Adia,
You and I went out to get some groceries today. When we were driving through the neighborhood I noticed only one American Flag. We are the youngest family living in this neighborhood, and the only family who flies an American Flag. At first, the thought just made me kinda sad, then it made me angry. We have become so comfortable, as a nation, we take our freedom for granted. And we don't unite as one people. Right now, there is a lot of bickering over the current Obama Administration and the Republicans are fighting each other for the nomination to run against Obama later this year. I am very interested in politics and very passionate about what I believe. Your daddy and I have our own political debates, and I'm sure once you can form sentences you will join in. And I encourage and will hope that you educate yourself on politics. But I don't want you to be political and not patriotic.
Sometimes we are so busy with the messy details of each party that we forget we are ALL Americans. No matter if people are Democrats or Republicans... We are all Americans. We should all be so patriotic and grateful for our freedom that we all fly American flags. We should all respect the soldiers who have fought for our freedoms. We should all stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and when the National Anthem is played.
Tonight I was watching news coverage of rebel fighters in Syria who are trying to overtake the current government. The government has now killed 6,000 people and Syrians are pleading to the US for help; to save their lives. And there I sat, sitting on my couch eating tacos. I thought how awesomely free I am. I'm sitting here with basically no immediate worries on my mind, while there are people in other countries getting killed because they voice disapproval of their government. It's times like these I swell up with pride in and thankfulness for my forefathers who sacrificed so much for me to be free.
We decorate every Fourth of July. We stand when we ever hear the National Anthem and place our right hand over our hearts. We pay our respects to American soldiers by attending memorials. We shake a soldier's hand every chance we get and say thank you for your service. We vote to make sure Veterans get their well deserved benefits. They took care of us, we need to take care of them. And we fly our free nation's flag proudly!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
African American History Month...
Adia,
If there is one thing you learn from me I hope it is seeing everyone as an equal to you. No matter the skin color, you are no better than anyone else. Growing up in the south is not an easy place to be if you're trying to be accepting of all people. There are still many hard lines drawn in the sand about what is right and what is wrong when it comes to other races. It's getting better though, and my hope is that it will be an even lesser issue when you are grown. I also encourage you to cross those lines, ignore those prejudices, and to be 'color blind'.
February is African American History month. I have always been interested in the history of African Americans and the civil rights movements of the 1950's and 1960's. I have tried to educate myself on African American history, which I will encourage you to do as well. I am looking forward to taking you to Montgomery, Alabama to see where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus. There is a Rosa Parks museum in Montgomery and a Civil Rights Memorial/Museum as well. I grew so much as a person from going to those places and being surrounded by that history.
In the Rosa Parks museum, they have a walk-through exhibit of the exact events that occurred the night Rosa Parks was arrested. The museum has a replica of the bus that Rosa Parks was on that world-changing night. As I was standing in front of the bus, listening to audio of men and women screaming obscene, demeaning vulgarities and threatening the life of Mrs. Parks, I started to shake. My heart started beating faster. I started breathing heavy, and was getting chills. The audio ignited the 'fight or flight' mechanism in my body and I wanted to run. I felt this hopelessness wash over my body and was frozen in fear. When the audio went off, I exhaled with relief thanking God it was over. Then I realized, this was an every day occurrence in the life of so many African Americans during that time. My heart broke into so many pieces over and over during the days I spent in Montgomery, Alabama. It is so impossibly hard for me to believe that one human being could treat another human being so horribly. I believe it happened for far too long, and I passionately believe it must never happen again.
Some people you encounter through the years will voice that they don't see why there should be a month specifically dedicated to African American history. The reason I want you to remember is, we need this month to come around every year so we will never forget the horrible things African Americans have gone through. History must not, and simply cannot, repeat itself in that way. So by remembering all the tortured African American souls and their stories in February of every year, surely we will be reminded of the inhumane mistakes we made and continue to learn from those mistakes. We also need this month to remind people about all the great accomplishments and inventions African Americans have contributed to our country and to the world. Some people will continue to be raised to think African Americans aren't an equal, but by reminding them of the genius minds of African Americans, maybe one day they will realize their ignorant beliefs are so unfounded.
A personal story relating to our family during the 1920-40's in the south: Your Great-Grandfather Moore was pretty much raised by a black man, named Sam. When I first learned about this as a younger child, I was so ashamed that my family would participate in, what I thought, was slavery. But I later learned the real story and he was not a slave at all. Your Great-Grandfather's mother preferred and loved working outside, so she would work the fields while Sam watched the kids. The exact quote to describe a typical day in their life was, "Mrs. Moore would be out working in the fields while Sam sat, played and read with the children under the trees." I think that is such a neat history. Sam lived with the Moore's and I'm assuming they paid him to watch after the kids, but I know they treated him as one of the family. I wish so badly I could have met him. I believe he helped mold the mind of your Great-Grandfather. Sam helped your Great-Grandfather see that everyone is indeed equal. Your Great-Grandfather passed that knowledge down to your Papa and your Papa passed it on to me. From what I've heard, Sam was an easy-going and down to earth man, as was your Great-Grandfather. I truly believe Sam is very much a part of who I am, and a part of who you are as well... And for that I feel privileged and so thankful.
I am very much inspired to learn more about Mr. Sam. And I hope to record it all down for you. Always remember, every human being is a gift to this world so make sure you treat them that way.
If there is one thing you learn from me I hope it is seeing everyone as an equal to you. No matter the skin color, you are no better than anyone else. Growing up in the south is not an easy place to be if you're trying to be accepting of all people. There are still many hard lines drawn in the sand about what is right and what is wrong when it comes to other races. It's getting better though, and my hope is that it will be an even lesser issue when you are grown. I also encourage you to cross those lines, ignore those prejudices, and to be 'color blind'.
February is African American History month. I have always been interested in the history of African Americans and the civil rights movements of the 1950's and 1960's. I have tried to educate myself on African American history, which I will encourage you to do as well. I am looking forward to taking you to Montgomery, Alabama to see where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus. There is a Rosa Parks museum in Montgomery and a Civil Rights Memorial/Museum as well. I grew so much as a person from going to those places and being surrounded by that history.
In the Rosa Parks museum, they have a walk-through exhibit of the exact events that occurred the night Rosa Parks was arrested. The museum has a replica of the bus that Rosa Parks was on that world-changing night. As I was standing in front of the bus, listening to audio of men and women screaming obscene, demeaning vulgarities and threatening the life of Mrs. Parks, I started to shake. My heart started beating faster. I started breathing heavy, and was getting chills. The audio ignited the 'fight or flight' mechanism in my body and I wanted to run. I felt this hopelessness wash over my body and was frozen in fear. When the audio went off, I exhaled with relief thanking God it was over. Then I realized, this was an every day occurrence in the life of so many African Americans during that time. My heart broke into so many pieces over and over during the days I spent in Montgomery, Alabama. It is so impossibly hard for me to believe that one human being could treat another human being so horribly. I believe it happened for far too long, and I passionately believe it must never happen again.
Some people you encounter through the years will voice that they don't see why there should be a month specifically dedicated to African American history. The reason I want you to remember is, we need this month to come around every year so we will never forget the horrible things African Americans have gone through. History must not, and simply cannot, repeat itself in that way. So by remembering all the tortured African American souls and their stories in February of every year, surely we will be reminded of the inhumane mistakes we made and continue to learn from those mistakes. We also need this month to remind people about all the great accomplishments and inventions African Americans have contributed to our country and to the world. Some people will continue to be raised to think African Americans aren't an equal, but by reminding them of the genius minds of African Americans, maybe one day they will realize their ignorant beliefs are so unfounded.
A personal story relating to our family during the 1920-40's in the south: Your Great-Grandfather Moore was pretty much raised by a black man, named Sam. When I first learned about this as a younger child, I was so ashamed that my family would participate in, what I thought, was slavery. But I later learned the real story and he was not a slave at all. Your Great-Grandfather's mother preferred and loved working outside, so she would work the fields while Sam watched the kids. The exact quote to describe a typical day in their life was, "Mrs. Moore would be out working in the fields while Sam sat, played and read with the children under the trees." I think that is such a neat history. Sam lived with the Moore's and I'm assuming they paid him to watch after the kids, but I know they treated him as one of the family. I wish so badly I could have met him. I believe he helped mold the mind of your Great-Grandfather. Sam helped your Great-Grandfather see that everyone is indeed equal. Your Great-Grandfather passed that knowledge down to your Papa and your Papa passed it on to me. From what I've heard, Sam was an easy-going and down to earth man, as was your Great-Grandfather. I truly believe Sam is very much a part of who I am, and a part of who you are as well... And for that I feel privileged and so thankful.
I am very much inspired to learn more about Mr. Sam. And I hope to record it all down for you. Always remember, every human being is a gift to this world so make sure you treat them that way.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
What you do for your children...
Adia,
Lately I have been unfortunate to see parents not doing the best things for their children. I whole-heartedly believe that as your mother it is my 100%, God-given responsibility to do anything and everything to provide you with a safe, happy, loving, and healthy life.
On a general level, parents may sometimes have to work a job they hate in order to provide for their children, parents may have to move away from the only home they have ever known in order to provide a healthy, adequate living for their children. Parents might not be able to do the things they did before they had children. They might have to give up going shopping anytime they want, going on trips, or buying expensive nonsense 'things' for themselves. Once you are a parent, everything is about your child/children. No matter how much you don't like the sacrifice you need to make, it's your duty as a parent.
On a personal level, if your Dad and I had not moved from Florence I would have never been able to be a stay at home mom. There were no jobs available for Dad in Florence in order for him to be the official bread winner, allowing me to stay home. Granted, I had to make a major sacrifice. I had to move away from my family and friends. That was not easy and still isn't easy. I don't think it will ever be easy being away from my family. It's hard living in a new city where I don't have close friends. It's hard not being able to have date nights with my husband because I don't trust anyone but my parents to watch you, yet. We also had to limit our spending on ourselves in order for us to afford my staying at home. Daddy had to give up his shopping for designer clothes/new cars, and I had to give up my addiction to eating out at restaurants/weekend getaway trips. BUT I am able to stay at home with you every day. I know you are being fed exactly what you need to eat, I know you are being changed when you dirty your diaper, and I know you are being treated the way little ones should be treated. I was able to witness your first steps, and hear you say 'Mama' for the first time. I can take you to the doctor at any time you need to be there. When your Daddy and I were both working, that was a big issue.
So believe me, the sacrifices I made have been worth it. There is nothing in this material world that would keep me from taking care of you to the absolute BEST of my ability. There is nothing that would stand in my way of keeping you safe and healthy. If I had to move to a new place every year, in order to give you the best life possible, we would make it work. There would be no excuses. We would work jobs we didn't necessarily like, we would live in a one bedroom apartment, we would sell our cars and use public transportation, we would starve so you could eat. I promise you, you will always be taken care of, no matter the sacrifices we have to make. No sacrifice is too much for you. I only wish all parents would come to realize their duties.
Lately I have been unfortunate to see parents not doing the best things for their children. I whole-heartedly believe that as your mother it is my 100%, God-given responsibility to do anything and everything to provide you with a safe, happy, loving, and healthy life.
On a general level, parents may sometimes have to work a job they hate in order to provide for their children, parents may have to move away from the only home they have ever known in order to provide a healthy, adequate living for their children. Parents might not be able to do the things they did before they had children. They might have to give up going shopping anytime they want, going on trips, or buying expensive nonsense 'things' for themselves. Once you are a parent, everything is about your child/children. No matter how much you don't like the sacrifice you need to make, it's your duty as a parent.
On a personal level, if your Dad and I had not moved from Florence I would have never been able to be a stay at home mom. There were no jobs available for Dad in Florence in order for him to be the official bread winner, allowing me to stay home. Granted, I had to make a major sacrifice. I had to move away from my family and friends. That was not easy and still isn't easy. I don't think it will ever be easy being away from my family. It's hard living in a new city where I don't have close friends. It's hard not being able to have date nights with my husband because I don't trust anyone but my parents to watch you, yet. We also had to limit our spending on ourselves in order for us to afford my staying at home. Daddy had to give up his shopping for designer clothes/new cars, and I had to give up my addiction to eating out at restaurants/weekend getaway trips. BUT I am able to stay at home with you every day. I know you are being fed exactly what you need to eat, I know you are being changed when you dirty your diaper, and I know you are being treated the way little ones should be treated. I was able to witness your first steps, and hear you say 'Mama' for the first time. I can take you to the doctor at any time you need to be there. When your Daddy and I were both working, that was a big issue.
So believe me, the sacrifices I made have been worth it. There is nothing in this material world that would keep me from taking care of you to the absolute BEST of my ability. There is nothing that would stand in my way of keeping you safe and healthy. If I had to move to a new place every year, in order to give you the best life possible, we would make it work. There would be no excuses. We would work jobs we didn't necessarily like, we would live in a one bedroom apartment, we would sell our cars and use public transportation, we would starve so you could eat. I promise you, you will always be taken care of, no matter the sacrifices we have to make. No sacrifice is too much for you. I only wish all parents would come to realize their duties.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Beating hearts...
Adia,
You've been sick this week. You had an ear infection so I've been giving you antibiotic. I hope the illness is gone. You've been pretty restless at night, so that makes for a really tiresome day. Tonight you crawled up into my lap and sat with me. You wanting to be held is a pretty rare thing so it made my heart sing. You looked up at me with such sleepy eyes. So, I rocked you and you fell asleep within seconds. I haven't rocked you to sleep since you were probably 4 months old. I was able to carry you up the stairs and lay you in your crib without disturbing your sweet slumber.
As I was laying you down, my hand could feel your heart beating. Time stopped. I looked at you and thought to myself, "Beating hearts are such miracle. How fragile are our lives and why don't even notice. We are kept alive by a simple beating heart." I went on to thank God for giving me my own living miracle to share this life with. Then I thought, "I don't know what I would do if your heart ever stopped beating.." I know one day each of our hearts will stop beating here on Earth. But I pray to God that mine will stop beating before yours.
You've been sick this week. You had an ear infection so I've been giving you antibiotic. I hope the illness is gone. You've been pretty restless at night, so that makes for a really tiresome day. Tonight you crawled up into my lap and sat with me. You wanting to be held is a pretty rare thing so it made my heart sing. You looked up at me with such sleepy eyes. So, I rocked you and you fell asleep within seconds. I haven't rocked you to sleep since you were probably 4 months old. I was able to carry you up the stairs and lay you in your crib without disturbing your sweet slumber.
As I was laying you down, my hand could feel your heart beating. Time stopped. I looked at you and thought to myself, "Beating hearts are such miracle. How fragile are our lives and why don't even notice. We are kept alive by a simple beating heart." I went on to thank God for giving me my own living miracle to share this life with. Then I thought, "I don't know what I would do if your heart ever stopped beating.." I know one day each of our hearts will stop beating here on Earth. But I pray to God that mine will stop beating before yours.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Before You...
Adia,
Sometimes I look back at pictures of your Daddy and me before we had you. And one day in particular, my first thought when I saw one picture was "We look so lonely without Adia." I thought about that for a while... and it's so true. We were just two random people until we had you. You have made us who we are. We are Adia's Mama and Daddy. Life before you wasn't miserable, but we both knew we were missing something.. and that something was you.
This is the picture that brought that thought to my mind.
It was taken on our honeymoon. We thought we were living the most happiest time of our lives. And it was a happy time; an awesome time! But no time we have ever had is better than the times we spend with you. As I'm writing this I am reminded of the book I got you for your First Valentine's Day, which states an absolute truth... "If you weren't my little girl, there'd be a hole in the world. A piece would be gone; I just couldn't go on. The world wouldn't work without you."
Your Daddy and I love you so incredibly much. You complete us. You make us a family. We are so thankful for the precious memories we get to make with you. We wouldn't trade the life we are living with you for anything!
Sometimes I look back at pictures of your Daddy and me before we had you. And one day in particular, my first thought when I saw one picture was "We look so lonely without Adia." I thought about that for a while... and it's so true. We were just two random people until we had you. You have made us who we are. We are Adia's Mama and Daddy. Life before you wasn't miserable, but we both knew we were missing something.. and that something was you.
This is the picture that brought that thought to my mind.
It was taken on our honeymoon. We thought we were living the most happiest time of our lives. And it was a happy time; an awesome time! But no time we have ever had is better than the times we spend with you. As I'm writing this I am reminded of the book I got you for your First Valentine's Day, which states an absolute truth... "If you weren't my little girl, there'd be a hole in the world. A piece would be gone; I just couldn't go on. The world wouldn't work without you."
Your Daddy and I love you so incredibly much. You complete us. You make us a family. We are so thankful for the precious memories we get to make with you. We wouldn't trade the life we are living with you for anything!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Painted Finger Nails
Adia,
Last Saturday, I did something I have not done in years... I painted my finger nails! Now, to just anyone having painted fingernails is not a big deal at all. But for me, it is.
From way back, as far as I can first remember Aunt Lib always had her finger nails painted. Even in her sickest days, her daughters would paint her nails... She just would not have anyone see her without her nails done! When I was a little girl sometimes she would give me a manicure. Those were the best times. I felt like I was getting the royal treatment!
Probably a year or so before she left us, she grabbed my hand and flipped it palm side up. She put her hand next to mine and pointed out that we had the same crooked pinkie finger. And we sure did! She said, "You and I are the only ones in the family with this crooked pinkie. But that just means we're something really special, Katie Boo."
As I get older, it becomes more and more noticable how similar my hands are to my Aunt Lib's. I remember, as a child, watching her hands on the stirring wheel. Now I look at mine on the stirring wheel and they look just like hers.
I think I have subconsciously not painted my finger nails, because of the memories it would bring back of my Aunt Lib. Now that I have painted them, I don't think I'll ever stop painting them. The memories my painted nails brought back are good ones; ones I'd like to keep around. I can't wait until you are old enough to start painting your nails so I can tell you this story. And I'm anxious to see if you have our crooked pinkie too! You're my heart, little one.
Last Saturday, I did something I have not done in years... I painted my finger nails! Now, to just anyone having painted fingernails is not a big deal at all. But for me, it is.
From way back, as far as I can first remember Aunt Lib always had her finger nails painted. Even in her sickest days, her daughters would paint her nails... She just would not have anyone see her without her nails done! When I was a little girl sometimes she would give me a manicure. Those were the best times. I felt like I was getting the royal treatment!
Probably a year or so before she left us, she grabbed my hand and flipped it palm side up. She put her hand next to mine and pointed out that we had the same crooked pinkie finger. And we sure did! She said, "You and I are the only ones in the family with this crooked pinkie. But that just means we're something really special, Katie Boo."
As I get older, it becomes more and more noticable how similar my hands are to my Aunt Lib's. I remember, as a child, watching her hands on the stirring wheel. Now I look at mine on the stirring wheel and they look just like hers.
I think I have subconsciously not painted my finger nails, because of the memories it would bring back of my Aunt Lib. Now that I have painted them, I don't think I'll ever stop painting them. The memories my painted nails brought back are good ones; ones I'd like to keep around. I can't wait until you are old enough to start painting your nails so I can tell you this story. And I'm anxious to see if you have our crooked pinkie too! You're my heart, little one.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Broken Hearted..
Adia,
There have been so many stories in the news about young kids committing suicide. It is so upsetting to hear about kids so young feeling so helpless. Many of these kids say bullying and non-acceptance is the reason why they just didn't want to live in this world anymore. I would say that a Mother's biggest fear, when it comes to her child, is having to bury him or her. I never want to do that. If your life ended, I think it would also be the end of my life.
Some of these kids were being bullied and were not being accepted by their peers, teachers, and even their parents because of their homosexuality. As a Christian, I do believe what the Bible teaches and the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin. But the lines between right and wrong when it comes to homosexuality are getting more and more blurred for me. I won't get into the 'deep stuff' yet. I know this will be a really confusing discussion to have in the years to come, but I don't believe anyone should ever be that hated by society to where committing suicide is a better option than living.
Some Christians are very hateful, verbally and physically, towards the homosexual population. I don't believe in using Christianity as a right to degrade someone. You have to put yourself in other people's shoes sometimes. I have thought, "What if it were my child that was gay and felt so hated?" It really opened my mind. You would never be without the support of your Mama. I would do everything in my power to make sure you know how important you are and how this world would be a horrible place if you were not in it. It's so heart-breaking to hear that a child's own parents refuses to give that child love because of their homosexuality. I would never reject you.
I just want you to know that no matter how you choose to live your life, you will always have your Mama's love. And if people throughout this life reject you and hate you, I will always try to find the pieces of your broken heart and make it whole again. I love you and you will always be my perfect God-given angel!
There have been so many stories in the news about young kids committing suicide. It is so upsetting to hear about kids so young feeling so helpless. Many of these kids say bullying and non-acceptance is the reason why they just didn't want to live in this world anymore. I would say that a Mother's biggest fear, when it comes to her child, is having to bury him or her. I never want to do that. If your life ended, I think it would also be the end of my life.
Some of these kids were being bullied and were not being accepted by their peers, teachers, and even their parents because of their homosexuality. As a Christian, I do believe what the Bible teaches and the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin. But the lines between right and wrong when it comes to homosexuality are getting more and more blurred for me. I won't get into the 'deep stuff' yet. I know this will be a really confusing discussion to have in the years to come, but I don't believe anyone should ever be that hated by society to where committing suicide is a better option than living.
Some Christians are very hateful, verbally and physically, towards the homosexual population. I don't believe in using Christianity as a right to degrade someone. You have to put yourself in other people's shoes sometimes. I have thought, "What if it were my child that was gay and felt so hated?" It really opened my mind. You would never be without the support of your Mama. I would do everything in my power to make sure you know how important you are and how this world would be a horrible place if you were not in it. It's so heart-breaking to hear that a child's own parents refuses to give that child love because of their homosexuality. I would never reject you.
I just want you to know that no matter how you choose to live your life, you will always have your Mama's love. And if people throughout this life reject you and hate you, I will always try to find the pieces of your broken heart and make it whole again. I love you and you will always be my perfect God-given angel!
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