Hatred

Although I posted a note about it on my twitter page, and shared a link on FB, I hesitated to share about my cousin's story until now. For one, details have been sketchy, and until I talked to my aunt in length, I did not want to say much. As well, it is his story, his experience, and I do not want to force it out there when/if he was not ready.

I'm still going to play on the safe side, expressing some details, and concentrating on the feelings surrounding this...I guess I don't even know what to call it.

My aunt texted me on Wednesday, to tell me B had been jumped on Tuesday night, and was in the hospital. The details were sketchy, his dad was flying out, and we knew he'd "recover" but had some healing to do.

Details are still coming in, but we know he was jumped, beaten, and left on the sidewalk. His face was the main target, with several bones in his face broken, including his nose and jaw, a concussion, and NONE of his personal belongings were taken.

I guess that is where the disbelief comes in. Yes, he is gay. Was this a gay hate crime? Did a group of teens (or whatever age they are) jump him because he is gay? We don't know for sure yet. It was a senseless beating in any case. There was no motive, nothing stolen, no exchange of words between the parties.

Simply a man, walking down the street, cruelly beaten. Again, my disbelief is impossible to put into words. Why?

B had surgery yesterday, and more to follow. They put a hinge over his nose for now, worked on his jaw and one cheek. He will take weeks of recovery. His medical insurance is minimal.

I can say only for myself, and my family, that others sexual orientation is not my concern.

I can say I do not believe in this type of crime, and that is something I think we can all stand behind.

I can say the world would be a better place if we all operated under the umbrella of love. Idealistic? Absolutely.

But I believe in the human spirit, the innate goodness that resides within each of us.

How selfish soever a man may supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it. A. Smith

It is tempting to become jaded when we experience something of this nature, hear of such a senseless crime. I'm going to concentrate on sending love, awareness, and understanding to the world. I'm fairly certain that is going to go further then hatred anyway.

B- we love you.