#BLM

 

I’ve been feeling sick for days. A heaviness on my chest that won’t let up. A sadness in my heart that can’t be soothed.

I do not agree with looting. I do not believe in violence against violence. I’m vehemently against war. I absolutely do not believe any more innocent lives (black or white, cop or civilian) should be lost. I don’t believe violence is the answer. 

But I also haven’t watched my son be held down by his neck, slowly and brutally murdered, by someone whose job is to protect him. And I assure you, if that was the case, I’d be burning down buildings as well. I’d riot and scream until justice was served.

I do not believe all cops are bad. My father is a retired police officer. I’ve worked side by side with some amazing cops in my day as a nurse who I’m sure are as outraged by all of this as I am. 

But there are bad cops. There are racist cops. And we can NO LONGER TOLERATE THIS. We can no longer give people power who do not believe that all of our lives are equal. We can no longer allow people of color to feel afraid, especially of those who are supposed to protect them. 

I don’t know what the answer is. 

But I know this.

We all must start using our voice, and whatever platform we have, to make a change. We must listen. We must educate ourselves. We must donate. We must DO. 

And these uncomfortable days, where I feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the emotions I am having, I must remember THIS is just a mere fraction of what I might feel had I been born black EVERY DAMN DAY. And the realization of that in moments is almost too much to bear. 

#blacklivesmatter

I see you.

I stand with you.