“Black people are missing in Three Rivers. They are missing from downtown storefronts, positions at schools, boardrooms, and the Armstrong factory. Strategically, they are missing from the heart of the city. Living in downtrodden homes, next to a downtrodden park on the outskirts of town. Like the now vandalized street mural on Broadway.”
Author: Aundrea Sayrie
“We can compromise. We can believe more than one thing to be true at the same time. We are capable of the work that needs to be done. If only we showed up to hard conversations ready to listen to understand. Using divisive tactics like the false dilemma fallacy whether on purpose or accidentally will hinder all good intentions.”
“Why do we resort to ignoring every fiber of our being to appease others? Everywhere I look, I see people who are crippled by the fear of what might happen if they were to veer from tradition, or religious indoctrination. Placing the opinions of others above their own authenticity. Forcing themselves towards “achievement” as approved by society. We are prone to do this, although it is a well-known fact that you can’t please everyone.
When you are making decisions for the heart, and in line with your purpose you cannot even rely on a majority vote.”
“There are many painful truths living and being aware as an American minority. One being the road to reconstruction is hard. But the call for justice reform is a torch that must be carried, a light that cannot be snuffed out. Nothing is going to change until the system is dismantled and reconstructed. Preferably with everyone effected present during the conversations. It can happen. It has to. Policy over everything.”
“When someone is grieving one of the best things to do is just be present. Your presence was felt Three Rivers. I balled afterward and finally regained a sense of peace knowing that so many others care, are willing to have the hard conversations, and take a stand against injustice. After all of the mourning, there was joy.”
“Sacred Space” is an excerpt from “Breathe” a chapbook by Aundrea Sayrie.
I pushed out the thought, “This is not fair” with “What is this teaching me, and what good remains?” Even when it’s dark and hard to see, there is always a silver lining.
“Knowing exactly what is right for everyone while watching the world continue to grapple with the Coronavirus is an impossible feat. An easier task is to at the very least, take the time to evaluate and understand what feels right for you.”
“If we are serious about healing as a nation, we must start by communicating. Unpolished and raw communication. I want to do my part in both listening and sharing because it is time for a change.”
“There is an uproar in the streets for Ahmaud Arbery. Outcry turned into rejoicing as justice is now being sought. His killers admitted to ending his life in February, yet until yesterday they were free of charges, living their best lives.”
“We as people do this often, alter our behavior in response to invisible triggers. Things like over-apologizing, or self-sabotaging by repeatedly not showing up for ourselves as a means of survival. These types of behaviors are rooted in trauma, and if you are continually functioning in this way, sorry to tell you but… ‘you missed a spot.'”
“Before you leave your house, check yourself. Wallet, keys, mask, gloves, and energy. What is your current physical or mental state? Are you sick? Yes? Turnaround, go back into the house. Send the next available healthy family member or call for assistance with a delivery. Ahhh, conflict averted. Seriously, I have seen recent headlines of fights that started with a cough.”
Normal has gone and won’t be back any time soon due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here lies an unusual fork in the road, but a crossroad just the same. A question. Who in this moment will you be? Some of you, like myself, have stood at this familiar intersection before. Maybe after the loss of a job or relationship or sudden crisis. It was glaringly obvious you had reached a point and had to decide who you were going to be in that defining moment and beyond. This is just like that.
“Live on Purpose” is a poem by Phoenix, Arizona native, Three Rivers citizen and poet Aundrea Sayrie.
Around the world there was little time to brace for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has rocked so much to the core, including me. As a daughter, friend, wife, mother… human, I am concerned about not only those that I love, but also those that I don’t know all over the world.
In the midst of planning, cleaning and assisting, one unexpected emotion that kept circling back was grief. It took me by surprise, but its presence was undeniable. Grief.