Happenstance of Birth

I've never had any desire to go to Germany. Sure, I always wanted to go to France.....and England. And especially to Italy. But never to Germany. The stereotype that exsisted in my mind was of uptight, rule-oriented people. And there's the stain of World War Two and being responsible for the worst atrocities in the history of humanity. I think that's what really leaves a feeling of aversion towards Germany.

But since I've been here, I've only observed kindness and helpfulness....and never any snobbery towards someone who knows nothing. I actually feel sorry for the German people.....to have that stain, that permanent black mark of history to be living under always. It's just by happenstance of birth that anyone living here is actually here. Most of the people living in Germany now weren't around during WWII, or if they were, they were too young to be responsible.

The other day, Anna and I bought a "ride anywhere/anytime" pass for the tram....the Ubahn .....and rode all over the city. Just to see all parts of the city and to understand the public transportation. During that time, we witnessed a small set of kindness dramas that, I think, are important to note. A Muslim woman got on the tram with a stroller and a 4 year-old. A man got up from his seat so the Muslim mother could sit next to the stroller. The 4 year-old sat across the aisle until her mom asked her to move when an elderly lady got on and needed a place to sit. The elderly lady smiled and cooed at the groggy baby and smiled at his older sister. When the tram stopped and the Muslim woman and her family needed to get off, a different young man moved the elderly woman's wheeled-walker and then helped the woman get her stroller situated to go out the door.

None of these things is momentous, but in their own way show people helping each other when they need it. And with a graciousness that portrays an attitude of kindness and friendliness. I don't know what makes or allows people to participate in the kind of things that happened during WWII and I certainly think we need to be forever vigilant that it never happens again. But I think, for now, I'm going to try to get that piece of knowing about Germany out of my mind and concentrate on the goodness and beauty that's here now.