At Costco today, two women wearing burkas (traditional Muslim head scarves), commented on the boys and how well behaved they were sitting in the shopping cart. They were trying to show their own children that our kids were good examples and they should be more like them. We laughed back and forth and exchanged pleasantries about our children. I told the woman who was leading the conversation that my boys were far from quiet, but they put on a good front in public. We talked about their ages and typical things people with kids talk about when they are greeting each other. We wished each other a good day and carried about our separate shopping trips. We were united in the fact that we were women. We were moms who clearly each loved our children very much. We were humans. Although I am used to being a spectacle when out in public because of the twins and my red-headed beauty, I was not prepared for what I felt today. People were walking past us and glaring. People were looking at the Muslim women with repugnance, and then looking up at me with a hateful look in their eyes. Clearly, I can’t read minds, but some of the looks I received were quite obvious. How could I be conversing with Muslim women after the night club shooting in Orlando? I thought maybe this was me just being overly sensitive, but Todd (who was lucky enough to be on this shopping trip with us) said he noticed it too. I was greatly taken aback by this, and couldn’t help but think, if I was feeling this way, I can not even imagine what the other women, and others like them were feeling. It just was not right.

I am downright sickened by the senseless, cold-blooded shooting in Orlando. It was inexcusable, morbid, and hateful. The actions of one man altered the lives of many families forever. It altered the hearts of the American people. I am truly scared to be raising my children in a world where hate is acted upon in mass shootings. I am a firm believer that hate is taught. It’s not something you are born with. You are not born with a damaged soul and a need to hurt others; that is learned. The shooter was a hateful person, but you know what? Those people that are hating on an entire community of people for the actions of one person are no better. Why do it? Why give the Muslim women in Costco who were shopping with their children awful looks? Why look at me like I am a traitor for being kind to them? It just isn’t right. I want my children to know that they should treat everyone with respect, until it is no longer deserved. You treat people the way you want to be treated. This is kindergarten fundamentals, but many adults still can’t grasp the concept. I think most people would agree that I am a very kind person and respect everyone. That is not to say that I won’t allow you to directly hurt me or my love ones. I won’t take that. But until that point, you respect people.

Everyone has different religious, political, and personal beliefs. That is what makes us great as humans. We are all different, and that’s okay. That’s what makes us unique. We are never going to have an entire population of people agree on everything, but if we could all stop teaching hatred and start embracing differences, maybe the world would be a bit better place to live in. Nobody should be afraid to be who they are. Spread love.