COLOR BLIND
I am extremely lucky in many ways. My father wasn’t prejudiced. Neither was his family. I never heard an unkind word about another person because of his color or race. A person’s actions could bring a bit of displeasure but since my familie’s lives were far from easy they didn’t judge others without reason.
Growing up I’ve lived in many different unusual buildings and areas. As a young girl I was never worried when I was outside in the dark in a mixed neighborhood but sadly it did cause my father some grief. I have gone to school and worked with people of all races.
My husband grew up in the south and learned prejudice from his family. Army life helped to change him a little. It changed him enough that we were able to welcome an elderly colored man into our family. We raised our children to accept a person for his worth, not race or color. Our youngest daughter just wrote an amazing article crediting her two grandfathers, one blood and the other adopted.
This year, 2020, is unusual for many reasons. Personally for me I have lost my husband, a major part of my life. Add that to the pandemic that has caused our nation to remain secluded — many people are out of work — have no money and are HUNGRY. Growing up — my life wasn’t easy. There were many times when supper was on the leaner side. The long lines — cars waiting for food bring back memories that are not necessarily pleasant.
The weather temperature and humidity has risen. Many forces, along with the heat, has our nation on the brink of explosion. The death of a young man of color by a policeman was all that was needed to cause an explosion. Our leader is no hope. I could go on and on but I will refrain. Pregnant, I worked downtown in 1968 and experienced the city on fire because of the death of Martin Luther King. Thankfully we live in a reasonably good neighborhood. I was surprised when we came back from the country and saw many buildings boarded up. We left town for more than three days and have received NO MAIL.
I listen to all of the good works that many people are doing and feel ashamed that I am not able to contribute. Is it my age? Energy level? Circumstances? I don’t know but I will continue to daily pray for our world. ALL OF THE PEOPLE, ALL NATIONS, SEXES AND COLOR. Thankfully I am color blind. I would LOVE TO MET AN ALIEN.