Be The Voice
I started this business 5 years ago to create something for my son and for other kids like him. Something that might provide him comfort and support; something as simple as a pair of pants. Through this company I have been able to connect with parents around the world. I have not made a dime of profit but I have heard some of the kindest accolades from people grateful for a little extra help in their journey with hemophilia or just parenting in general. For this, and for all I have learned, I am so grateful.
Today I sit here in disgust with what I read in the last 24 hours. I realize I am late in the game from when this story broke but I knew once I allowed myself to read the details it would take a lot for me to unwind the sadness and refocus on the happiness in life. Last night, my husband and I read about what is happening in more detail at Penn State. Say what you will, for me this story is not about did they do the right thing, it’s a matter of did they do enough. In the last 24 hours I cannot erase that image from my mind about what this man witnessed another man doing to a child. To a child! How does one live with themselves after seeing such a thing. Sure you can say he went to the authorities but for years after this man was still working, walking around campus, and working with children. How could he think to himself this was a one-time thing and even if it was, how could he think it was okay for him not to be disciplined for his actions.
I am writing today to tell you to please, BE THE VOICE. I feel so strongly that it is our duty in life to stand up for what is right, especially when someone else can’t. All politics aside, I think we can all agree that all people, and especially children, should be treated with love and not ANY form of abuse. I can think of incidences right now in my life where I have seen adults turn a blind eye. I am not talking about abuse but situations none-the-less where an adult voice is needed and yet they don’t want to say anything. All too often, people are afraid of speaking up.
I was so incredibly fortunate to grow up in a family where speaking your mind was taught and honored. I also went to an incredible private high school in Pennsylvania (Germantown Academy) where we had monthly town meetings on various topics. People stood up to say what they thought. People discussed and sometimes argued but we were taught to do speak out in a respectful and courageous manner. When you had something to say, you stood up and spoke. That is how it should be.
In the Penn State situation, these people in my opinion did not do enough. They spoke out on one level but perhaps did not follow up to the point of stopping what was happening. You might ask, do we have the power to do that? Yes we do. One of my favorite quotes from James Baldwin is “For these are OUR children. We will all profit or pay for what they become.” In my opinion, it is our God given duty to protect the innocent. Make life better for our children. Make the world safer and cleaner than how it was perhaps for us. I am not saying that through Bruz Wear I have changed the world. But this small act was for the betterment of children with hemophilia and beyond. Let us all be motivated by making things better.
I dedicate this post to all those children who suffered because of this neglect. The children from the Penn State abuse and children who are abused every day. I pray that we as adults learn to speak up for those who can’t. I hope that more people set their sights on doing things for the betterment of our world and our children, beyond the almighty dollar, the number of wins, the press. Do what is right. Be the voice.
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