Note: This was originally published in the efsli newsletter, December 2011, as an editorial page to members.

Anniversaries

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we celebrate or commemorate a milestone. The usual occasions would be those dreaded dates that most men struggle never to forget. Yes, the first date, birthdays, weddings and the first kiss are among the most important. These are times to celebrate, remember and renew bonds. The other
non-relationship moments such as beginnings of movements, countries, ideas, and organisations can be as important. In fact, many times these memories are ones that have changed lives, separately, yet also together as a group. Generations can feel a mutual connection even if the memories are from diverse perspectives.

Such celebrations can lead to remembering the first ideals, the first aims, which can lead to fostering a renewal of our commitment to attaining the goals that have not yet been reached. As efsli officially celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, I ask that we all reflect on what efsli has done, is doing, will do and can do. There are as many perspectives in our organisation as there are members. A few remember the beginnings of the young, eager group of interpreters and Deaf colleagues who founded this organisation.

We are highlighting the years of growth by asking some past efsli presidents to write articles for each edition. This Spring Edition we bring you the thoughts of the
first efsli president as our feature article. We know it will set the stage for the rest of the year. This newsletter is packed full of great news. Read about how the Ukraine finally adopted a law to come into compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Poland just had their first nation-wide conference. Efsli is building connections in many places with various organisations. There are new projects and new ideas across every border.

Our lives are full of anniversaries. Remembering old times and old friends is a joy to us. We tend to forget the problems and remember the best parts. I think it is a good way to honour the past. I have done things in my past that did not work out well. I have done many things that did. It is said that we will never regret the things we did, but rather we will regret the things we did not try. The only way we can accomplish our goals or reach our dreams is to live them.

However, I have concluded that the word “try” is very weak. It assumes an amount of possible error or impossibility. If I try something, and I make a mistake, I can say, “at least I tried.” I feel that it is not putting my whole heart into the action.

Therefore, if we are to continue efsli’s growth, we must act with conviction, with mutual goals and understanding. The wise Jedi tells us, “No! Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.”

Tim Curry, efsli Editor