BEING THE SAME

After our visit to the
Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site

Dear Cameron,

You're 10 years old & for the first time you went to the visitor centre of your newest hero:

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

You recently caught ahold of him in an instant
and held fast.
You were learning about Georgia.
Preparing your 4th grade State report.
Reading somewhere: "A famous black man from Atlanta"
is all it took for you to make your attachment and to make our visiting this center
your top priority
for our family's summer vacation.

You didn't need to know the details surrounding his life.
You couldn't even pronounce "Nobel Peace Prize" correctly.

But you're taking more details in to mind and heart today
Taking it in as we see his birthplace
and sit listening to a recorded sermon
in the church where he preached.

And you're taking it in today not just through the words
or photos
or displays.
You're taking it in from the ETHOS of being here;
in this PARTICULAR crowd
predominantly of color.

The rest of those who are here, like you to learn and be inspired by this man's life example and tragic assassination which
opened eyes
moved congress
and
changed a segregated nation.

He gave the world another model for non-violent action that could bring about societal change.

I took it all in through my white, middle-class, west coast raised, expatriate, missionary, adult grid for understanding.

I can't get into your mind,
my sweet loveable
brown child,

but i can see a new
understanding in your eyes.

You eagerly take your photograph next to the famous Black Man on the wall.
And I see this new understanding ESPECIALLY as you look around the room.
A room that you find -- for the first time -- is full of people
who nearly all look like you.

yes it's true
from the beginning of your life
you've been rock solidly loved.
you belong in this family.
you're cappucino skin is often kissed
we tease "Mmmm coffee! The colour of my favourite beverage."

But when i put you to bed tonight and snuggle with you like always,
I'm not going to be suprised to hear that the highlight of your full day today is easy to answer:

"Being the same.
For the first time.
Being the same."