monday, february 26, 2007
A Thankful Mother
My son, Cory, was injured the other night and had to spend a few days in the hospital. I am so thankful to God that he spared his life. Many of you have children and can imagine the fear that gripped me when I heard that my child was injured. My immediate reaction of course was to worry, and then to pray. As I drove to the hospital, everything about Cory played through my mind. The reason for this note is not to just tell you how thankful I am that is recovering, but to ask you to just think about some things for a minute.
Upon returning home from the hospital the first night, I looked at the news. The news headline was about 10 marines that had been killed that day. At that point, I broke down. Because I realized that I could have been a mother mourning for her son. But the news was mainly about the drama going on with Anna Nicole Smith, and when she would be buried, who would bury her, and who would get the baby. I've noticed that the media is constantly bombarding us with news that has nothing to do with us. Although her death was a tragedy, the aftermath is a circus. It's not that important. Rememeber 10 marines died that day. And who really cares that Britney Spears is bald?! I hate that she is having a nervous breakdown, but there is a boy missing from his family in Greensboro. Isn't that more important?
I'm not saying that we should focus on the grief in our society, but we are destined to become numb to it all if we cover it up with rediculous outlets and burying our heads in the sand.
A friend of mine told me today that his best friend's son died in Iraq, February 13, 2007. He was 20 years old. His name was not broadcasted all over the TV as was the scalping of Britney. His name was DAWAYNE JOEL AMOS ROZZELLE. I hear he was a very nice and respectful young man. I have a link to a guestbook that has been set up for him, if you would like to express your sympathy to his family.
Because we are all from One.
Pray for his family and this world. Become less interested in the things that distract us, like mundane and worthless TV shows and media hounds.
Love your family more and God even more. Remember those that are still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hug your beautiful children or just give them a call to say I love you.
Comments:
02/26/2007 - Xavier
First, please take a moment to understand what a friend you have in Rhonda. She’s a woman who would never consciously hurt anyone. I trust her with my life because of that. I hope you know how significant a person she is in this world….in your world. My prayers go out to her, and especially her son, as he reconciles what has happened to him over the past few days. Those kinds of events can change a man’s life for the better or worse depending on his, and his loved ones, perspective. I hope for the best.
I’m the friend whose best friend lost his son. Rhonda and I chatted at length about this today. And I mentioned that the one thing that hurts me more than this war is the many young black men who die violently for almost no reason at all. When this war is over, regardless of the victor, young black men will still be dying in our streets over practically nothing.
From the moment I heard about Joel (the family calls him Joel) I was instantly transported to Iraq (in my mind). I’ve been lost there wondering what his final moments were like. Did he know he was dying? Did he make his peace with this world? What was on his mind as he departed? I don’t know. But, I do know this.
He was beautiful, more than handsome. He stood nearly 6 ft tall with a strong lightweight wrestler’s body. His skin was a beautiful dark brown. I already miss his laugh. He was all heart and promise. His family raised him in love—they paid for his future with their sacrifices. He overcame many obstacles to become a man of character…of strong moral fiber. I hope one day, the world will be better for his sacrifice. But today, I know it’s worse off for his absence.
Please be sensitive in your comments, if you choose to make any. Because, above all; he believed he was right in going to war. This isn’t about Bush. This young man was aware that he had other options. I have to believe there’s some solace to be found in dying for what you believe in—that’s the coin that bought the freedoms we have today. I hold on to that right now as I try to reconcile the events of the past week or so.
Now, contrast this with how glibly we deal with EVERY YOUNG BLACK death that occurs randomly in the streets of America. I don’t know what they thought about as they left this world. But, I’ve spoken to survivors who realized how easily they nearly died over nothing. It’s time we teach what’s important…and each passing of a young promising person today, is a chance to teach those who remain about what’s really important in this life.
I’m just taking this moment to make this statement.
Peace to you all.
Xavier
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