When I asked the cab driver what he was hearing about politics, he said, “Before I can answer that, I need to ask you, “Are you with us or with the terrorists?”

I responded, “What terrorists?”

He said, “The Democrats.”

Words left me.

Later that day I had an experience that I wished for my cab driver. A donor, I walked into the Everett Recovery Cafe, a jewel in your city, a place that should be on everyone’s lips in every city. It is a joyful, welcoming place for those in recovery, be it from whatever stifles one’s potential, including “us-them” stereotyping.

There is no place for hate at the Cafe, no name-calling or blaming or shaming. The pain that leads people to the cafe has only one cure: affirmation in large and sustaining doses. Even if you relapse, you can come back. That is to say, the Cafe has staying power. Its philosophy is that everyone can contribute to the social fabric of our communities, no matter our differences.

That’s what I wanted for my cab driver: human kindness, freely given, in a diverse and inclusive social setting where there is only “us,” healing together in a supportive community.

How lucky Everett is to have such a place at this time in our nation. I hope that you go inside to experience the community and learn from the members and leaders. Unfortunately, there’s a waiting list.

Please consider supporting it.

Diane Gillespie

Brier