Amid the sadness

At a time when the city of Pittsburgh is in mourning, I wanted to share a heartwarming, amazing story that I was blessed to experience.

Numerous tables were filled at a small restaurant in Penn Hills. As the TV served as a backdrop filled with the news, people slowly began to talk to one another. Normally cocooned in our own lives, table after table began to interact and it morphed into what was almost a town hall setting. People of different races, religions and genders all expressed sadness at the state of affairs our nation is currently in.

Without judgment or condemnation, the entire restaurant communicated confusion and dismay regarding the escalation of hate and violence in our country. No one spoke of political affiliation. Not everyone agreed, but, not a soul interrupted or kept someone from speaking. We listened to one another with respect.

The common thread among us was that it is time to move forward as a country with unity and not division. It is time for our elected officials on all levels, regardless of political affiliation, to do what’s best for the country. We are better than this and by now should have learned from the past and grown.

By the time we left lunch, everyone felt as though something magical had happened. Someone listened to and heard what we all had to say. No rhetoric, agendas or preconceived speeches.just open minds and heavy hearts for the current hate-filled violence. It would do justice for our governmental officials to take the time to do the same. We all have experiences and life lessons learned along our journey.

Listen to your constituents and stop the drama. Pittsburgh is made up of incredible people. I am glad I had a part in meeting a restaurant full of them today.

CATHIE VALLAS-McKINZIE

Plum