My uncle Armand served as a guard at the trials of Nuremberg – “The Big Red One”, as they were called – a warrior beyond what most could imagine. The conditions in which he fought were brutal and horrific; the atrocities of War a reminder of man’s greatest failing.

When The War concluded he chose to stay behind, knowing that the bulk of humanity’s work was only just beginning. He was assigned to the courtroom, guarding the prisoners – those directly responsible for the mass extermination of over 6 million Jews.

I asked him once to share his memories, as a writer I wanted to document his direct perspective. “The only thing you need to know,” he said, with tears beginning to fall. “Is that they were men – just like us. That’s all you need to remember.”

As I reflect upon our current political condition, I worry. I worry over the lack of heart and compassion, the ability to welcome all humans as ‘family’. I worry that these actions fail to consider the larger impact beyond such a narrowed view.

As humans, we should strive to encourage the very best within all; to step beyond the false comfort of boundaries and engage directly from the heart. Though that can be a frightening proposition. 4, how do we open when we ourselves feel vulnerable?

Fear can confine but it also empowers. Just as my uncle, then barely an adult, stood face to face with the most unimaginable evil.

Did he step aside? Never. Why? Because the prospect of equanimity was worth all comforts.

“They were men, just like us.” Such a profoundly relevant lesson.

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❣️