It’s no secret that the tales spun by Dr. Seuss are popular from more than
just their whimsical rhymes and colorful illustrations. The stories, which he tells
with such great flare, always leave us with a lesson. They warn against being
too wasteful, too greedy or too lazy. They urge us to try new things, to believe in
ourselves, and to use our imagination. While the lessons themselves vary, there is an underlying theme throughout Seuss’ works: the perseverance of the human spirit. We see it time and time again. Seuss’ characters stay the course, rise above adversity, and triumph in the face of evil.
Perhaps you will say that such triumph is just for storybooks. Something
nice to read to our children before bed as we attempt to shelter them, as long as
we can, from the harsh reality that awaits. Perhaps you will say that, lovable and
inspiring as they are, the characters in Seuss’ books have never seen evil like that
which exists in our world today.
Evil lives in our world, it’s true. In light of the recent tragedy in Boston, this truth is evident as ever. But so too, I would argue, is proof that the human race is every bit as resilient and triumphant as those lovable Who’s down in Whoville.
We know the story well. An evil presence, determined to drain the joy out
of an entire town by ruining their most sacred holiday. Sound familiar? While
Christmas it’s not, many would argue that Patriots day is even more significant
to Bostonians. It’s a day where an entire city comes together, to celebrate past
suffering and ultimate triumph.
Early in the day, a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington occurs. We
celebrate our American patriotism by reenacting a battle in which we lost miserably.
We lost the battle, but we won the war. A setback couldn’t stop us from achieving
a revolution. A setback didn’t stop the Who’s from celebrating Christmas. And
a setback would not keep the people of Boston, nor their fellow Americans’ from
banding together in the face of senseless tragedy.
Yes, we grieve. We mourn loss and suffering of all those afflicted, but we
also refuse to be held down. Instead of being torn apart and undone by our grief,
we stand together. To me this is epitomized in the, now viral, video of the National
Anthem being sung at the Boston Bruin’s game. As I watched that video, I was
reminded of another song, born out of adversity, whose melody rose up as proof
that evil did not and cannot win.
I couldn’t help but be overcome by chills, as I listened to the crowd sing out
with all their might. I couldn’t help but feel proud to be an American. And I couldn’t
help but think that, for every heart that is two sizes too small, there are hundreds
more that are nearly bursting from our chests with love and goodness.
So here’s to you Boston, our real life Whoville. We stand with and we thank
you, for reminding us of the great strength and resilience that is within us all.
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