As I rounded the block, I ran into some kids at the neighborhood park.
¿Quieres que te ayudamos con los perros?
Si! Please!
¿De donde eres?
Missouri, y ustedes?
I didn't think you were from here! I could tell because of your hair. We're from Denver. Our mom got deported. Our dad still lives in Colorado. He sends us money. We miss him.
All of that in one breath.
From a boy who is probably no older than my son. Maybe 9 or 10? I was overcome with emotions. I thanked the boys for their help and choked back tears as I walked back to the house with Meeko in my arms.
And here I am, feeling more hopeless than ever. Immigration reform? I put it on the back burner mentally. I've given up on it because my heart can't handle the what ifs. And then I happen upon things like this. Situations like this. People like this. Little boys.
That little boy didn't know anything about immigration law. Or breaking laws. Or jumping fences. Or political parties. Or amnesty.
He was just a little boy who misses his dad and doesn't understand why he has to live in Juárez.
And that boy, like you, would be a U.S. citizen. It would be hard to explain to a young person why their country doesn't want them at the moment, and in other circumstances, why this country doesn't want them from another country. I've been recommending that people watch the 2009 documentary "Which Way Home" on Netflix, to get an idea of how children are motivated.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good documentary and a great thing to recommend to a few nay-sayers I know. I'll have to keep it in mind.
DeleteI didn't know you had a son Em! -kelly fitz
ReplyDeleteYes ma'am. He's 11 :)
DeleteI hope President Obama makes good on his word of using his Executive Power to make some real Reform happen. The Congressionals are too tied to their lobbyists and poll watchers to make a move. Blessed be all the children in the world who need a home.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteIt's been a while since I read your blog, I forgot how much it love it! I read this while I was at work, I had to fight the tears coming. I know what those kids feel like because my brother and I were in the same situation acouple of years ago. I hope everything works out for them and they get to see their dad soon. I always enjoy your blog!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes it's definitely an emotional subject for most people...
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