Letter To Chile From A Corner Of The World
I write this as I head to yet another event in solidarity with the earthquake victims. I do so with a heavy heart which betrays the obvious. I am a product of that long, conflicted yet creative and generous land.
We are people of the Sun. We have at times overcome throughout our history a custom for suffering and saying “yes, but not so much” which has provided such good inspiration for our comedians.
We are crafty and ingenious even if now getting meat, oil or water for many may be a miracle only the Holy Virgin Mary could achieve.
I wanted this letter to be a rallying cry to make it all better, but the will is lacking as I begin this note. The truth is I have been missing Chile, I have been needing Chile. I have tried to stay strong but I am failing. It isn’t just the distance, it isn’t just nostalgia for a game of outdoor soccer (Pichangas) or the celebrations announced by church bells or wine or beautiful flying comets. (Volantines)
It’s really the people, these are really just words that love and have loved people there. As I surrender to my daydream and start my journey back trough the tunnel of time. I start at the beginning, I think of all I felt growing up there. Defeat and victories, indifference and passion, self pursuit and solidarity. I think of auntie Chabela for example who never once failed to make something delicious for that evening meal (Once) or my legion of brothers/sisters/cousins who barely allowed me to not sit on their laps as a child because they simply had too much affection to give. But I also think of their children I have yet to meet, who can’t sleep anymore for fear of the Earth shaking. I wonder if anyone out there reading this also wishes they could just give that protection and safety every child deserves. I wonder if my Karina’s, Vanessa’s, Eduardo’s or Ricardo’s and so many others bring out the same feelings in you. Not directly my children, yet mine nonetheless.
As I let my thoughts travel back to Chile I admit that I felt despair when I began this letter. That is no longer true, by reminding myself of the miracle of love of family and love of country I have given wings to this tired body which as a gift has reminded me that there is no time for despair, just solidarity and action. “Thanks to life that has given me so much” said Violeta and I believe her. As my daydream comes to a close I envision rebuilding the country from its beautiful ocean to its highest peak and more importantly rebuilding the circle of us where we will link arms with the ghosts of all those no longer with us. Once that circle is complete we will all dance, I promise you we will dance…
Author: 
Publisher-Creator Mikhail Saavedra began life down by the deepest tip of southern Latin America. He started life with a deep curiosity for all things, with music and books being at the forefront, a curious child by all accounts. As he grew and opened his eyes to the world, he developed a sense of justice and dignity in part as a reaction to growing up in a military dictatorship. Alas, this did not fill him with fear or cynicism but a more rebellious spirit, which led him to being incredibly popular at the principal’s office and the local riot police department….
Then came Canada and it was here that he was able to formulate his deep desire to learn about the world, with Toronto being the kind of multicultural soup that could engage his need to know and embrace. It started with writing, then moved on to what became Toronto’s first Latin Alternative radio show, followed by an all-English show in the same vein. It was this desire to find the true “crossover” among people, which led him to the concept of “Alternavox”
He is a lover of wine, good food, Neruda, Eduardo Galeano, rebel music, revolutionaries, dancing, family and beautiful people. Believes that kindness in this much too cynical world is revolutionary, that you are a better person when able to give a little without asking for the change and that on the same token you should laugh at yourself and the madness surrounding you as often as possible as you set out to change the world bit by bit. 
I loved your article Mikhail. You walked me through my memories, my past family experiences, my young years lived in Chile. Congratulations.
Tienes una manera muy expresiva para expresar tus sentimientos y tus recuerdos. Nos parecemos en esto, cuando escribo, mis me van dictando.
Un abrazo y sigue escribiendo. Escribir, descansa y aliviana el alma que esta apenada por tanto sufrimiento.
Svetka
What a beautiful, emotional, incredibly moving piece you’ve writen Mikhael. To have quoted Violeta, my dear Violeta Parra, couldn’t have done it any better. Thank you for keeping our hearts awaken to what it is to be un CHILENO or CHILENA de corazon. We all share those unforgettable memories de nuestra Patria querida!!!
Mikhail, your passion and humanity never fails to move me…. please keep writing, sharing and creating. It’s what you’re meant to do.
My heart goes out to all who are/have been affected by the tragic natural disasters of recent and I will keep all the Karina’s, Vanessa’s, Eduardo’s or Ricardo’s and so many others in my thoughts/prayers as I have been doing. I hope they each know that challenges like these can only make them stronger; I suspect they will if they don’t already.
it’s a really passionate article! it’s kinda travel to ur past and feeling what u feel for ur homeland.
i truely hope u go back to Chile one day, cuz u’ll always feel turned in two, at least just visiting, it’ll be good 4 u!
beautiful article! just beautiful! =)
Thanks! beautifully written and such great images