A message

I am homeschooling my 3rd grader this year.  One of the main reasons we take a couple of years to home school each kid is to give them some real life experience as they grow up.  A strict public school schedule doesn't allow for much extra.  When I heard about a rally in Columbia in support of the homeless population, we decided to take off.  Of course, my kindergartner tagged along also.  I was the only person there with kids, so I got interviewed on TV. 

http://www.wistv.com/story/23270273/protestors-push-back-on-columbia-city-councils-homeless-plan

I have my kids yelling and pulling on my back pack while I am talking, so I had really hoped they wouldn't show it.  Plus, I looked pretty rough.  I really hadn't intended to be in TV, or have my statements made public.  I've, in many ways, backed off being on stage.  I'm still working on things behind stage, don't get me wrong.  I have nothing to hide, I just got tired of all the attention I was getting at one point.  Infamous was the word a bishop used with me (as in well-known).

With all of the attention give to the 50th anniversary of the "I have a Dream" speech, my husband and I have had some conversations.  We both expressed hope that we would have taken part in the March on Washington.  During this Homeless Awareness Rally, I met a white woman who stated she was arrested 4 times during the civil rights era.  She talked about her husband finding out and packing up the three babies and trying to figure out what jail she was in.  I looked at her and said "I'd like to think I would have been working with you."  Then I realized:  I'm with you now.

This woman also confessed to working in a homeless shelter for many years.  She and her husband volunteer every Sunday and holiday,  "We don't go to church."  My response was simply "That is what church is supposed to be."

I'm intrigued at the fact that my voice was heard and broad casted in Columbia.  I'm intrigued that I did this protest and interview without hesitation.  I guess I've decided to stop hiding behind rules and expectations.  I am finding it incredibly freeing in this white southern culture.  I'm starting to be confident and my voice and whatever message I might bring.

The mall

We walked out to the parking lot carrying our bags and my 5 year old announced "It was a good day at the mall!"  This melted my heart as I tried not to think about how big she has gotten.  Yesterday, she announced she was getting her ears pierced.  This required a trip to the dreaded mall.  I really hate going there because we always spend more money than we have.  After her comment, I figured it was worth it.

Our house has had a baby in it since 1997.  It is all over when this beautiful girl starts kindergarten next week.  Where did it all go?