A cool gray day in Vermont and geographically far from Houston but close in my thoughts. A reflective day without the sun’s assistance. George Floyd will be laid to rest today, June 9, 2020. I had to double check the date as one day seems to be a repeat of the day before, but I am hoping tomorrow will be newly defined. Change is at hand and a movement is upon us…
In Mr. Floyd’s final breaths, he called out for his mother “Mama,” he called. “Mama. I’m through.” Was he calling for her? Going towards her? Either way he was in need of his mother. Today George Floyd will be buried next to her…
How we journey towards motherhood is not important, but the destiny of motherhood is. We look to our mother in our darkest moments and most desperate times. Possibly to be rescued. To sooth our way. Offer guidance. Comfort. Protection. A very human want and need. Intrinsically human. Void of race and religion. We look to our mother in times of need. Our mothers may not be perfect, but they are perfectly ours. Our childhood spills become adult falls and require a mother’s love always. As we become seasoned adults, we may not need mothering, but there are times when we want our mother.
Today we formally remember the life of George Floyd, but he will forever be credited as providing the impetus behind a movement long in coming. We must dedicate tomorrow and the many days after it to continuing the conversation of justice and real change in America.
“I really saw clearly, and for the first time, why a mother is really important. Not just because she feeds and also loves and cuddles and even mollycoddles a child, but because in an interesting and maybe an eerie and unworldly way, she stands in the gap. She stands between the unknown and the known.”
― Maya Angelou,
Listen…
Vote…
My mother passed in 2004, after 10 years of Alzheimer’s. Among her seven children, she and I enjoyed a special bond. Even today, I consider her when making a major life decision. Her guidance, love and support are everlasting. Thanks for a thought provoking post, Liz.
I understand your relationship with your mother Dave as I had a wonderful relationship with my mom who passed in 2001… I miss her daily. I love that you think about her when making major life decisions…testament to the wonderful mother she must have been!