Immigrant Parenting Services - by Darylynn Starr Rank
December, 2005

Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Solstice. They’re all right around the same day this year. That conjures up an image of perfect harmony for me. Imagine it. A world in which we all celebrate together, happily, caringly, sharingly. Different races, and religions, different countries, able-bodied, disabled, gay, straight, well-off, in need, tattooed and bare-skinned. All together. Celebrating. Even the other animals. The dogs and cats. The birds. Squirrels and raccoons celebrating the return of the sun. At least up here north of the equator.

There was a bit of political upheaval at an outdoor association I belong to. To make a long, pitiful story short, concern over the safety and the lives of the rabbits who cohabit the area with people saved the day. Because everyone cared about the rabbits. Harmony achieved. 

There are many strangers among us, those who start out as strangers in any event. People who come from other lands that have less food, less safety, less water even. They come here to make a life. Alone, some of them. Alone, with children, some of them. Not all, of course. Families come here together. Even extended families, who sponsor each other, one group after another. But still strangers in a new land. 

There are government organizations, and non-government organizations, non-profit associations and community groups, volunteer groups and community groups all over the lower mainland, working to make a place for these new guests.  Because it’s hard. Because it’s sad to leave your home. And it’s difficult to move to a new country. Learn a new language. Start new customs. And adjust to new rules and procedures. And we all need help. At one time or another. 

This kind of help is a major force for encouraging us to move towards that harmony.

So at this moment, in the middle of our cold winter, at the start of our holiday season, I wish us all harmony. I wish us all togetherness and sharing. And I admire and thank and appreciate all of the many groups who are working so persistently to move towards a harmonious world.

So if you’re new, go find one of those helpful organizations, full of beautiful, helpful souls. And if you’re settled in, open your heart a bit wider and maybe become one of those beautiful souls.

Here’s to a harmonious holiday.

Take care, all.

Darylynn Starr Rank (psychologist/writer) works part-time for Family Services of Greater Vancouver as a group facilitator. Her articles appear bi-weekly in The Record (New Westminster) and the Richmond Review.

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