Come play …
In a green, wooden farmhouse in which your Auntie’s grandfather was born, she read Wonder Woman comic books, studied Greek gods, & discovered Switzerland. In a book that followed her from this small farmhouse in Amish country across the U.S. & then the world, photographs of cherubic young girls wearing homemade ginghams and carrying loaves of freshly baked breads warmed in community ovens seemed welcoming yet oddly too idyllic to this young Frau’s very American sensibilities.
A community oven ?
Don’t you need your own — bigger & better than the rest ?
Perhaps not.
“The sound of the long, wooden alpenhorns flows far across the wide valleys. The village choir sings the old familiar songs to help celebrate the return of the herd.”
This book your Auntie has cherished is referencing cows. Yet, given today’s xenophobic climate, applications could be broader. Who knows how old your Auntie was back then (Time & I have yet to meet) but it seems only a few generations ago that Switzerland got its feet under itself during another Anti-“Them” movement …
Funny what can be forgotten with enough … chocolate.
“Some of Switzerland is Catholic, some is Protestant. Bloody religious wars have been fought between these groups in times past. But today they live peaceably together, deeply united in a strong love of country.”
Your Auntie could love a thousand Swiss men, and bring onto Swiss soil dozens of delightful, beautiful bubbly children … but she will never be Swiss. Her kids will never be Swiss, & their kids don’t stand a chance, either. Except on paper.
But, Darling, My Tender Melted Raclette, would either of us ever want it any other way ?
If ever you want to feel like an outsider, try growing up Atheist in Amish Country. But, if ever you want to feel as if you belong to the Biggest & Best Country in the World, be an American in Switzerland. In fact, be from any country other than Switzerland. But Be You.
Never Conform.
You are here for a reason. Who you are is unique – not just generally; specifically to this world. This country. Basel. You were brought here for your talents — whether at business or love — they are valued.
And there are many insidious ways in which people may try to tell you “you don’t belong” “you’re not doing it right” … OK.
But no one brought them across the world to live here.
“The mountain ramparts of Switzerland shield it from the outside world.”
Until they don’t.
And then it is up to us to create the world we love.
XO
AS