JustMOMsensations

What do I know about racism?  I know I feel outrage for a Muslim woman who was attacked , reportedly by two Caucasian 20-something men in Toronto on November 16 th , following the ISIS attacks of the previous weekend in Europe and the Middle East.  It was reported she was picking up her children from school.  How must her kids have felt as they watched their Mother being taken to hospital?  How do her kids feel safe after that? I know my stomach churns with the knowledge that the Peterborough Mosque was set on fire that same weekend.  Over $100,000 was raised in just over 24 hours for the repairs – but that does not change the fact that hate lit a match of fear in a place of worship.    I don’t know what it is like to walk down the street tense, guarded, in fear someone could act on their hate for what my appearance represents to them.   Wolf calls from men as I walked by did not give me any idea what it’s like to be afraid for my safety because I look differen

As with 9/11, this last week weighs heavily on so many of us.  Obviously all of the ISIS attacks and the humans lost, families mourning are top of mind.  Each day my heart gets heavier when hate and rhetoric spew from people in my own circles, out of what I believe can only be mishandled fear. I have actively and passionately thrown facts and love in the face of each hurl of bigotry and ignorance I witness.  I believe we can neutralize negativity with extreme light and love.  Yet in the wake of these efforts remains a lingering disappointment for some of the people I have respected and cared about throughout my life.  I won’t be quiet to sidestep conflict any longer.  I won’t accept excuses of age, fear and statements like “people don’t change – no point in arguing”. There is a HUGE point to argue. Terrorists rely on fear, divisiveness and hate to facilitate their goals. Terror can’t live in a house of love.    I refuse to be afraid of ISIS.  They are radical e

“A silver SUV nearly hit my daughter – I pulled her out of the way just in time.” “Man hit by car at Bur Oak and Cornell Park.” “Speeding cars short-cutting down lane-ways - 5 feet from where kids walk out.  Accident waiting to happen.” “Driver ignored school bus sign and told me to &^#% off when I called out a reminder.” “Lady walked right out in traffic without looking at 9 th line and Hwy 7.” “Girl 4 dies, after being struck by vehicle in Markham.” All reports from social and traditional media within the last month.  One precious child died in Markham on October 22nd, 2015.  Her sister also hit, hospitalized with serious injuries.  Enough is enough.  A family tragedy.  A community outraged.  If I am honest with myself, I might have been a less careful driver before I had kids – when it seemed to make sense to drive faster rather than leaving 10 minutes earlier.  Now, with two kids I walk to and from school daily, the carelessness of the few