Fred Cavaiani
This past Thursday our son-in-law was sworn in as an American citizen. After living here for eleven years he was finally granted citizenship. It was a most inspiring ceremony. Seventy-six people were sworn in from 27 different countries. It made me realize once again as the presiding judge so fervently stated: “We are a country of immigrants.” He further pointed out that everyone has a past relative who was once an immigrant. This kind and wise judge put everything in perspective and watching this grand assembly I was inspired to see our wonderful son-in-law be granted citizenship. He is from Mexico and he and my daughter have a very successful business along with their four beautiful little daughters. We are so blessed. I also realized so clearly that to think this country is made up of primarily white Anglo-Saxons is not even close to being accurate anymore. We are a country that is diversified and we welcome people from every nation on earth. To label people from other countries as criminals, lesser than us, or lazy is the worst possible prejudice. It takes certain requirements to become a citizen and hopefully some day every person who comes here illegally from another country can be given the chance to meet these requirements.
As I entered the courtroom, I was told ahead of time that no one could bring their cell phone into this hallowed room. So, I had to leave my cell phone in my car as did my wife and daughter and their children. No one in the court had a cell phone unless they were an attorney active on a case or a judge. So here we were waiting for an hour for the ceremony to start because we were told that we had to be there by 1 p.m. But I wasn’t told that the actual ceremony started at 2 p.m. This was done to make sure all the applicants for citizenship would be there on time and have their paperwork checked out. And guess what! Here in this courtroom of 76 applicants from 27 different countries, all with no cell phones on them, people started talking to one another. There was a gentle buzz of voices in the room. People were friendly with each other and becoming acquainted with one another. No one was checking Facebook, emails, Instagram, Twitter, or playing games on their phones. Because of the absence of electronic devices, we actually started relating with one another. It was most inspiring.
In one glorious afternoon in the Federal Court building on Lafayette Avenue in Detroit a community was formed for an hour. We were flesh and blood people actually talking to one another instead of being immersed in a phone. Two young women working for a non-profit organization, both Muslim, wearing a partial hijab, talked to us about registering to vote and helping the soon-to-be new citizens register that day to vote. We were all Americans here working together. It made no difference what country anyone had come from. We were all one. At the end of the ceremony the judge sang the song “America the Beautiful.” A Jewish judge, flanked by two Muslim women said it all. We really are one united country when we respect our differences and appreciate what we all have in common: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. This judge showed an amazing respect for everyone. He represented everything good about this country. Watching him made me proud to be an American and I am sure he conveyed this attitude to everyone in this sacred courtroom.
This was a day of citizenship and connection with everyone. Every person who enters politics should be required to attend a swearing in ceremony for those desiring to be American Citizens. My ancestors came from Italy and France. My wife’s came from Ireland and Germany. My granddaughters, who are bi-lingual and were all born here, saw their Papi become an American citizen. My middle daughter, who also speaks Spanish, saw her husband sworn in as an American citizen. Our oldest daughter, who is a high school teacher, joined us after the ceremony. Our son, who is a college professor in Missouri, and his wife, who is also a teacher in Missouri, sent their warm regards. It made me realize how all of us are here to make this world a place of unity, compassion and affirmation. This day was just that. We are all on this journey of life together. Last Thursday was a day of unity, love and compassion. God Bless all of us. God bless the whole world. Together all of us are strong and caring. Let us all stay together-diverse but unified.
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Fred Cavaiani is a licensed marriage counselor and psychologist with a private practice in Troy. He is the founder of Marriage Growth Center, a consultant for the Detroit Medical Center, and conducts numerous programs for groups throughout Southeast Michigan. His column in the Legal News runs every other Tuesday. He can be reached at 248-362-3340. His e-mail address is: Fredcavi@yahoo.com and his website is fredthecounselor.com.
