Humanity

Humanity, Racial Justice / 04.06.2020

The image of Mr. George Floyd, face down on cement, handcuffed, with an officer’s knee cutting off circulation, calmly expressing his emotions and struggles while police look on has become a rallying cry for the oppressed, unheard and unseen. It’s my cry. I am not black, but I know what it feels like to not be seen, heard, loved, and valued. My oppression came at the hands of family, specifically my parents, not the police state. It came from the stories of societal expectations, cultural norms, faith-based learning, and the training of should-dos. “Dad and I are attending a vigil for...

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Belief, Humanity, Self Love / 24.01.2019

As far back as I can recall I wanted to be old. Daadi called me an “old soul”, someone who had been here before, experiencing life for a second time around. She was a devout Muslim, but growing up in India surrounded by Hindus and Sikhs, their cultural norms seeped into her Soul, widening her spiritual being to encompass more than one view of the Spirit. Even though she rarely discussed it, I sense she was a firm believer in reincarnation, the rebirth of the Soul into a new body. “Samita, we need another player for taash,” one of the elders...

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Domestic Violence, Humanity, Immigrant / 10.10.2018

Recently, I shared with a friend that I believe in magic, angels, compassion cures all hate, God speaks to me – regularly and most gently, and unicorns must smell like cotton candy. He didn’t laugh. He didn’t call the police with a 5150 (his Dad’s a former police chief so this term isn’t new to him). He didn’t even question me. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve been friends for over 33 years and you’re accepted: 100 percent, authentically, and genuinely loved for who you are. It feels good. It’s scary being us, allowing people into our world to discover...

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Family, Humanity, Love / 12.04.2018

Fairly early last Sunday night, before heading off to bed, I had requested Damon be on the look out for a tired, crampy, menstruating Samita huddled in a cocoon-like shape in bed in the morning. “If I’m still in bed at 6:45, could you be so kind and take the boys to school?” I asked, knowing that on the rare occasion I’m asking for assistance, Damon will say yes. It’s always polite to ask even after (especially after) almost a quarter century into a relationship. “No problem,” Damon replied. “You rest.” The house phone was ringing and ringing and ringing. Leia answered. My...

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Growing Up, Humanity, Immigrant / 08.03.2018

A large black and white poster of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (almost) kissing hangs in our office above the computer desk where I do most of my writing and book-keeping for our family and business. The poster harkens back to an advertising campaign that Apple launched in the late 90’s to “Think different”. Besides Ball and Arnaz, Apple had the likes of Amelia Earhart, Jim Henson with Kermit the Frog, Cesar Chavez, Ghandi, as well as others, all visionaries in their field. I Love Lucy premiered in our home in the early 80’s, three decades after premiering on television in...

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Growing Up, Humanity, Immigrant / 01.02.2018

The trauma of poverty is real and resonates long after there is money in the account, food in the fridge, clothes on your back, shelter over your head, cars in the garage, and decades have passed. The clothes in the dryer were smeared in one or more places by the cherry red ChapStick which I forgot in my jean pocket. The heap of clothes, which smelled like laundry detergent, cherry ChapStick, and curry (the natural smell of our home) were immediately dropped to the floor as opposed to the awaiting laundry basket. Much like the clothes, I collapsed on our cold,...

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Belief, Humanity, Love, Women / 16.01.2018

On any given Sunday, a sea of hats, in all colors of the rainbow, is visible before you set foot on the grounds of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in South Central Los Angeles. Women, men, and children in their finest fill the entryway with vibrant colors, matching the rich laughter and greetings, as we are welcomed by Reverend Cecil Murray. My mother-in-law has always been very involved in her temple: from a member when Damon and his sister, Dawn, were younger to one of the first female presidents of Temple Isaiah. Mom has exemplified what it means to...

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Belief, Humanity, Love / 27.12.2017

His name was Benny or at least that’s what the stitching on his work shirt read. I don’t know her name. I guess I could ask my neighbor, but I relish the fact that we were total strangers, never having met before, and possibly never meeting again. As one of the few stay-at-home/work-from-home parents, I have the honor of not only retrieving my children after school but the children of two dear friends - five teenagers in all. Snack time is a must when “my kiddos” come home: fruit, veggies and dip, a sweet treat, chips and dip, fresh baked banana...

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Belief, Growing Up, Humanity, Religion / 19.12.2017

Christmastime is near and dear to my heart – raised as a Muslim, married into a Jewish family, and parenting three spiritual beings – heart. During the hottest days of the summer when temperatures top triple digits in our area and swimming under the desert sun is even unbearable, Damon will often come home to Christmas music resonating from our kitchen while I prepare supper. On some days when there is no rest for my weary soul, I call upon Jesus as well as all my other deities, but His name is uttered from my lips most often, asking for...

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