We All Live in Ferguson

There are answers, I believe that. There are things that need to be done, but aren’t being done. We spent the day yesterday in downtown Atlanta, in the very places I saw on the news last night. I have separated myself from the news for over a year because it’s overwhelming and upsetting, and I feel like I can’t do anything to help other than get more upset. But, it is hard to avoid something like what is happening now.

I noticed people yesterday, had a conscious thought about what color they were, something I have never done before in my life, but have found myself doing increasingly more and more over the last six years. Yesterday I noticed even more, but it was all a good thing. Everyone was helpful and friendly, even though we were at places that can bring out the worst of people, places you have to wait your turn, Vital Records and the DMV. People were smiling and talking across color lines. I never heard anyone mention Ferguson, though Mama over heard a conversation between two older black gentlemen saying they wished people would get upset over the black on black murders in Chicago and across the country, that issue made sense to them. I just noticed babies, of all colors, waiting in the arms of mothers of all different colors. Men of all colors giving up their seats to women of all colors. People waiting patiently together.

There are answers. But, the answers won’t be found in the self serving Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson; they won’t be found in the hate mongering KKK; they won’t be found in the well meaning white college students yelling black slogans; or by the angry black people yelling catch phrases; the answers won’t be found by people burning and looting cars or businesses owned by people who had nothing to do with anything. What we really need, the only thing that will ever work, is for men like Regie Hamm and Johnathan Gentry to sit down together to find a way to teach this country how to live together, with respect and love, for each other and ourselves. If people can get along happily at the DMV, there is hope, if we want it.

https://www.facebook.com/johnathan.gentry.14

http://www.regiehamm.com/blog/where-i-stay/

Jamei

We had to say goodbye to our sweet boy Jamei today. For ten years he was Machaela’s best buddy. He never had much to do with any of the rest of us, until we painted our bedroom blue and then, suddenly, our room was his favorite room. Over the last few years, he would brave the dogs everyday to cuddle with me on the bed.

Machaela rescued him, and he knew it. Ten years ago, we were in Pet Smart and Machaela went over to see the cats stacked in cages against the wall. Immediately, a male, black cat caught her eye. When she asked the attendant if she could hold him, the lady explained that he didn’t like people. She said he was feral, and had been found near a dumpster. She said he wouldn’t let anyone hold him, and was scheduled to be put down within days. Machaela insisted. The lady, still doubtful, let her try to get him out of the cage. It was love at first site. Jamei didn’t resist at all, in fact, he went to her happily and snuggled in her arms. There was no doubt he was coming home with her.

You could tell he had lived a wild life. He had battle scars on his ears and his left eye was damaged. Eventually, his eye would have to be removed, but it never bothered Jamei.

He had the oddest little meow. Unless he was really mad, it came out almost like a whisper. Machaela said he sounded like his squeaker was broken.

He loved steak and he loved lettuce. If either were left unattended he would help himself, using both paws like hands, to daintily eat what he could.

He followed Machaela around, and would come when she called him, just like a dog. We didn’t hear him purr for years, but as he grew friendlier with people other than Machaela, he began to purr more often. He liked to, of all things, have his gums rubbed, and Machael would oblige him. He loved to have his face rubbed most of all and he would get between you and whatever else your hands were doing, to achieve that goal. He’d return the favor by nuzzling your hand.

Even today, when he was so sick, he was gentle and loving.

I have had quite a few cats in my life, and I’ve loved most of them. Never, has there been a cat like Jamei. I know he could feel our love right up until the end. He was a silky, soft ball of pure joy and we will never forget him. There will always be a Jamei shaped hole in our hearts.