There are so many headlines featuring black men in the news lately. Stories ranging from the ridiculous- Chris Brown, baby, what the hell!? To the sublime- President Obama. . .regardless to all the hateration I'm still floating on cloud nine. . .a black President?!!!
My husband and I were watching a reality show (Road to Redemption) on MTV starring T.I. and I thought it was great!! He's not trying to teach Hustling 101 nor is he trying to mold the 'hood's next superstar. He is actually trying to make a difference in young people's lives who are headed down the wrong road. On the episode we watched he took a young man to a FUNERAL HOME to see the dead body of a young man who was hustling just like him- to show this kid "this could have been you". Talk about keepin' it REAL!! Anyway, after watching the show and just checking out all the latest news headlines I was inspired to write a letter to the little black boy I'm raising:
My Dearest Son,
I am writing this letter to you from the bottom of my heart to let you know how much I absolutely adore you. You are such a wonderful, smart, funny and handsome little boy and I am enjoying being your mother so much. Although there are times when you try my patience I am extremely proud of you for being so inquisitive and being able to discern what’s reasonable from what’s bullshit at such a young age. I think you will make a great lawyer or politician someday as long as you don’t get things twisted.
In all honesty I would love to chart the course of your life because as your mother I just think I know best. But I promise to try and stand aside and let you live your own life and make your own decisions but I can’t promise to stand by and let you make decisions that I know will destroy your life. The main thing I want you to get out of this journey is to live it to the fullest and always give your best. Get the best possible education you can because that is something no one can EVER take away from you. Pray, read, travel, laugh, always use condoms, don’t lead women on, never hit a woman no matter what, have babies after you’re married and always call your mama.
Although it’s your life I wouldn’t be a mother if I didn’t mention how stupid it would be for you to use drugs, smoke cigarettes, steal, lie or cheat. And FYI- the police will have NO tolerance for you so, please stay out of the criminal justice system until you become a lawyer. Jail is not a place you want to live or visit- do not place that burden on your mother to see her first born locked up like an animal. You may as well cut my heart out of my chest with a dull knife!
You also need to know that I will ride your ass like a mechanical bull if you don’t do well in school. If you are having problems I will be the first person to try and help you either myself, by hiring a tutor or having you tested for learning/ developmental issues. But I will NEVER EVER accept excuses or laziness where school is concerned. I might let you get away with a lot stuff throughout your time with me but NEVER will you be allowed to get over on mama when it comes to school. Besides I already know how smart you are so you have to keep it up!
Finally, never let someone else (including me) define for you what it means to be a man. You are a unique manifestation of God first and foremost and by serving God and your community you do a great service to all mankind. I sincerely appreciate you for being the first person to ever teach me the meaning of unconditional love, patience and selflessness. I hope your star shines brightly for many, many, years to come! There are no "do-overs" in life so be sure you live it right the first time.
Love You Forever,
Your Biggest Fan,
Mama
ALL COMMENTS ON THIS SITE ARE MODERATED. INTELLIGENT DIALOGUE WELCOMED.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Letter to My Little Prince
There are so many headlines featuring black men in the news lately. Stories ranging from the ridiculous- Chris Brown, baby, what the hell!? To the sublime- President Obama. . .regardless to all the hateration I'm still floating on cloud nine. . .a black President?!!!
My husband and I were watching a reality show (Road to Redemption) on MTV starring T.I. and I thought it was great!! He's not trying to teach Hustling 101 nor is he trying to mold the 'hood's next superstar. He is actually trying to make a difference in young people's lives who are headed down the wrong road. On the episode we watched he took a young man to a FUNERAL HOME to see the dead body of a young man who was hustling just like him- to show this kid "this could have been you". Talk about keepin' it REAL!! Anyway, after watching the show and just checking out all the latest news headlines I was inspired to write a letter to the little black boy I'm raising:
My Dearest Son,
I am writing this letter to you from the bottom of my heart to let you know how much I absolutely adore you. You are such a wonderful, smart, funny and handsome little boy and I am enjoying being your mother so much. Although there are times when you try my patience I am extremely proud of you for being so inquisitive and being able to discern what’s reasonable from what’s bullshit at such a young age. I think you will make a great lawyer or politician someday as long as you don’t get things twisted.
In all honesty I would love to chart the course of your life because as your mother I just think I know best. But I promise to try and stand aside and let you live your own life and make your own decisions but I can’t promise to stand by and let you make decisions that I know will destroy your life. The main thing I want you to get out of this journey is to live it to the fullest and always give your best. Get the best possible education you can because that is something no one can EVER take away from you. Pray, read, travel, laugh, always use condoms, don’t lead women on, never hit a woman no matter what, have babies after you’re married and always call your mama.
Although it’s your life I wouldn’t be a mother if I didn’t mention how stupid it would be for you to use drugs, smoke cigarettes, steal, lie or cheat. And FYI- the police will have NO tolerance for you so, please stay out of the criminal justice system until you become a lawyer. Jail is not a place you want to live or visit- do not place that burden on your mother to see her first born locked up like an animal. You may as well cut my heart out of my chest with a dull knife!
You also need to know that I will ride your ass like a mechanical bull if you don’t do well in school. If you are having problems I will be the first person to try and help you either myself, by hiring a tutor or having you tested for learning/ developmental issues. But I will NEVER EVER accept excuses or laziness where school is concerned. I might let you get away with a lot stuff throughout your time with me but NEVER will you be allowed to get over on mama when it comes to school. Besides I already know how smart you are so you have to keep it up!
Finally, never let someone else (including me) define for you what it means to be a man. You are a unique manifestation of God first and foremost and by serving God and your community you do a great service to all mankind. I sincerely appreciate you for being the first person to ever teach me the meaning of unconditional love, patience and selflessness. I hope your star shines brightly for many, many, years to come! There are no "do-overs" in life so be sure you live it right the first time.
Love You Forever,
Your Biggest Fan,
Mama
My husband and I were watching a reality show (Road to Redemption) on MTV starring T.I. and I thought it was great!! He's not trying to teach Hustling 101 nor is he trying to mold the 'hood's next superstar. He is actually trying to make a difference in young people's lives who are headed down the wrong road. On the episode we watched he took a young man to a FUNERAL HOME to see the dead body of a young man who was hustling just like him- to show this kid "this could have been you". Talk about keepin' it REAL!! Anyway, after watching the show and just checking out all the latest news headlines I was inspired to write a letter to the little black boy I'm raising:
My Dearest Son,
I am writing this letter to you from the bottom of my heart to let you know how much I absolutely adore you. You are such a wonderful, smart, funny and handsome little boy and I am enjoying being your mother so much. Although there are times when you try my patience I am extremely proud of you for being so inquisitive and being able to discern what’s reasonable from what’s bullshit at such a young age. I think you will make a great lawyer or politician someday as long as you don’t get things twisted.
In all honesty I would love to chart the course of your life because as your mother I just think I know best. But I promise to try and stand aside and let you live your own life and make your own decisions but I can’t promise to stand by and let you make decisions that I know will destroy your life. The main thing I want you to get out of this journey is to live it to the fullest and always give your best. Get the best possible education you can because that is something no one can EVER take away from you. Pray, read, travel, laugh, always use condoms, don’t lead women on, never hit a woman no matter what, have babies after you’re married and always call your mama.
Although it’s your life I wouldn’t be a mother if I didn’t mention how stupid it would be for you to use drugs, smoke cigarettes, steal, lie or cheat. And FYI- the police will have NO tolerance for you so, please stay out of the criminal justice system until you become a lawyer. Jail is not a place you want to live or visit- do not place that burden on your mother to see her first born locked up like an animal. You may as well cut my heart out of my chest with a dull knife!
You also need to know that I will ride your ass like a mechanical bull if you don’t do well in school. If you are having problems I will be the first person to try and help you either myself, by hiring a tutor or having you tested for learning/ developmental issues. But I will NEVER EVER accept excuses or laziness where school is concerned. I might let you get away with a lot stuff throughout your time with me but NEVER will you be allowed to get over on mama when it comes to school. Besides I already know how smart you are so you have to keep it up!
Finally, never let someone else (including me) define for you what it means to be a man. You are a unique manifestation of God first and foremost and by serving God and your community you do a great service to all mankind. I sincerely appreciate you for being the first person to ever teach me the meaning of unconditional love, patience and selflessness. I hope your star shines brightly for many, many, years to come! There are no "do-overs" in life so be sure you live it right the first time.
Love You Forever,
Your Biggest Fan,
Mama
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment