“Practice being positive and exceptional so much that you just can’t be negative and average ever again.” ~ Robin Sharma
These two exceptional people raised me to be an independent woman, to think for myself, to be passionate about my interests, to be fair to others and to treat them as I want to be treated. They raised me to work hard and to help those in need, to identify with the socially and economically challenged – the blue-collar and union workers who really make this world run – the folks who struggle day in and day out to live the American dream, or in some cases, just to live. Among other things, they taught me empathy.
It has been a tough week for two of my childhood schoolmates, Lisa Clevenger Fannin and Greg Daniel. They have each said goodbye to a beloved parent, both of whom held special places in my heart all these many years. Grim was the jump from one obituary tribute page to the other sending virtual condolences, hoping they’re received as sincerely as if I had paid my respects in person. Despite our advancing years, we still don’t seem old enough for this much loss. Such is the nature of middle age I suppose.
It has also been a tough day for Breonna Taylor’s family, Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the whole of the United States, especially our brethren of color. As I watched the evening news with my two heroes above, we had a meaningful conversation about their views on the Taylor situation. Judging people for the content of their character rather than the color of their skin, to paraphrase MLK, was a principle they used in my raising, and one that still holds true for us today.
It may have been legal to execute a no knock warrant on the Taylor apartment, but was it right? (Go here if you’re not familiar with no knock warrants) It may have been legal to return fire on the man defending himself in his home, but was it right? It may have been legal to charge only one of three officers with wonton endangerment because he fired into a neighboring apartment, but was it right that neither he nor the other two officers were charged in the killing of the innocent woman in her own apartment? And what, then, if the people in the apartment had been white? Would the law still protect the officers? And if it did, would that be right? What happened that night may have been legal to many, but it wasn’t right to many others. Such disregard for life is dispensed disproportionately to our citizens of color and the justification spin is always the same: the law.
It’s no secret that my parents love the United States of America and served her with distinction during their military careers. They took their oaths very seriously. They obey the law. They have gone above and beyond their civic duties to their communities, their families, their neighbors, and total strangers. They vote in every election no matter how small. They’re not fake patriots flying American flags off the back of a truck. They’re the real deal. We don’t always see eye to eye on politicians or policy, but the one thing we will always agree on is that the law and morality are not always one and the same. Today, we mourned in solidarity with Breonna Taylor’s family. What happened to her, then or now, wasn’t right.
I could not be more grateful to, and for, my parents today. I learn from them daily. They are truly good, honest, hard working, compassionate human beings, and I do not look forward to the day when I share the grief of my classmates. It has been a hard week for many. I pray for peace to soothe the hurting and grief-stricken. I pray for fair justice for every soul on this planet regardless of what they look like, where they are, or who they love. I pray the United States of America finds the character to grow out of these constant antiquated, racist, divisional wrongs.
Mom and Dad
Thank you our precious one. You know we love you…..