life changing

The night of the election, after we heard that Barack Obama would be our next president, I went upstairs to get ready for bed. I looked into the bedroom to see my son sleeping, peacefully, with arms sprawled out, chest moving slowly up and down to match his very relaxed breathing pattern, eyes gently closed and his face so softly resting. I thought to myself, you have no idea what has just happened little man. In your lifetime, you will never know that there was a time when black people could not be president just because they were black. Such a monumental thought, such an impact on your life, and yet you sleep. So gently and peacefully allowing this moment to pass with no observation, no celebration, no recognition. Just sleep. I thought about how he will have a better future, just because a democrat will be in office for the next 8 years. I thought about my black friends who have kids, andhow their kids will not be more hopeful about their futures. I did not yet know that California had repealed legal marriage for gays. I was nervous about it, but thought it would remain, by an ever so thin margin. The next day, I woke to hear that Calfornia did in fact vote to repeal marriage rights for gays and I thought to myself. What the hell are people so afraid of? it's amazing how we are demonized in the media and in certain religious groups. The fear that is fed to Americans is just incredible. It's like the most tasty treat you have ever had, you can have as much as you want and you never have to be aware of what it. I wish for the day when I can once again see my son sleeping peacefully as the country finally changes the direction of his life once again. Making acceptance and kindness the priority and placing fear in the dumpster.