Racism Reared Its Ugly Head

Tonight, Belen and I made our routine, not-so-quick, trip to Wal-Mart. Wherever we go, it is inevitable that someone will make a comment about how lovely she is. Belen seems to catch the attention of many. There have been a few times that the looks were more a form of indifference or even nonacceptance. My view is that is their choice and loss, and I go on about my business. Tonight, proved to be something we have not experienced as a family...Filthy, Disgusting, Vile RACISM.

Belen and I passed a couple with a new born when turning down an aisle, when I realized that was not the aisle I needed. That meant we ran into the couple again immediately only to hear filthy, disgusting, vile words spoken by the man about my family. To be honest, my first reaction was confusion. Within a split second, my confusion turned to anger. As I continued to shop and sort out what had just happened, Baby Girl and I ran into them again. This time, this vile human being began to speak the same words directly in front of us until the woman told him to stop. Some of you reading this will think I am exaggerating when I say I felt such an evil presence about him, but it is true. He is an evil, vile, despicable human being, and I truly felt that presence. I should have kept walking, but the protector in me stopped, clinched my teeth, and glared. If he would have said one more word, I felt I was going to hit him. Even though Belen could not have realized what was happening, I still felt he was attacking my child, and I was not going to let that happen.

This incident occurred about 2 hours ago, but I still feel extremely sick to my stomach. I think I had prepared myself as best as I could for the indifference and the nonacceptance, but not for complete, utter hatred. Does anyone have any advice, a website, or reading material, that I could use to help me better handle myself in these situations? I know one book I am going to pick up as soon as I finish this post. Right now, because of my feelings toward that man, I need the Word to consume me.

Pictures Paint a Thousand Words...Plus

Papa Gary is holding his beautiful, dancing ballerina.

I do believe that is the cutest, little lady bug I have ever seen.

Look, Grandma! I can sit up on my own!


Years down the road, I will be in trouble for posting this one.

I know I haven't posted in over a month, but as you can tell by these pictures, I have been a little busy. Belen is truly flourishing, and I love being a part of every moment of it. She can now sit up on her own and play. With a little help, she can also stand while I hold her hands. Her vocabulary (Ma Ma, Bah Bah, Pa Pa, etc.) grows daily. She mimics sounds whether she hears them in surrounding conversations, on television, or the radio. It can be quite humorous at times. I believe she is going to be a conversationalist. Yes, like her mother.

I just wanted to give a brief update through pictures showing everyone how well my little one is doing.