The Many Faces of Men



 

This month brings into two awareness campaigns and reflections.  It's Pride month and I want to say I love you to all my friends and family who live their lives authentically.  I have not always been the best ally and I am grateful for learning, growing and using my privilege to lift your voices.


Also,  June is men’s health (mental) month.  


As Father’s Day approaches I think of the lineage of Father’s in my life.  I see my husband who is the newest father to adapt into the role of father.  I think of my father whose father I never met and I think of my “oh so cool” grandfather.  


Men have many faces in my life and their presence in my life is rooted in my heart.  I have a fondness for creating spaces of safety and care for the men in my life even when it’s met with, “I am fine.”  I probe and poke, “are you sure you are okay?”  “Yes, I am fine.”  I have resorted to the statement, “if you are not okay, it’s fine.  If you are okay, that’s fine too but I just want to hug you.” The men in my life are kind, loving, endearing and precious.  As someone who is married to Black man I know the world does not always treat you as precious members of this society.  I know there are things I will never know that occur throughout your psyche.  I know there are forced smiles that will be witnessed by my eyes but your eyes will tell me a different story and I will reserve my questions and interpretations for a day when you are ready to talk.  


I hope that the men in my life will find their care and support through their families, friends and other communities of support.  I hope the men in my life know they are loved and cared after by me and more.  I know the men in my life deserve the world and I am grateful for all that you have brought to me in my life.  My husband has given me the gift of being a mother while also having a life that is not solely rooted in being a default parent.  My father has given me the gift of charm, humor and storytelling.  My grandfather has given me the gift of parables full of wisdom.  My friends have given me the gift of a bond that is full of stories, nostalgia and laughter.


To all the Black men in my life,  I love you.





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