John explored science with our kids. Inertia names a ball's tendency to keep going in the same direction until it smacks up against a convincing force. It also entails the lack of motion, when an object is sluggish enough to just stay put. John nailed molding to the living room walls to create marble chutes, and zoomed matchbox cars across the floor. He and Lukas built a parabolic reflector from cardboard and tape to capture a quiet voice from twenty feet away and focus it for a poised ear. We glued tissue paper to create a hot air balloon. A small stove generated enough warm breath to fill the space before it was released to the sky. He constructed a box for the kids to observe the latest eclipse with, without damaging their eyes. John did the explaining in science museums on both coasts, because he understands how magnets behave and, well, I don't. Sadly we did not capture most of these adventures on film. We were too busy living life to chronicle it. I claim no credit for any scientific knowledge that fueled our kids' careers in robotics, engineering, computers, and aeronautics. But I did provide snacks. 

 

The verdict that landed this week has reverberated across my world and maybe yours. I am not foolish enough to suggest that my sheltered nook affords me any insights about the ramifications. But I am grateful for the chance to listen to others. 

 

The compounding voices of people thousands of miles apart have been focused and heard. Inertia from centuries of inequality has been rolling over and flattening people of color, and it has taken enormous push back to slow it down. While there are a spectrum of feelings swirling.... relief, hope, grief, exuberance, solace... something has lifted. Maybe the obstacles that eclipse people's rights have incrementally moved. 

 

It is astonishing that a young girl's video could have power against the thundering inertia of racism. My prayer is that one day people who have been holding their breath will be able to explore their lives without needing to chronicle it. 

 

Unless they want to.