Y’all Don’t Know

Y’all don’t know what parents go through on a daily basis. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to raise a child from birth, guide their maturation and send them out in the world. Y’all don’t know the terror that grips you when your child falls. Y’all don’t know how quick your breath catches when they choke on their food. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to have your whole life invested in their safety. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to scrutinize everyone they come in contact with: teachers, doctors, coaches, bus drivers, tutors, sitters, friends, family, and loved ones. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to be driving, see another child walking alone down the street and crane your neck to find their parent. Y’all don’t know what it’s like for the arrival of your child’s bus to be delayed 5 minutes and why it feels like 5 days in torment. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to have to spend the night with your child in a hospital bed. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to lie to your child telling them “it’s OK” when they ask to play at their friends house, perilously outside of your vision. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to have representatives draft and pass legislation to eliminate your child from consideration. Y’all don’t know what it like to watch the news and hear that someone’s child was abducted, drowned, beaten, shot, attacked, raped, molested, murdered, their body found stuffed or discarded as if it wasn’t worth the world and know that you can’t protect your child from the world outside the four walls of your home. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to see your child’s school’s number displayed on your phone and send your heart-rate through the roof. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to have to pick up the phone and just hope. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to have to take a lap around the building just to calm your nerves after simply being reminded about back-to-school night. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to hear someone say they hate kids having never loved one. Y’all don’t know what it’s like wishing you could live forever just to be sure there’s someone to love, nourish, and protect your child. Y’all don’t know what it’s like to have someone masquerade as your child’s friends, and earn their trust only to get close enough to wound them…or worse. Y’all don’t know.

I just wish y’all knew. #JusticeForKennekaJenkins