A moment in time. A moment in history. A moment, never to be duplicated again. A moment I will always remember.
A soft, brown, blanket covered me and my half-naked 5-year-old in her pajamas this morning as we watched this moment on our television. Our hands held tight, eyes watching, ears listening, and our hearts wide open, we held that moment. We didn't need to be there in person, we were there, we were in the moment. Not a word was spoken as my daughter and I watched as President Obama was brought into Office as the President of The United States of America. The moments carried on as we listened very intently to the words that were spoken by our new President...of hope, equality, faith, and desires for a bright future.
How could Riley know just how momentous this occasion was? How could she be so still, watching, thinking, amazed by it all? Somehow, she did....and her face, I hope I can remember the look on her face the rest of my life; it was so child-like and innocent...and those cheeks (I could eat them up!)
Simply I explained....on a level she would understand, just what kind of moment we were experiencing. Gently, I brushed her cheek with my hand, and asked her what did her and this man have in common?
"His skin is brown like mine," was all she said, and that said it all.
"We have never had a brown President, you get to see the first one, and that is very special," was all I said.
How could she know? She couldn't. She couldn't know of the struggles that her ancestors had to endure just to get where they are today, she is still too young and unaware of the pain that skin color can bring...but she will know someday of the trials of those that came before her. However, she will grow-up with the knowledge, unlike her ancestors, that color has no limitations like before. She can be anything...I mean anything in this predjudice, cruel, unforgiving world.....even, the President of the United States of America.
Regardless of political views, whether you suppot Obama or not, look at how far we have come as a human race! Every day, somewhere, there is still racism, sexism, and predjudices of all kinds, but today in this moment, we can stand and say...."today, I see no color."
My prayer today is that my daughter can have an easier life because of today, may racism fade a little faster in her lifetime, and because of today and the significance of today, may she be accepted by her character not her skin.
These are the moments that change lives.
A soft, brown, blanket covered me and my half-naked 5-year-old in her pajamas this morning as we watched this moment on our television. Our hands held tight, eyes watching, ears listening, and our hearts wide open, we held that moment. We didn't need to be there in person, we were there, we were in the moment. Not a word was spoken as my daughter and I watched as President Obama was brought into Office as the President of The United States of America. The moments carried on as we listened very intently to the words that were spoken by our new President...of hope, equality, faith, and desires for a bright future.
How could Riley know just how momentous this occasion was? How could she be so still, watching, thinking, amazed by it all? Somehow, she did....and her face, I hope I can remember the look on her face the rest of my life; it was so child-like and innocent...and those cheeks (I could eat them up!)
Simply I explained....on a level she would understand, just what kind of moment we were experiencing. Gently, I brushed her cheek with my hand, and asked her what did her and this man have in common?
"His skin is brown like mine," was all she said, and that said it all.
"We have never had a brown President, you get to see the first one, and that is very special," was all I said.
How could she know? She couldn't. She couldn't know of the struggles that her ancestors had to endure just to get where they are today, she is still too young and unaware of the pain that skin color can bring...but she will know someday of the trials of those that came before her. However, she will grow-up with the knowledge, unlike her ancestors, that color has no limitations like before. She can be anything...I mean anything in this predjudice, cruel, unforgiving world.....even, the President of the United States of America.
Regardless of political views, whether you suppot Obama or not, look at how far we have come as a human race! Every day, somewhere, there is still racism, sexism, and predjudices of all kinds, but today in this moment, we can stand and say...."today, I see no color."
My prayer today is that my daughter can have an easier life because of today, may racism fade a little faster in her lifetime, and because of today and the significance of today, may she be accepted by her character not her skin.
These are the moments that change lives.
The "future," are you ready for her?
Very inspirational. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe is Ruth. I looked at our blog and noticed you had commented. I totally do remember you. I have wondered how you are doing. Your little girl is getting so big. I remember when she joined you family. My email is ruth_fryer@yahoo.com. I would love you hear from you!
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