What a big week in American history! Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. To you, this may not seem like a very big deal…just another new president. And, in a way, I am very glad that you see it that way. That means that to you, it’s completely normal and natural for a Black man to be president. It means that you don’t see skin color as something that can help or hinder one’s position in life. It means that to you, we are all the same. I pray that this is always the way that the world will appear to you. Even more importantly, I hope that this is becoming true in our country so that you may live in a world without racism, prejudice, hate and intolerance. But don’t be naïve, Gracie. There will always be people who are not as open-minded and accepting as you are. There will always be people who judge others on superficial characteristics such as their skin color, gender, sexuality, even weight or height. I hope that you will be a woman—a girl, even—who stands up and demands respect for both yourself and others. Don’t accept ignorance from people. If Barack Obama accepted the fact that some people view him negatively because of his skin color, he could never have become president.
While I want you to change the world for the better, I also want you to accept yourself for who you are. I was horrified this morning as I watched the Today Show while I was waiting for you to wake up. There was a segment about Human Growth Hormone, an injection that parents are giving to their children who are “too short.” So that their kids won’t get picked on in school for being short, some parents give their children injections every day so that they will grow taller. I couldn’t help but think that these parents could save themselves a lot of money and their kids a lot of physical discomfort if instead of giving them growth shots they teach their kids that they are children of God, perfect the way that they are, and that they should be proud of who they are instead of trying to change the way that God made them! (Trust me, being short isn’t so bad!).
Grace, it is true, sometimes we need to work to change ourselves. Accepting yourself for who you are doesn’t mean never making any efforts toward change for the better. However, you also need to be happy with who you are, know that we love you because you’re you, and most importantly: Love Yourself! You are a beautiful, happy, sweet child and it doesn’t matter if you’re short or tall, thick or thin, purple or green. All that matters is that you live your life in a way that makes you happy and that you’re kind enough to think about the happiness of others as well!
Gracie my love, you are the center of Mama’s world. When you’re sleeping, I can’t wait for you to wake up. When I’m out without you, I can’t wait to come home and give you kisses. You are the most precious treasure in my life. For the most part your life will be full of joy and happy adventures. Unfortunately, sometimes life will be hard, painful, and confusing. That’s just the way it is. But you will get through it with God’s Grace, the love of your family and friends and your own inner strength. No matter what, through the good and through the bad, Mommy loves you more than anything in the world. You are my Gracie Girl.
I love you,
Mama
