One hug, two parties, shared humanity

Dear Editor,

I sometimes join the protest rally sponsored by Indivisible Yorktown on a Saturday.

The others are mostly Yorktown residents. The thing about protests and rallies is that they unite like-minded people to share a purpose, to commiserate and socialize. We gather and share.

On Aug. 8, I asked a resident about the news of a local homeless man and how his beloved dog “Luke” was shot and killed. We shared outrage of the circumstances and special sadness of the bond that a homeless man named Matthew and his trusted companion and partner must have had. We understood the sadness and suffering the man must be experiencing. I was told that man could be found just down the block and was told his location.

When the rally ended, I felt compelled to offer the man my condolences and to offer him some money. I mistakenly assumed money had some value to a man known and cared for by his community. When I arrived in my politically inspired T-shirt and Cait Conley button, a few others were there who seemed to know him well, one woman in a folding chair. I understood that they were regulars and familiar to each other.

Still, I needed to say my piece and offer help. I spoke of my sympathy and held out a $10 bill. He seemed repelled by the money. He held up both hands, palms up, and said, "No, No, No. I do not accept money. Please tell anyone out there who you know not to offer money.” His eyes were bright . He was clearly articulate, self-determined and bright. He was a bit of a mystery.

But Matt mulled over the mystery of who I was just as I mulled over his complex situation. He then asked me, “What were you doing over there at your rally?" I explained we were unhappy with the Trump policies and also were supporting Cait Conley for Congress. The others turned slightly away and I noticed their faces now had firmly set sour expressions. The seated woman said, “I don’t like politics.” Matt asked what party I affiliated with. I told him I was a Democrat. He asked the others if they had a party. I think it was in unison they answered firmly “Republican!“

Matt then said, “You know what would make me really happy? Not money, but I sure would like to see a Republican and a Democrat hug each other.” He chuckled. In less than a few seconds, we instinctively turned to each other as if by magnetic force and embraced in a warm and firm hug. In the after-glow of that hug, I felt secure enough to speak.

“You know, my heart breaks for the loss of Sheridan Gorman. My heart also broke for Laken Riley. But my heart also broke for the tragic death of Alex Pretti and Renee Good and for the immigrants who die in detention without due process...“

Silence, heads bowed, but what next? Where from here, I thought?

Matthew spoke, “I guess we are all just human beings.”

How have we lost sight of that, I thought, as I walked back to my car.

-Barbara Santarelli, North Salem