As a parent, I feel that it is my job to keep our children safe, healthy and happy.
I know that I can't protect them from every aspect of the world we live in, but I am going to do my best to try.
The other day Kobi and I went to one of the parks here in Franklin. Kobi was all excited when he got out of the car becasue there were so many kids there. As soon as Kobi and I got to the slides, the parents looked at their kids and said, "Come on, it's time to go." There were about 6 to 8 kids there. One lady went as far as to give me a dirty look.
As I expected, Kobi started crying because he couldn't understand why all the kids suddenly left. I just told Kobi they probably had to go home to have lunch. It was around 12:30 when we got there. We have had problems at this park before where one parent actually told her daughter that they had to go to a different park. Yes, there are plenty of parks around and we could've gone to a different one but this one is convenient for us and easy to get to as well.
My concern for the children that had to leave with their parents is how many of them will grow up with the values of their parents? I guess Mark and I were lucky. We had parents who would always go the extra mile to help someone. I am so grateful to them for teaching us good values.
Unfortunately, Kobi is at the age (he is 4 1/2) where he is really starting to notice things. He is not stupid. You could tell he sensed something wasn't right. In all fairness, we have encountered so many nice people who think it is wonderful that we adopted Kobi. There are still just those few out there who just don't get it though. Kobi is a child and has no clue what racism is.
I know the day will come when he is older and really understands the world a little better that Mark and I will have to be honest with him. Like with our daughter, Erica, we will teach him the difference between right and wrong and hope that he understands what values are.
My hope is that someday discrimination of all races will be obsolete. A gal can dream, can't she?
