I am with Her! Happy Birthday!

Nine years ago today, I was in the Labor & Delivery ward at Henry Medical Center, now known as Piedmont Henry Hospital. I had checked in the afternoon of the 26th (I was due the 25th) to be induced, but Induction was not progressing much. But baby girl was fine and all was well, so we sat and waited for nature to take it's course. Hours went by and around 5:30 p.m. the decision was made to perform a c-section. and 8:20 my beautiful baby girl was born. Crying but quieted immediately when I greeted her as only a mother can.

My sweet girl has grown so much. From tiny diapers and itty bitty socks, to princess dress up and then pencils and pens for demonstrating new skills and books to travel to new worlds. I have watched my child learn and grow. M has a big heart, and a sweet spirit, she's a little bratty but who isn't?! She makes my heart happy and skip beats. And, she never ceases to amaze me.

One of the greatest gifts to ever be bestowed upon me, and a privilege I never take for granted. And for that, I strive everyday to allow my light to shine on my children; and in turn our lights will shine upon others.

I work daily and hourly to show that this world though flawed, is still very beautiful and that people (most people) are good. It's for my children that I fight for quality education, equality for all, and the love for our neighbors; even when we do not agree.

So, for my children and all of our children; I am against divisive language and ideologies. I am against the alienation of any people! And I am against anyone who spews hate, insults, and racism under the guise of making things better. Hate and division can not make things better, but only worse.

And because of that #Iamwithher I am with her, I am for her, as she is for me. She is for we, she is for us. And all of us. Not just those of us who look like her.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that".

Martin Luther King, Jr.