The next chapter in the migrant journey to the Broadway Armory – and other destinations – is now opening… the stress of the pilgrimage to freedom through six countries is starting to blossom.
In the natural progression of things, helpers have been patient and resourceful. The families have shown their resiliency and children have been enjoying (mostly) this adventure of coming to a place with a lot of cement, a lot of fast cars racing down the street and ignoring the red lights time after time, and a place where everybody seems to speak English.
But not much Spanish.
As the new chapter opens, there are two clear images emerging to the forefront:
1) Children experiencing meltdowns, and
2) Young parents feeling overwhelmed.
Helpers, counselors, social work students and professors, there is clear need out there on the street.
There will be NO shortage of opportunities for grassroots help. No shortage of internship opportunities, and no shortage of chances to use Spanish to help translate for these new neighbors who need a huge variety of items. People who can speak Spanish well, who can tutor spoken and written English, who know how to connect new residents with the services and classes needed to get people calmed down and moving forward.
One little boy on his way back to this armory this morning simply dropped down to his knees. His mother explained to me, “He misses his grandmother and her cooking, his friends he still remembers…
—none of whom are here—and his old school, and his neighborhood, and his bed. The changes are starting to bother him. Everything is different.”
The boy cried and cried. He did not want to back into the armory. He had seemingly reached the end of his rope—being the reserved older brother, acting like the well-behaved child. His little sister reached out to him from her stroller to comfort him, clearly feeling badly his shell is cracking.
It is starting to happen. And it is so damn hard to watch.
The “call to action” involves coordinating services and resources among the helpers out there who know best how to handle all of the meltdowns and depression and frustration and fights…
…and yelling that will be coming soon…
So far, things are going very well… but unfortunately that stress is going to blossom big. Soon.
Things are going mostly smoothly…but like the line in the Carpenters’ song… “*It’s going to take some time, this time.”
The last stanza of the song states,
“After all the tears we've spent,
How could we make amends?
So it's one more round for experience,
And I'm on the road again.
And it's going to take some time this time.”
- - - - -
* It’s going to take some time, this time, 1972 Single by the Carpenters from the Album, “A Song for You,” Jack Daugherty, Producer.