The annual celebration of lights was set at 7pm in downtown Phoenix. Our Saturday night meeting let out at seven but a group of us decided to run up to the 7th and Indian School to catch the end of the Parade. Along with our four women, the little girls exited about a parade, were three children; Jacob, Skyler and Jacob’s little sister.
All packed up and ready to roll I was captivated by Skyler’s mom, Kathy. She spoke to her daughter about the greatest word; Love.
“What’s the greatest word Sky baby? Love! Can you say love?” Skyler wasn’t in a speaking mood due to new people in the environment but I got the impression that this conversation was had regularly.
We set down the road two cars and five adults and three children with high spirits. The 202 dropped into the ten, we opted for the 51 that dropped us two miles from our destination. Parked about a mile down from Indian School we set out stroller in tow towards crowd gathered. I stopped at a local coffee shop for some hot chocolate for me and Jacob. The rest of the party continued up near the Jack in the Box.
The people were lined up the street, bunched at the four corners and standing on trucks in the gas station parking lot. Vendor walked up and down selling their parade wares. Neon ropes for a dollar were the most popular. Pam purchased two bubble guns that not only spit out streams of bubble bullets but also lit up in a myriad of colors.
I headed into Jack in the Box to bring out some dollar burgers hoping the line was moving quickly. Jacob’s mom was standing in the bathroom line, ironically it ran through the restaurant and blocked the cash registers. That line was only two people deep. I returned out front burgers and curly fries in tow. Pam and Jacob had settled at a nearby table with his little sister. His mom was now at the ten minute mark for the bathroom.
It was a cold evening as people were dressed in their Arizona winter wear. One man shared our table drinking two tall cans of Bud light. An old friend that used to stay with my ex showed up. After initial hello’s she launched into a list of complaints and accomplishments.
I have a girlfriend. I want to strangle her kids. We live together. I did my jail time. I have a job. Oh and How are you?
Thus furthering my belief that lesbians initially only have one thing in common; other women. That is a whole other subject for a blog. Hell it could even be its own page.
Jacob’s mom appeared retrieving her infant daughter and preparing the children to move to parade watching spot. Jacob wasn’t interested in waiting as the floats were coming ever closer. I watched him walk into the crowd near the street. I decided to follow, thinking at least he wouldn’t get lost.
Kids have amazing navigation skills. In less that a minute he was at the front just in time to catch the first float; a big rig carrying Santa’s Sleigh.
Rooted to the spot, one hand clutching the bubble gun and the other holding both a half-eaten hamburger and now cold, hot chocolate, Jacob stared in wonder. The half-dozen kids to the left and right of him mirrored his same look of awe.
In ten minutes I received a phone call asking if I had Jacob with me and where were we. Could I bring him to where they were standing. Naturally the wonder of cellphones are overlooked except in these moments. Jacob on the other hand refused to move. He had the spot, the parade was going and he was determined not to miss it. Clearly only a mother’s touch and word would get this kid to break from the never ending stream of lights, baton twirlers and clown procession.
Right now, as you are reading this one of two things is running through your mind. If you are a parent its, “Who is the adult here, pick the kid up and move him to the rest of the group.” If you are open to the awareness of allowing children to think for themselves without forcing them to conform to your idea of right its, “Nice job, the kid knows a good spot.”
Logically I understood his mother’s request. At the same time I understood Jacob’s request which originated from his soul. Often as adults we make choices from our minds using logic, intuition, and emotion. Only children possess the courage to lead with their heart. Such a remembrance we all need, especially at this time in our lives.
A marching band paraded past with a hip drum line. The next float was a Humvee, it rolled past slowly, carrying none other than the Sheriff of Maricopa County, Joe Arpaio.
I had personal interest in Sheriff Joe, having followed the New Times paper’s story; “Are your Papers in order?” The front cover depicted a blue-eyed white male in all black, including a ski mask pointing a nine millimeter Glock. I found it equally interesting that Sheriff Joe chose to ride on a military issue Humvee which looked more like a tank. The crowd began its jeers, boos, and taunts while the Sheriff sat atop his military vehicle waving. I was contemplating the symbolism of his float and the obvious military justice he dispensed in the town of Guadalupe.
My thoughts were interrupted by Jacob’s question, which crested above the boos and straight into my heart.
“Why are they booing him? Who is he?” He looked at me with a complete innocence. This was a moment that I would call a God Shot. As adults, parents, guardians and the like we have a responsibility to answer questions the young pose. Even more pressing is how we answer them. Do we superimpose our own ideals and beliefs? Or do we encourage them to make their own decisions based on facts?
Growing up I was given this opportunity except on certain issues. Those of race-mixing, prejudice, government, homosexuality and religion often carried with them a ‘its this way because I said so’ teaching. Then reinforced by the fear of ridicule or interrogation if I did happen to disagree.
I leaned down to Jacob’s level and said. “That is Joe Arpaio, the Sheriff of Maricopa County. People are booing him because they don’t like his immigration platform.” confident I had relayed facts and not my own personal belief I stood back up and watched Joe’s Humvee rolling past. Jacob looked back at me as the rear wheels faded from his view and asked, “What does that mean?” I smiled realizing that I had spoken in way that he didn’t understand. I leaned forward again, “He treats people of a different color differently.” again the facts and nonjudgmental. I stood back allowing Jacob to make up his own mind about the issue. A minute later he asked me a curious question.
“Is that really him or someone else?” the question shocked me that I answered immediately. “Its really Joe.” I was wondering what would make him ask such a question when Jacob said to me, “I would have booed him too.”
Out of the mouth of babes, and a child shall lead them. There are many sayings relating to the innocence of children. I find that the word ‘innocence’ is misleading. Implying a need for protecting. Children really possess the quality we look for in leaders, friends, family and lovers. They possess the courage to speak the truth.
Yeah, Jacob, I would have booed him too.
with love, Rochelle Foulk, Author
Rochelle Foulk 