A moment to pause together in "somber gratitude"

Like many people, I spent the last couple days feeling increasingly raw and on edge as the trial of Derek Chauvin neared its end, closing remarks were given, and deliberations began.  

Emotions were right on the surface.  Thinking about the family, the witnesses, the jury, the lawyers, the millions of people watching and waiting for the notice that the jury had reached its verdict...tears continuously sprang to my eyes (not a great surprise as a highly sensitive introvert who tends to "Feel Deeply.")

I could not imagine how the outcome would be.  I was reluctant to hope.  I was saddened to even have to wonder.  What seemed a given from observation and multiple accounts was not a given based on historical experience.

When the verdict was read - guilty, guilty, guilty - I cried tears of relief and could feel the tightness in my chest loosen.  

And I thought about you.  I wondered how you are doing on this day, in this week, during this time of our present becoming our history.

It is an important moment.  

Noted by the ACLU of Minnesota, "For the first time in Minnesota history, a white police officer has been held accountable for killing a Black man."

Let's pause together, breathe together, and cry tears of relief together that in this moment, in this trial, there was justice.  That a diverse group of jurors could all agree.  That perhaps there is hope for more justice and accountability in the future.  

The road ahead is still long.  The price to get here is still too high.  We will need our sustenance for the next steps.  

Right now, for this moment, I cherish each of the millions of people who, like you, claimed that this death was unacceptable and that demanded that change must come now.

You matter.  You can make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.