Our DEI Committee has taken a moment to reflect on observances in April that are important to them. Read their reflections below.
Britta Adams – Passover and Easter Sunday
Passover is a Jewish celebration, and this year, it was celebrated from April 5 – April 13. The word “Passover” signifies the “passing over of the forces of destruction, or the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites, when the Lord smote the land of Egypt on the eve of the Exodus”. The Exodus is the story of God as Deliverer and Redeemer and demonstrates that injustices can be fought by drawing strength from God. Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 5th, and ends the evening of Thursday, April 13th. Passover is a festival of Freedom. It commemorates the transition of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt to freedom. The main observance of Passover is the Passover Seder, which is held on the first two days of the festival. Seder customs include telling the story, discussing the story, drinking four cups of wine, eating matza, partaking of symbolic foods, and reclining in the celebration of freedom.
Easter Sunday is a Christian observance and one of its major celebrations. This year, it was celebrated on Sunday, April 9. It marks the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. Christians believe that Jesus was sent to Earth to offer salvation from sin. So, even though different from Passover, both celebrations share not only themes and history but also share the same purpose which is the prospect of salvation and deliverance from slavery (either actual or spiritual). Jesus celebrated a Passover meal with his followers the day before his crucifixion. Easter Sunday is observed by attending church services and gathering for family dinners. In contrast, in secular culture Easter revolves around the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs. As a matter of fact, Easter began as a pagan festival celebrating spring in the Northern Hemisphere, long before Christianity was instituted. As such, Easter symbolizes spring, hope, and renewal.
Sravya Datla – Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. The focus of Earth Day is obvious — it’s a day for prioritizing and celebrating the environment. This day is used to recognize environmental achievements, leaders, and activists, and to voice our highest hopes for the planet. While this event started in the U.S., by the 1990s, it was celebrated in over 140 different countries. Earth Day brings people together and highlights the power of collective action — an important aspect of tackling the climate crisis, which has become a bigger focus of the event over the years.
Some people criticize the celebration for being only one day, saying that Earth Day should be every day. This is a valid point. There are a lot of different ways to celebrate Earth Day, both big and small. Volunteering is a great way to spend your day on April 22. You can participate in a beach clean-up, plant trees, help restore habitats, or attend an educational workshop to learn more about different environmental problems and how you can help. These small actions are simple but effective and can be done year-round.
Stacey Thomas – Autism Awareness Month
The phrase “Autism Awareness and Acceptance” can elicit many feelings. As an autism mom with two children on the spectrum, I would like to share some of the lessons that I’ve learned over the years. The first is that awareness and acceptance is to be open, be compassionate, and most importantly, be kind. Give a smile to the mom in the grocery store whose child is throwing a tantrum over the candy bar that she’s so desperately managing to keep him from. Invite a child with autism to your child’s birthday party and make sure that those parents know that their child is genuinely welcome – whether it be for five minutes, for an hour, or maybe hopefully, the entire time. If a child falls apart in your presence, ask that parent, “What can I do to make this better for you?
Give your friend a hug or squeeze their hand when their child has the bravery to make it through a school performance. Be there for her with a shoulder to lean on, in her isolation, when he does not. Teach your children about inclusivity, that it is not merely a concept or an accommodation but a lesson in how we treat others. It is a horrible feeling to be excluded and there are gifts of friendship to be found in all of us. Acceptance is not simply tolerating one another but valuing our differences and recognizing the strengths that lie within all people.
Work harder to reach out. Be kind. Teach your kids about the act of kindness and that kindness benefits everybody. Know that kindness needs to be taught and continuously reinforced. Be proactive to affect change. Imagine what you would want if the tables were turned.
Stand up for the rights of all people, whether your child is “neurotypical,” “quirky,” “special needs,” “disabled,” “differently abled,” different,” or any label. A label does not even begin to tell the whole story about a child, their family, or their strength in love.
eHealth Technologies team members were also given an opportunity to submit their own reflections. Thank you, Tayler and Courtney, for sharing your stories!
Tayler Deel – Autism Awareness Month
Autism Acceptance Month and Autism Awareness Day are so important to my family. I wanted to share my story and explain a little bit about why Autism Acceptance means so much to me. I have a daughter who was diagnosed with Autism at age 4. It has been quite a journey getting the diagnosis, but I wouldn’t change it because this journey has been a blessing for our family. My daughter has very limited abilities but has improved tremendously with her independence thanks to the therapies we’ve been able to receive. It’s hard to understand how Autism can affect people’s lives unless you or your family has experienced it, but you don’t have to understand Autism to be kind. It’s so important that we are always kind to one another and be inclusive.
Here’s a photo of my daughter, Emory. She is my shining star.
Courtney Head – The Day of Silence
I would like to share why this is an important day for me, as well as for my kids. I’d like to start off by saying that in no way am I trying to ruffle any feathers- just simply explaining my thoughts on something that means a lot to me.
I am a supporter and ally of LGBTQ+. I was taught to accept and love others for who they are no matter what, and I pride myself in teaching the same to my kids. Everyone needs to feel accepted, loved, and safe. There are too many students who are silenced and rejected due to sexuality – these are children of all ages – students who are made to feel like an outcast who may or may not be dealing with the same lack of love in their homes. They need people in their corners, somewhere to feel safe and accepted. They need to know there are people willing to stand up for them especially when they may feel as if they are incapable of doing it themselves. Be a safe haven, be a friend, show support, and let them know they aren’t alone.
This is an important day that I feel should be recognized more.