Monday, March 26, 2012

Change

Love it, hate it, avoid it?


We all have reactions to change.  Some of us thrive from it, others cower and hide our heads in the sand to avoid it, others just grin & bear it.  I have a restless nature, so change comes easily to me.  I have lived in various cities, countries and have had many people in and out of my life - both platonic & romantic.  I realized in my young adulthood that I can roll with the punches and survive when things don't always go as planned.  For my children, however, a different story.

I know that my youngest and oldest (minus the one in the middle) yearn for me to stay put in the same house, same city and build memories from that structure.  They want to walk through those same doors in their 20's & 30's and breathe the familiar smells & sit at the same table.  I think we all forget that physical space does not make memories.  Our memories remain in our heads & hearts.  Whether I am standing in a kitchen in Paris, London or my current location of  Sault Ste. Marie, it does not matter - the constant is family.  That familiar feeling they yearn  is love.

So for baby Owen who was in tears tonight, afraid of change, I reassured him, cuddled him, wrapped him tight in his blanket & told him that while the house may change, I am not going anywhere. The science kit & goggles will come with us!

Same to my readers - & thanks for caring what I have to say. xo vagi

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Discrimination

My youngest son was watching (as always) some sports program and the subject was the original Harlem Globetrotters and the main focus was a player named "Goose." Some of you may know who he is, I had zero clue.  All that was going through my mind during the commentary from various "white" guys in suits how great this black ball player performed was the reality of the days of segregation.

Well, after all the accolades of this fellow, came the reality of "Negro" only motel rooms & washrooms and the difficulties of any famous "black" person at this time.  I sighed relief that while his basketball playing was stellar, his reality was being black in the USA during a time that created a divide.

Owen, did not understand.  He could not fathom why anyone could not go to the same bathroom or take a ride on any seat on the bus.  "What's different mommy?" he asked.   How true, what is different.  It gave me hope that the upcoming generation has no idea of judgement based on colour or race.  Hope that peace and love will happen and that I will live to witness it.

What Owen taught me is that children learn from their parents - a house free of racism brings forth a society of acceptance.  Thanks Owen.

p.s.  Sorry for the lack of writing - more to come.

xo Vagi