This morning I went for walk with my pooch to clear my head. I realized the best thing I could do was smile and walk. It’s always been my motto — “Smile and the world smiles back”. I have it written on sticky notes that are placed all over my house to remind me of that intention throughout my day.
But I digress … I stopped at a coffee shop and hooked my big floppy pup outside on a bike rack while I went inside. I stopped and held the door open for an elderly woman who was making her way toward the coffee shop then walked with her to the front of the line. We smiled gratefully at each other and exchanged niceties. She thanked me sev
eral times for letting her pass me in line. It was an easy enough gesture, and seemed to make her day – which made me feel great.
On my way out, Thatcher, my silly pup was staring at me through the window with her big ole brown eyes, her tiny tail waggling all over the place. As I opened the door to greet her, there was a woman with two children struggling to get inside so I stepped to the side, pulled the door open and said, “Excuse me sir” to the maybe 4 year old boy as I gave him a slight bow of acknowledgement. He giggled, his mom smiled and his little sister (who he was trying to escort into the coffee shop) held tightly to his hand. They were adorable and the mom seemed appreciative that I made them laugh.
When I got outside I grabbed Thatcher by her big fluffy cheeks and said, you are gorgeous and I love you to the moon and back. She wagged her tail and smiled at me with her eyes. At that exact moment, a 70ish year old white man (you now see the irony) passed me on the sidewalk and said, she is a beautiful dog!
At that moment, I knew we were gong to be ok. The world is not a mean and hate filled place. The world is filled with wonder and love. The world is made of what we make of it. If we believe in the power of love over hate, we will always be triumphant, because the universe gives us what we believe.
When I stepped outside my son (who was still sleeping when I left the house) texted me. He said, “who won”. I said “Trump”. He said “oh no”. I said “It’s going to be ok my love. I’ll be home in 10 minutes. Went for coffee. I love you.” He responded “I love you too mom”.
When I arrived home my daughter was there and we had a similar exchange. She is older and wiser and had more questions but it basically boiled do
wn to “I love you, no matter what, and I will always be there for you.” I have been saying those words to my kiddos from the day they arrived in this country. And you know what, that’s all that really matters.
My adopted children are afraid. They are different than most of their peers and the language of hate is vibrant right now in this country. But I will not allow fear to dominate me, or them. I’ve come too far; we’ve come too far. I am strong and they will be too. I will love my way to the end of this battle for them; their safety, their security, their choices, their opportunities. We will be the Golden Rule: Treat other people the way you want them to treat you — regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual preference or the person you vote for. I am in this for my children. They are my voice, my heart, my soul and love will prevail – because that’s what we believe.