Yes, Popsicles! How do popsicles and toy guns fit into this short diary, you ask? I will enlighten as much as I can. As a bay area denizen, the shooting of 13 year old Andy Lopez in Santa Rosa hit too close to home. You see, I have family (my sister) who lives in Santa Rosa by way of Rohnert Park. Her youngest son is about the same age, and he too loves to play with toy guns and yes, still loves popsicles. Full disclosure so do I.
I live in the South bay and my oldest is eleven, loves popsicles and yes toy guns too. Trying to explain the justification behind the Sonoma sheriff deputy shooting of Andy Lopez was difficult. What explanation do you give regarding a sheriff shooting a kid seven times? Andy Lopez was only two years older than my son that could have been my baby. I don’t like to sugar coat the realities of life from him because as a young boy who is a minority, his safety depends on him being aware of the truth.
Sadly, it dawned on me, that it was just last year that we sat and discussed the shooting of Trayvon Martin. It was 5 years ago that I had to explain to a seven year old about the shooting of Oscar Grant. He is eleven years old for goodness crickets. He is in the sixth grade. The only things he should be worried about are completing his weekly homework packet and whether or not the weather this week on Halloween will be dry for trick or treating!
Remember when popsicles put smiles on everyone’s faces and toy guns were just that, a toy, a non threatening toy? Me too.
Just thought I’d share my brief thoughts while watching my son enjoy his Popsicle. I think I will join him.
My first diary. Thanks for stopping by.
