A Mother’s Tears

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love; for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. “ – Nelson Mandela

I had no intention on writing this post, but with the heartache and pain that is occurring in my country, inside myself, it’s difficult to continue each day without thoughts of the continue hate blacks and people of color endure everyday.

The continued injustice in my country is heartbreaking and terrifying. It’s a “talk” I gave my kids when they were young teenagers and continue to give now as adults. It’s heartbreaking when they come to me in tears and anger AGAIN and AGAIN. Everyday, I wonder if they ever get approach, which one will they encounter a good cop or bad cop; I pray for a good one.

This morning, May 31, 2020, watching online a stranger’s son celebrate his 4th birthday brought tears of joy to my eyes, then my tears turned to sorrow. The state of our country has triggered incidents that I have endured personally and pushed away.

So, when I read comments, “what are they protesting and rioting for? Enough is Enough”, the tears flow and I say to those who do not understand:

Have you ever been pulled over and had a gun drawn on you because of movement in a back seat? It was my toddler in a car seat. (By the way, I was driving a Volkswagen Fox without tinted windows in MD in the 80s.)

Have you ever been called racist word for just walking across the street?

Have you ever been denied transportation because of the color of your skin?

Have you ever been told you need to duck down in a car when driving through a town because of the color of your skin?

Have you ever had a flat tire and told the area is not safe for you because of the color skin your skin?

Have you had to explain to your child when they reach an age to play outside alone that society, including many law enforcement officers will treat him/her differently because of the color of their skin?

Have you ever had to tell your child, a child, regardless of the hate and mistreatment they may endure they are to treat another with LOVE and KINDNESS BECAUSE WE ARE ALL EQUAL?

Incidents MUCH WORSE than mine occur everyday. Michelle Obama explained it perfectly, “Race and Racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But, if we ever hope to move past it, it CAN’T just be on people of color to deal with it. It’s up to all of us...”

What hurts greatly are people of color making comments “this needs to stop; enough is enough.”

When a HUMAN BEING stops being mistreated, harassed and KILLED for the color of their skin is when ENOUGH WILL BE ENOUGH!

I do not condone the destruction of businesses. Guess what, when the protesting was quiet YOU STILL BITCHED and NOTHING CHANGED!

For the record, I’m a huge supporter of law enforcement. Unfortunately, we are not shown the acts of the good officers. GOTDAMM! I would love to feel that ALL those who raised a hand to serve and protect supported me!

My heart is breaking and tears are flowing. So, I pray… I pray for my children, my grandchildren and my future grands that they live in a country where love overpowers hate. Just as important, I pray for our country.