I Want America to Be Good For You

As folks who follow me know, I've been in and out of the hospital, ER, medical clinics, and other ancillary offices related to medicine.  Back in the early days, I decided that I was going to engage those who treated me, those who were likely not born in the US. They have been from India, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and all manner of other places.  They have treated me well.

Here is a conversation that reflects a myriad of other conversations.  This one is with Amira, the phebotomist at the end of her shift last week.

Amira:  Have a seat over there, Hon.
Waymon: Do I get to choose which vein you use?
Amira: Sure (tapping my left arm and the big vein there).
Waymon: I like to live in the no pain zone with needles, can you help me out? (Teasing)
Amira: I think so but you get to decide (smiling back)

The needle goes in and the blood flows.

Waymon: I felt no stick on that one.  Nice job.
Amira: You are welcome.
Waymon: Where are you from?
Amira: Ethiopia (she speaks from beneath her lovely wrap around her head and down to her waist).
Waymon: How long have you lived in the states?
Amira: 18 years.
Waymon: Has America been good to you? I want America to be good to you.
Amira: Sometimes.
Waymon: I want America to be good to you.
Amira: Thank you.  It is people like you who make it easy for me.

She gives me a huge, lengthy embrace. I am moved to tears.  I sense that there are many stories that she could tell. A few moments later, as she was taking the vials of blood to the lab, I was able to introduce Charla to her.

This is not a good time for immigrants in our country.  The rhetoric from the WH is startlingly brutal, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, and mean-spirited to people of color, to those who have come to our country.

I am thankful for Amira. I wish her well.  I hope America will be good to her.  I hope we will all be good representatives of our country to those who dress differently, speak with different accents, and the like.