My daughters always beg me to have their windows down when we drive. It does not matter the weather or what time it is- I get asked the same question. Occasionally it is the perfect opportunity and I press the magic button. Suddenly the car is full of giggles and pure joy. I love every moment of it. I look into the rearview mirror and I see smiles from ear to ear. An absolutely beautiful sight. Their dark curly hair blowing in the wind and the sun kissing their brown skin.
At that moment, our car feels safe. I consider taking the long way home because I don’t want to let them go into the real world. A world where people are judged by the color of their skin. A world where my daughters might feel less than or unaccepted into a world that is more focused on skin color than on a person’s character. It has been scary the past few weeks and my mother’s heart hurts for their exposure to such hurtful things at such a young age.
So dear little brown skin girls, as my hands are on the wheel, I say a prayer under my breath to you. I pray that you stay so innocent and brave- untouched by the scary storms in others’ hearts.
I am so proud of you- you are like the sun- shining through the darkness and have the potential to make the world “one.” You two have become the rainbow that shines through my clouds when my world is spinning and everyone is talking so loud.
My wonderful gift- so pure and rare- you both have so much to share. So much joy, love, and care- we will fight through this when you are scared. The world is so much better because of you- when the world hurts you hurt too.
My special little brown skin girls shine so bright because in a world full of darkness they can be the light…
You might also be interested in reading: A Mom’s Personal Story on Racism in Green Bay
