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In the wise words of Maya Angelou, "We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike."
Last week was quite a week. Balancing the demands of parenting a middle-schooler alongside the fast-paced rhythm of work felt like a whirlwind of activity.
Amidst this busyness, news of Nex Benedict's tragic fate flashed across my Instagram feed. Nex, a teenager just a bit older than my own son, was bullied to death by three girls in the restroom of Owasso High School in Owasso, Oklahoma. Their life ended tragically, victims of relentless bullying that had persisted for too long.
Throughout the week, and even into this one, my thoughts wandered during work hours to the crucial importance of our communities. We must embrace all children as if they were our own. Nex's family loved them dearly, just as we cherish our own children. Parenting, with all its complexities, reminds us that despite our political and social differences, every child deserves safety and the chance to grow. Every mother deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing her child is safe at school.
Motherhood, I've come to realize, is a journey that transcends boundaries, a journey with the potential to bridge divides if we allow it.
As mothers, we carry within us an inherent wisdom—a profound recognition of the worth and dignity inherent in every child. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, compounded by a news cycle that often highlights our differences, it's all too easy to lose sight of this sacred calling.
True motherhood is not about exclusivity; it's about inclusivity. It's about weaving webs of connection that span communities, cultures, and continents.
It is only when we, as a collective motherhood, unite in our resolve to love and protect all children that we can truly foster a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and flourish.