Curfew & Quarantine

On Saturday morning, William and I completed our online Zoom birthing class. In addition to all of the standard information, we were also informed about all the COVID-19 protocol. By the end of the course, I started feeling the pressure to get everything in order, especially packing our hospital bag.

One implication of COVID is that food options are limited at hospitals now. Vending machines carry germs, and the gifts shops are closed. So we were advised to pack a lot more snack options. I also needed a baby thermometer and some postpartum supplies. I don’t get out much, usually just the doctor’s office, but I decided to mask up and head to Target, where I could get everything on my list.

Not long after I arrived, an announcement came on telling us Target would be closed in 30 minutes. It was only a little after 6 pm, but I thought maybe this was some new COVID protocol to clean the store. While I was there, three more announcements came on urgently, telling us to leave the store. While I grabbed my last snack items at the back of the store, I had three associates urge me to go to the front. There, every register was opened to rush people out the door. That’s when I realized they were preparing for protesters. This was the first night of curfew, and I wouldn’t get the push notification from the government for a few more hours.

But there I was standing in line, crazy pregnant, mask on, and now being rushed out the door by security, associates and police and told to head home.

For a brief moment, I felt sorry for myself. Looking around at the craziness, the scene was dystopian, borderline apocalyptic. I was mad that I couldn’t have a normal pregnancy. I have been practically homebound for months to keep my baby safe from COVID. Then, the first time I dare go out to get supplies for the hospital and postpartum, I’m rushed out the door in a panic.

For a brief moment, I felt sorry for myself.

But then I started to think about all the ways I need to prepare to raise and to teach my child, not just feed and clothe him. The protests are a reminder to me that hatred and bigotry are not learned. Racism is taught and often legislated. It’s a choice.

But apathy and ignorance are also a choice. White people can choose to raise their kids away from issues of race and justice because they have that option. People of color do not.

I have been very encouraged by the number of my former students who have been taking part in peaceful protesting and educating themselves on civil rights issues. I have also begun to think about how I will raise my son to be engaged in matters of social and racial justice. I am thankful there are resources available for kids of a young age. I am also grateful that I have a partner who is dedicated to these issues as well.

Quarantine and curfew have not been ideal. I’ve had fewer opportunities to buy cute onesies and satisfy pregnancy cravings. But I have a lifetime opportunity to raise a child in the faith of Jesus, full of compassion and justice, who sees everyone as a child of God with sacred worth. I pray for the man he will become, and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Resources for Educating Children on Racial Justice from The UMC Publishing House