be beaten.
It
is a time to show we cannot be separated.
It
is time to manifest our unity.
It
is a time to demonstrate our durability.
It
is time to share with one another, the hope,
the
strength and courage, that makes us One.
It
is time to keep close to us,
and
a time to reach out to,
those
we know and those we do not;
for
we never know who we may touch,
nor
how far our reach may extend.
More
importantly, keep in our hearts,
those
whom we sadly,
will
never get the chance to know.
They
say we are a mere 5 people away
from
knowing everyone in the world.
If
this is true think of the enormity of
what
one person can accomplish.
That
smile, that nod, that wave.
That
gesture, however seemingly insignificant,
can
make a world of difference to someone you
meet
today and in the today’s to come.
The
second that such a simple task
takes
may seem a small contribution.
Think
of the countless numbers, who were lost,
And
for whom a second became an eternity.
In
that light, it takes on a whole new meaning.
Let
us broaden the scope of all that encompasses
what
makes us a family of such immense riches.
Whereas
extending our reach to just one,
thereby
extending to immeasurable others.
It
is time to share our love.
It
is time to share our "wealth".
It
is time to share all that makes us a family;
with
all those that make us:
AMERICA
This
is my wish, my hope, my prayer
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