Botanic Garden Visit
I took the younger 7 to the botanic garden yesterday. The bio park does timed ticketing to make sure it never gets too full, and they only allow up to 8 tickets per person. Basia likes going on her own now and then so it works out okay. I was smart this time and got 8am tickets so we weren't miserably hot. It was so beautiful, and we enjoyed meandering through all the sections. I think the Japanese garden and the farm area were our favorites. It always amazes me how excited everyone is to see farm animals when we have plenty of our own. They rushed over to see the chickens. We all felt our chickens are more beautiful--probably because we don't have a rooster pulling out all the back feathers.
I had the kids un-mask for quick pictures of them with their bio siblings. I never think to take pictures of bio siblings together, but I know there may come a day when we share pictures with their families, and I will want them. The day is already here for some of them so I shared that picture right away.
Chef Cassia
Cassia usually does the cooking on Tuesday nights, often with Edison's assistance. Last night she conquered a new-to-her recipe all on her own. It was delicious and beautiful, and I watched reruns on TV while she did it. This is the life!
When Art Imitates Life
Jotham read a book to me yesterday that seemed oh, so familiar. I have been that mom in the picture for many years, now. Later in the book, all the children are stuck in a bag until the bag rips open, and she sends them to bed. What a lovely story. :)
I have been thinking. When you are the mom of a little black boy, do you reach a point when you dread each birthday? How do you handle the weight of knowing that each birthday brings them further from being an adorable little guy and closer to being a "dangerous black man" in the eyes of others. I guess that happens by around age 12, right, Tamir's mom? I think each birthday will be bitter sweet as they get closer to teens.
The weight is heavy. Too many people I know ask and talk about "what he did" or "what he should have done" when another black man is gunned down by a police officer. It hurts my head and heart to know they don't think about or care about due process and fair trials and punishment that fits the crime and innocent until proven guilty.
I even wonder if social distancing is fortunate. There are many people I do not want to be around. The grief, pain, and fear is huge and real and is dismissed summarily by too many who would happily hug my boys and treat them like the cutest children around. I want them away from us so I guess it's good we have this excuse. If you don't care about these men being shot, stay away from my boys. Really.
I suppose I'm not supposed to feel that or say that.
No comments:
Post a Comment