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By now, many are aware of the situation that took place in Minneapolis last week. By now, many have seen the video during George Floyd's last moments.
To be honest, I had to give myself a couple days before I could watch the video. And frankly, I am glad I did. I needed that wake up call.
It allowed me to be aware of the feelings going through my mind while watching: anger, heartbreak, fear, and most importantly uncertainty.
What do I mean by uncertainty? I mean that I'm uncertain on the world around me. It's bad enough that we're going through a pandemic, but to add something like this into the mix? Uncertainty is for sure in overdrive. Watching the video brought up a lot of questions: What is this, who is involved, where is this at, when did it happen, and most importantly....why?
I don't know why it happened, but what I know is that it shouldn't have happened. The law officers I know would tell me that they were trained differently. It is a law enforcement officer's job to serve and protect. That is their motto, and that's what they live by. What happened to George Floyd was not serving and protecting-that was taking away his basic human right to breathe. The law enforcement officers I know would not repeat or even think about doing something like that. To the law enforcement officers of this area-keep serving and protecting, you are doing that in more ways than one. Don't ever forget that.
To George Floyd's family and friends-there are no words for this situation other than I'm sorry. George didn't deserve this, and neither did you. Memorial Day is already a day of reflection and heartbreak for millions, losing George on top of it shouldn't have happened.
I was taught no matter how successful I am, be kind. Being kind is not just opening the door for someone struggling, it is not just standing in line to give your blood to those who need it. It is also being able to ask the tough questions in a way that can drive action. The tough question is "what can I do in this tough situation?"
I don't know the answer, but all I know is that in order to be better, one has to do better. Saying your thoughts and prayers to someone is no longer "enough." We have to do more.
It is up to us to figure out what that "more" is going forward, and when it will happen.