Two essays this week that touch on the lessons we learn from welcoming strangers into our lives--one from Philadelphian Helen Cunningham, the other a 1950s essay from University of Louisville sociology professor Charles Parrish.

Helen Cunningham and Charles Parrish: Life Lessons Learned from Strangers

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When she was young, Lauren LeBlanc had grand dreams of living in New York and singing on Broadway. Instead, she became a mom and schoolteacher in suburbia. While it’s not the life she once imagined, LeBlanc now knows she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lauren LeBlanc: Evolution

Although he makes his living with words, poet Fred D'Aguiar is enthralled by dance: from the physicality of the art, to its powers to inspire and heal. D’Aguiar believes dance can be a source for peace, if we all join in and move to the global groove.

Fred D'Aguiar: Dance is Life

Jennifer Thompson-Cannino was certain that Ronald Cotton was the man who raped her in 1984. But she was wrong. After 11 years in jail, DNA evidence proved Cotton’s innocence. Now, the two have a friendship based on their belief in forgiveness.

Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton: Finding Freedom in Forgiveness

Brighton Earley’s mom shops at a gas station because she can no longer afford to buy food at a regular grocery. At first Earley was ashamed to go on these shopping trips, but now the Los Angeles student believes they’ve taught her a valuable lesson.

Brighton Early: Finding the Flexibility to Survive

As a teenager, Seeta Sistla dabbled with perfume but found the floral scents to be overpowering for her. But, after watching her father lovingly care for her ill mother, she has come to see that the perfume he anoints his wife with is a powerful statement of his love.

Helen Cunningham and Charles Parrish: Life Lessons Learned from Strangers

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