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Happy in Paris-a stranger and new friend from Haiti
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When I think about race relations and where we stand today, the only thing I can conclude is what happened so very long ago. I go back in history and then I get it. It's tough I know. How can any one of us
evolve if we don't leave the past behind us? I can understand those feelings too. I'm going through a tough situation with a family member right now and can't tell you how difficult it is even in your own home, when people just don't get along or can make peace, never mind the pain and hurt of a history gone bad.
Bad decisions, bad choices affect us all. It is our kindness that will be remembered; our heroic choices that set and keep us free.
If my stories of how People of Color saved my life affect you, please share your positive stories with me. It's a blessing when we share insightful and positive news.
Cynthia, Edgewater Elementary, Edgewater, Maryland
In 1984, long ago, I was at the start of running wild for what is undoubtedly a great time on the playground, remember it? The innocence. It's called recess. A young African American girl, my classmate, Cynthia (I wish I remembered her last name because I would love to know what she is doing with her life now)..................rushed to my side.
Cynthia saw that I had been badly hurt. I ran onto that playground and ran smack into another youngster. My nose was badly broken to one side of my face and the other youngster, the other elementary school goer, we'll he walked away with a cracked head and several stitches.
Cynthia, had worn a white eyelet cardigan set and her hair was in pigtail braids and she had the whitest teeth and the darkest smoothest skin. She was an angel. That beautiful sunny day she scooped me up into her arms, when no one else would or did and carried me to the nurse's office. There I laid with her on that dark red squishy bench in the nurses office until my mother was called. Cynthia stayed with me and held my hand until Mom arrived. Her hands were smooth.
That was it for me. I was forever in her graces. It didn't matter what color I was. I was in need and she could and did help me. Her beautiful eyelet white cardigan awash in my blood; no matter. She did what came so beautifully natural to her; helping another student in need. She was and still is my HERO. I'm so grateful she had the courage that day to do what she did.
Dr. Buckson, Annapolis, Maryland
In 2007 I underwent in vitro fertilization to start the process of having children. For reasons I won't discuss here right now, I proceeded further, got pregnant straight off (blessed) and organized my first obstetrics appointment for a sonogram. I was excited and very nervous and rightfully so, the doctor proceeded to show the baby's arms, legs and then NO HEARTBEAT. He wasn't the most sensitive when he shared the news. It was awful. My fist miscarriage and heartache. I found another doctor and thank GOD I did because she found the silent reason I was miscarrying and saved more than myself, she saved my daughters too.
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| Delivery Smiles, Hope and Saving Lives |
In November 2009 my girls were ready to bless the world. In the delivery room with an unexpected C-section, I began to hemorrhage and unbeknownst to me but keenly aware was my husband of how rapidly I was loosing blood and so of course was Dr. Buckson. She quickly assessed the situation, got the babies out and got me much needed blood. Some of our everyday heroes go without mention, but today and always I will forever be in Dr. Buckson's graces. She gave me the ultimate gift of life: my twin daughters and my life back and for that I am truly grateful.
Dr. Buckson, a beautiful woman did not and does not see me as different or white or black or purple but as a human being, a mother, a wife, a person who needed her help. This is how I see her: She is strong. She is my hero. She is a woman warrior.
Brian Ferguson, Severna Park, Maryland
One beautiful sunny day in September of 2000 after a delicious meal at our favorite local diner, I was in route to take my dear friend Brian home. An avid personal trainer and friend to many in the area, Brian has been more than a hero to many in need. That afternoon I wasn't prepared for what was about to happen. A semi tractor trailer rapidly derailed my car on Rt. 2 near Baltimore and Brian, my passenger, took control of my little Honda Civic and spun my car off of the front end of this massive truck.
After we landed safely in the middle of a grassy median section, Brian with a smile he has become known for, asked me if I was okay. I was incredulous, albeit shocked that neither one of us came out of that accident with more than a scratch. I was admitted to the hospital in gratitude for my special friend and another beautiful person of color who came to my rescue................Brian. This is how I see him. Strong. Wise. A Hero who wants no credit. Peaceful.
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| A Smiling Hero |
I would never say I'm lucky in life. I'm blessed. Those days where I was saved I count my blessings and think of life in the simplest of terms. We are only supposed to live with our whole hearts; not with bitterness or regret, anger or tears but to go out and make something out of our lives, despite some of the most harrowing circumstances.
My Father's closest friends were beautiful people of color and that's how I was fortunate enough to be raised. To see the world through open lenses. The weeks in Baltimore 2015 will be forever cemented in Charm City's history but I hope this one critical principal stays with the people of the world and this sounds cliche but living in peace and love is the only answer. Reminding ourselves of the smallest blessings and moving forward with grace. I plan on taking my girls to say hello to Brian again and visit Dr. Buckson often in her Annapolis office. Cynthia wherever you are, thank you!!!
