A Circle of Influence

I spent last evening with my next-door neighbors.

They are among the most intelligent and most amazing people I have ever known (and I have known some pretty smart and amazing people).

We became neighbors around 8 years ago and have children the same age. We have spent countless evenings together playing Settlers of Catan, Uno, or some other random game (My wife loves board games and I love being an idiot while playing board games).

When my parents or their parents come into town, we'd get together. When life's troubles have arisen, they have been there for us, and I like to think that we have been there for them.

I can add the other things about them also: Loving parents, University professors, Ivy League-educated, respect of their peers and Church community.

You can accuse me of hyperbole, but that is not the case. I, often, give them a hard time because I think they are so amazing (to their protestations that they are anything but amazing).

Oh, they are also from Mexico and are U.S. citizens.

***

While I was an attorney when we met, I was not practicing immigration law at the time. It wasn't until those neighbors put me in touch with a new immigration non-profit that was being formed and they were looking for a local attorney who would be interested in helping out at a local clinic. It wasn't more than two months that I realized how much I loved helping in the immigration field. It is through this that I continue to see the incredible lives and journeys of so many people.

***

While I cannot change things politically, I have a sphere of influence, albeit a very small one...

To my neighbors, to my family, to my friends, to my peers - please know how much I love you and I appreciate you. Your lives and your journeys have inspired me so much and I cannot thank you enough for your courage and strength. My life is better for knowing you.

Also, I know that there are so many people in the United States who love and support you - people who won't just give up because of a bleak outlook at this time.

Whatever your journey is or how hard it is - be it where you're from, what you are going through, or who you are - please don't give up on us yet.

You are so worth the struggle.