We Gathered Together

Yesterday was an extraordinary day for Philadelphians. Two million plus fans gathered together for a parade to honor the Phillie’s and their world championship. Another few million watched at home as a city gathered with a single intention and that was to CELEBRATE! And celebrate we did. We celebrated the long awaited championship of one of our professional sports teams. We celebrated the city of brotherly love. We celebrated being alive together on the most perfect October day.

I wasn’t at the parade but it didn’t matter. The celebration was everywhere and I felt the joy out in the suburbs. So did the many others that I encountered throughout the day. In the grocery store everyone was smiling. At the bank, we all seemed to be ready to strike up a conversation. Life was just easy and fun yesterday. In Philadelphia, for one day, we were more connected than we were separate. And that was a very good thing.

There were no incidents yesterday. There was no fighting. There was a beautiful sea of red and white joined together to gather and be grateful. I hope that the world was watching because yesterday we showed the world what is possible when we are more connected than we are separate. Yesterday there was pure joy in this city. And it was a very good thing.

Yesterday gave me a glimpse of our potential as a species when we unite for a common purpose. It is powerful and it is possible.

So I thank the Phillie’s for giving us a reason to unite and gather in a common intention. I thank the city for allowing us the space to gather. I thank all the fans for joining together regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. We were one Philadelphia yesterday and it was magic.

Peace.