A Parent's Mantra for a Divided World

A family death last week brought pain, but also reflection. In times of loss, we are reminded of the tribes we belong to—our families, nations, or beliefs. These groups give us identity. Yet a simple lesson from childhood offers a wider view. It is a mantra from my parents: we are more than our separate tribes. This idea feels urgent in today's fractured world. It calls us to look beyond our differences and recognize a shared connection. While gathering to celebrate a loved one's life, this timeless lesson resonates anew. It asks us to see the common humanity that binds us all.