I hate that Adam is stuck in 2016, no pictures, no talk, only possible signs and feelings. Something in a book reminded me of standing on our porch, facing north in June, a spectacular electrical show in the sky. No thunder, only crackling strands of lightning dancing in the night. We shared this moment together and even at the time I knew it was special.
I'm reading a borrowed book, and continuing my education and understanding of where we stand in this moment in time in America. The author tells the story of Dorothy Counts at 15 years old, in 1957, a freshman in high school, who was one of four students to first desegregate Harding High School in Charlotte, NC. She was greeted with screaming, racist insults, spit, and items thrown at her for nearly two blocks. Inside the building was not safe either. Can you imagine sending your child into this nightmare so that change may begin? Not blaming the parents. Admiring Dorothy and her parents for the courage and strength in this unfathomable situation.
A piece of history I was not taught. In 1957, two years before my brother was born, 5 years before I was born. How can this be?
I have been putting off this last reflection because perhaps it requires action and commitment, two things I'm again afraid of failing at. I have also been wrestling with anxiety over the Derek Chauvin murder trial and the fear that somehow this vile man is going to get away with murder. I'm not so much worried about the worldwide reaction if he is acquitted, but the message that would send, and the further schism in this country that may result; larger than the Grand Canyon, wider than the Mississippi, and greater than the Great Lakes. I don't think I'm being dramatic.
My action points are to build a more diverse circle around me and speak up and out more when something is wrong or I don't agree.
I completed the One Human Family survey (passive) feeling I didn't contribute much.
