Emancipated Past and My Sons Future

photo credit Ki Taylor
http://www.twitter.com/akitaylor

One Hundred and fifty years ago, on January 1, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. I knew that bit of history and didn’t really think much of it (the 1st  is also my middle sons birthday so I was consumed with celebrating him), until I went to the post office. I needed to mail packages and found that I needed a stamp. When I saw the offerings of stamps I came across the commemorative stamp and had to purchase a page of them. They look really cool, don’t you agree?

I had to purchase them, because no matter how I feel about the politics of it all, the bottom line is, it changed the course for my people, forever. I had to purchase them because I need to show this to my three boys and, then begin the hard, emotional task of teaching them a vital part of their history.

Although it breaks my heart to have to teach them that only 150 years ago their ancestors were considered not to be people, but only property. Slaves. It’s a hard reality and one that breaks my heart. Why? Why, do they need to know? Because you learn from the past to prevent the same thing from happening in the  future. When someone calls them a “nigger” they need to know the ignorance and history behind why someone would think less of them. I cannot hide it from them. I have been called a nigger by mere strangers, with pure hatred towards me even though I had never met them in my life. They need to know.

I hate to have them know that only because of their skin color people will judge them, but it is a reality.

My husband, a professional, law abiding man, was just stopped the other day, before getting into his car at our hotel, because he “fit the description” of a unidentified robber in the vicinity. Two cops surrounded his car, startling him and I wonder what their intentions truly were. The hurt in my heart and the outrage in my spirit that is there because of that experience cannot be quenched and I have to protect my sons by teaching them history.

So, as many celebrate the emancipation  I acknowledge it and recognize the historical significance of it. I also use it to begin an educational process with my family, one I wish didn’t exist. One I hope time will heal and our society will change, however the reality is that is hasn’t yet. So, with a sorrowful heart I teach the boys that they are not the past, they are the future and they are AMAZING, STRONG, EDUCATED and INCREDIBLE.  As is their father, the man who supports his family, loves his family and contributes a lot to society. He is not a robber! He doesn’t deserve the treatment he received from police he received and our boys won’t either. I have to have them know this because they are the future.

Relishing Motherhood on Election Day

Last night when hubby came home (well home to our hotel, which is home for now) after work, I got to watch he and our two older boys engage in an interesting conversation. They were discussing politics! The boys have been discussing this with us, throughout the week, at their own urging, not ours! I was so intrigued with their conversation. I also swelled up with pride. What I felt, is hard to describe. I am not proud because I feel like “OOOO, I am super Mom and these are my creations who think the way they do because of me”.  I realized that as I listened to them converse with their Dad, I actually like  them because they are who they are in spite of me. I am intrigued with their thoughts and decisions and beliefs. They had real, definite positions and were clear  on why they believe what they do. They had clear understandings about the voting process, the electoral process and they had clear ideas about what can be done to help our country. My two older sons are 10 and 12 years old!

When they were younger I loved them and, loved motherhood, but was always waiting to get out of whatever stage they were in. They are 16 months apart and it was hard, fun but hard. When they were 4 and 6 another son came and life was really busy then. Now, though, I am really enjoying them. My 12-year-old is so insightful and engaging. He brings up really interesting and thoughtful topics and ideas. He is developing into a really neat person (in my opinion).

I thought that as my boys got older, I would dread them. I assumed they  would dread me too, however, I am liking all of my boys even more. This stage of motherhood definitely has its challenges and twists and turns but I find myself relishing it and not wanting it to rush by.

SO, today in Nov. 6th, election day in the USA.  America is voting and we will all watch it together as a family. We’ll have debates, discussions and friendly banter back and forth but as a family we will engage in the political process of our country with no vitriol, anger or malice.

My prayer is that this will continue with boys for their lifetime. In the future, near and far, they will further engage in acts of discourse with others. They will go into the world and help others, be fair and do what is right. I hope others will see in them what I do, strong, engaging, caring, insightful individuals who want to make a difference in our country and our world.

That makes me proud and confident that America will be okay because we have a future and a hope in our next generation. Happy voting day!