Happy HanChristzaa

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I'm sure I'll be shunned.  I'll be forced to hide in my house, beneath the covers from the masses.  How dare I?  Don't know you know how wrong you are, they'll say?  Racist!  Evil!  Right wing christian conservative! Ignorant!

These ideas in my head, they've been around for a while.  I've had my mind FILLED with these evil thoughts.  They were amplified on Dec 11, at my son's school concert.  They've reached the overall top of the jar, spilling over as of late.

As I was at this holiday concert, there were no holiday songs that were sung.  Why?  Because 1 student was a Jehovah's Witness, and her family would be offended and 2 Jewish students were offended.  Granted, I'm not the most religious type of guy.  We attend the Methodist Church sporadically, and yes I teach sunday school and my kids attend it also.  However, I wouldn't be offended at a holiday concert if Hanukkah songs were sung, or if the limited albeit extremely polarizing and racial history of Kwanzaa was showcased also.

Put that Christmas Tree in the front.  Place that Menorah RIGHT next to it.  Light the candles, 1 night at a time just as appropriate.  Teach my 7 year old and 4 year old what they mean.  I have NO issue with that.  If you are a Jehovah, abstain for such festivities.  Explain that when these lessons are taught, have your child get library time.  Why deny what should be a joyous and festive occasion to small children?  You don't have to sing "Away in a Manger" for 30 minutes straight, but a nice version of Jingle Bells or Eight Little Candles (to the tune of "Ten Little Indians") never hurt anyone, last time I checked.

All I see is a world while preaching diversity and unity, taking it away.  Making everyone conform to one simple standard, being ashamed of their religion.  They use the mistaken guise of "Separation of Church and State"  Quick lesson, that actually means, not taking God or Gods out of school, but not having the government force a certain religion following on any one person, that everyone has their own right to choose whom they follow.  There is no reason that all religions be ignored.

How come we have to call it a holiday tree?  Last time I checked, (which was a good 1/2 hr ago on wikipedia) was that both other major holidays around this time of year don't use trees.  One uses a Menorah and the other was, and I quote from Wikipedia "Kwanzaa symbols include a decorative mat on which other symbols are placed, corn and other crops, a candle holder with seven candles, called a kinara, a communal cup for pouring libations, gifts, a poster of the seven principles, and a black, red, and green flag. The symbols were designed to convey the seven principles"


 Now, I'll step on my soapbox even more.  Those who know me, know this holiday is a bit harder than the other ones.  Something missing for sure.  It also has taught me a lot.  It has made me thankful.  Thankful I have 2 healthy little boys who are the light of my life.  That I have a wife who I love dearly, sickness and health, better or for worse.  Those vows have new meaning after February.  I'm grateful for my mom, more than ever.  Whether she knew the right words to say, when I needed to talk or just get it off my chest, she was there.  She didn't overwhelm or smother.  She kept her distance when she needed, but made sure I knew that she was there when I felt it was getting too hard to deal with.  I grateful for my grandmother.  Probably the biggest heart and innocence of anyone I know.  My extended family, I thank you for being there.  A phone call or quick car ride away, especially if Belinda needed you.  To Mary and the group, god only knows my personality is a piece of work, especially with lame jokes.  You've supported us, held us, helped us cry, been there for us.  We tried to show how much your friendship and love has meant to us with the small tokens that we've given, but we can never truly show how much you've meant to us.  The fact that you're a facebook message or a text away from being there INSTANTLY just amazes and confounds me.  I've lost a lot of people I once considered friends with what happened, but I'm proud to call you all friends.

To my boys, you are too young to read this on the computer (as you aren't allowed to surf the net) but you will someday.  Kameron, my oldest son.  You are one of my heroes.  You fought to survive at first, but you fought hard.  And now, you're a glowing 7 year old, one of the smartest boys I know.  I know you have sadness and anger, and that you try to hide it so no-one sees it.  I also see the other moments.  The gentle caress when Mommy is sad, or trying to help everyone you can.  You are afraid to dissappoint and eager to please.  You are loved and always be loved.  

Taylor, my youngest son.  You have a devilish twinkle in your eye that I've heard some say comes from me.  You are rough and tumble, and like things in their particular order.  You have the world in your fingertips with your smile, and the laughter will always keep you young.  You know so much, even if you struggle to get it out.  Don't lose that twinkle, it can change the world for you.  You are loved and always be loved. 


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