Last year at this time, I had recently returned from a women’s conference in Texas. I was possibly the oldest of over 40,000 delegates from around the world. It was a phenomenal experience. My life has always been like that. I find myself in unusual settings and with people who are pretty spectacular. China, Haiti, meeting the Obama’s, Oprah, President Clinton, etc. These are just some of the highlights. I didn’t plan it this way but am very glad that it happened. The various places and interactions have given me a different perspective of life and its purpose.
Surprisingly to me, in my latter years I have become an author. My third book, Together We Are Better, is now finished and available online, in bookstores and at A Taste of Candy on Seminary Street in Galesburg. Together, We Are Better is about the journey of a child, and her family. They came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Pennsylvania. Even though I have spent time in the Caribbean and even been to South Africa, it was a special delight to meet the girl named Imani, her younger brother, and mother. They were all from the Congo.
This bright little five-year-old spoke several languages and had much to teach me about her culture. She was so doggone impressive that I knew that someone had to write about her experiences. I did not know that the writer would be me and her journey would be the basis for my book. I soon realized that, even though I was the retired educator, Imani was to become my teacher.
Right now, the United States is embroiled in discussions regarding the 2024 presidential election. Many of our states and communities are divided along party lines. Neighbors are displaying opposing yard signs. Admit it or not, we are all nervous about the outcome and aftermath of the election. We don’t know if forgiving and forgetting will apply to every neighborhood. We really, just don’t know.
Name a topic and you can easily find someone who will disagree, almost even before you state an opinion. Abortion, the economy, term limits, on and on — we don’t agree on everything and sometimes, we don’t agree on anything.
So last year, a little girl named Imani came to visit Galesburg. She came to celebrate Lipanda, which is the independence of the Congo. Her mother had written books about bonobos and okapi.
I had written Jump Drew Jump, a book about the burning of the old Galesburg Public Library. Julie, Imani’s mother, and I were invited to share our books during the Lipanda celebration. As I began to speak, Imani politely and humorously corrected my attempt at the French and Lingala languages. The two of us and the audience found ourselves overcome with laughter. This little kindergartener had become the teacher for someone old enough to be her great grandmother—and it was delightful.
The more I got to know Imani, the more intrigued I became. I knew that someone should write the story of a little girl whose family had decided to move across the ocean for something better.
I wondered how she felt. I have traveled but never under the circumstances of not knowing if I would ever see my home again. What about the language?
I remembered getting confused in a Spanish only speaking town and being grateful that someone reached out to help me. On my travels, there were places where my innocence and ignorance put me in dangerous situations. My age, knowledge, resources and even being American made such a difference. I am forever indebted to guides, guards, and colleagues who made my journeys safer and even easy.
What must it feel like for a child? A child who overhears her parents speaking of moving to a new country? I had to try to put myself inside her head. I had to try to experience how the families who are moving to other countries feel. Therefore, I had to write this book.
I had to attempt to present a story about the immigration of a precious, fun, funny, smart little girl. A girl who could be my relative. A child who patiently taught this old lady how to pronounce a few words in another language. A child who is now among the newest residents of the United States of America.
At the end of the book and as the writing concluded, I had learned many things. However, the most important thing that I learned and hope the reader will agree — and that is “Together, We Are Better!” Tous ensemble, nous sommes forts. Bonjour!
Naomi Law is a retired school administrator, an active volunteer in the Galesburg community, and the author of three books.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Western Illinois University or Tri States Public Radio.
Diverse viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged.