The other day, I was running and there were two extremely cute brothers racing each other toward the white line right before the crosswalk.
One, a few years older,
clearly bigger/stronger,
moving fast on a scooter.
The other, was riding a bright blue bike with an oversized helmet
kinda lop-sided on his head.
Little brother on the bike,
made it first
but
forgot to cross the white line.
Big brother yells,
“You have to cross the white line to WIN,
YOU didn’t cross the white line!!
I’m gonna win.
I’m gonna win.”
As he raced closer to the white line.
Little brother is clearly confused by all this yelling,
and not computing
what he needs to do,
even though,
the white line is
a mere
inches
from
his
white, front
wheel.
So, he just sits there, paralyzed,
as big brother
zooms ahead,
crossing the white line and
yelling out in victory,
“I won! I won! You didn’t cross the white line! I wwwoo----!”
But... He stops himself abruptly...
with a quizzical look on his face,
“well...actually….hmmmm
WE BOTH WON!!
Because you and I are on the SAME team. WE are on the SAME TEAM!!!
We both WON!”
Little brother is smiling brightly.
The red light changes.
Green.
Go.
They cross the street, racing as fast as their little legs can go,
the white wheels blurred with speed,
and start yelling
at the top of their lungs
“WE’RE GONNA WIN! WE’RE GONNA WIN!!”
I think about this
moment
often right now.
WE are on the same team.
WE are gonna get through this.
WE are gonna win.
For the first time in our lifetimes,
all of us are on the same team.
We are all doing our level best to feed, shelter, and love each other.
If I take care of me,
then I take care of you.
If you take care of you.
You take care of me.
Because, you and me,
we are on the same team.
xoxo,
Melissa