The Chase VI: Final Destination

Nice title right?  That sounds like a title for a movie.  I'm intrigued myself, like I don't know what direction this is heading.  If you follow my work here, then you know that I've been talking about The Chase for years now.  It's been a continuous adventure with many twist and turns.  I won't say that it's been fun.  It has been an eye opening experience.  When I met Alishia, I wasn't looking for anything.  I had talked myself into the bachelor's lifestyle.  Our story will never get old because it sounds unbelievable.  But it's true.  We weren't supposed to be together.  But we were.  I wasn't ready when she came into my life.  There is really no way to know when that life changer comes along to flip your world upside down.  Of course my wife the date of our first date.  Me, I don't have a clue.  It was a day and it was a date.  That's about all I can give you.  Who knew that date would lead to one of the best things to ever happen to me.  The connection is undeniable.  People see us in public and they think we are just acting.  The way we are in public is the way we are at home.  We love being around each other and it's organic.  Nothing is forced.  It did take a minute to get there.  That comfort level we have now took work to get to.  Our own existence as Mr. and Mrs. Freeman was its own experience.  We are truly newlyweds and we have just enjoying our time together.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I love to make her happy, unless it has something to do with snap chat.  I truly have a beautiful wife.  She has this new obsession with makeup, but she was fine without it.  When we go out, she gets looks and I have no insecurity because I know she is crazy about me.  Showing her off has become my new hobby as she is dressing like a super star more often.  I always thought she should show off, but it took her going on vacation to let people know that she is a star.  Enough about the physical.  She is my inspiration and the reason that I am stepping out of my comfort zone more.  If I had her fearlessness, I could conquer so much more.  Watching her and getting to know her, you realize that her family is so important to her foundation.  Her heart is too big measure and makes me want more out of my own ambitions.  I like to just watch her interact with people.  She is that social butterfly while I watch before diving in around people.  At times we're opposite, as well as compatible.  It's an oxymoron I know, but it's true.  She accepted my daughter as her own and they get along so well that at times I'm taken aback by it.  There is no one else that I even considered marrying seriously.  Sometimes you just know.  Our families have known each other for years in a totally different city that Alishia and I have never been together in.  Our union was destined to happen.  I spent the past two weekends with her family and they took me in just like I've always been around.  I even got an award just for marrying Alishia.  I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but it happened.  I appreciate it and I acknowledge what it means.  My wife has her flaws as well as I.  Our strengths and weaknesses play off each other so well that we have a perfect union.  I'm looking forward to what is coming next.  The first thing she told me was that we were getting married.  It was a joke that become reality.  I'm thankful for her everyday.  I don't show it well, but I do adore my wife.  I'll never be good enough for her, but I'm better for what she brings to me daily.  Now if I could only get that stomach to grow.

Lives

Tensions are extremely high at the moment.  Any time you turn on the news, there is some talking head defining Black lives, or Blue lives, or All lives.  Everybody has an opinion on the subject and not many people are listening.  I'm no different.  I have an opinion on the subject,  There are people who are trying to deflect what the issue is by saying that "All Lives Matter."  That is a true statement, but that is not what is being addressed with the "Black Lives Matter" movement.  I heard people compare it to a cult and even terrorist groups.  That is ridiculous.  It's a cop out.  I remember back in my younger days, if somebody was making fun of you and you didn't have a comeback, you said, "yo mama."  Done.  That was enough to start a fight.  It was also the easiest way out without admitting defeat.  It's the same thing comparatively.  If you don't have an answer, deflect.  It's the oldest trick in the book and it's also the lamest.  Just admit defeat.  The BLM movement is not about dividing, but bringing attention to police brutality in the Black community.  That's it.  People are offended by the name and are coming up with any reason to downplay the meaning of it.  Maybe if it was called the "Black Lives Matter Too" movement it wouldn't receive the backlash it is.  All these other issues that people are bringing up to spite the movement is just another form of deflection.  Talking about background checks and putting up mugshots is deflection.  I'm sure that the officers weren't running background checks before they showed excessive force in arresting Alton Sterling.  The video is damning evidence that is impossible to defend, but the justice system is twisted.  Paid administrative leave is a paid vacation.  He needs to be indicted.  Shooting him six times shows his life didn't matter to those officers.  Shooting into a car with a child in the backseat is just callous and showed that none of those three lives mattered.  If all lives matter, where are all those pro-life supporters who stand outside abortion clinics, rain or shine, all day?  Where is the NRA defending Philando Castile's right to carry?  You can't tell me their disappearing act isn't racially motivated.  The current climate feels like the Civil Rights Movement from the '60's.  I would love to hear how that generation feels about what is going on right now.  Are we wrong for wanting justice?  Is it too much to ask to not be judged based on skin color?  People who think racism doesn't exist should follow me around at work for a day.  It won't take long.  I live in the south and have all my life.  Sometimes people are oblivious to racist actions.  And I don't want to hear the Blacks can't be racist.  They can and are, whether it is justified or not.  Our lives mattered when we were brought to this country, but we were seen as property.  We are not property.  Why is it so easy for anyone dedicated to protect and serve to take a life in the first place?  It's why police are looked at as villains in the Black community.  It's happened too many times without repercussions.  In every situation there has been a "yeah, but."  But he was a convicted felon.  But the toy gun looked real.  But he was part of the neighborhood watch.  But he was selling illegal cigarettes.  But he looked suspicious.  It's time to lose the "But."  I might lose some friends, but true colors come out in situations like this and honesty is necessary.  I love my people.  We are creative and gifted.  But now we're angry.  Change has to happen.  That is all we are asking for.  Anyone not understanding that needs to do some soul searching on right and wrong.