R____

R_____ looked at me and was on the verge of tears. “Oh Max, thank you so much. You are making me cry.”  That wasn’t my intent. All I’d done was tell her that if she ran into problems, call me and I would help. It’s a shame what we have come to as a nation, when a person feels threatened by some of those around her. 

R_____ has worked for us for about two years. She helps around the house every couple of weeks. I should point out she is Hispanic. I should also mention she is here legally, and a citizen of the grand ol’ United States of America. 

Evidently that’s not good enough for some people. When she arrived at the house last week, she and Cathy were quietly talking. Later, Cath relayed R____’s concerns to me. Recently she had a conversation with another one of her clients. The client, who is white, went on and on about immigrants and how we need to get rid of them. All of them. She didn’t differentiate between legal and illegal immigrants, just that they needed to go. R____ listened patiently but said little, and eventually the lady finished her rant and R____ went about her business. 

I’m not sure the client quite saw the irony of complaining to an immigrant about immigrants. Or maybe she did and was trying to make a point. Or maybe she was just a clueless idiot and the irony was lost on her. 

I spoke with R____ after Cathy told me the story. I told her if she, or her family ran into any issues, to let me know and I would help at once. Any issues at all – call me and I would respond as quickly as I could. That’s when she started tearing up and thanked me. I tried to put her at ease and reassure her. It’s a little embarrassing receiving thanks for only doing what is right.

R_____ is rightfully concerned. She is a single mother (divorced) with two sons. She knows what is going on in this country. She hears the comments people make. She sees how some people treat anyone who is “different.”  She loves America and her life, but is concerned about the future, both for herself and for her sons. 

After leaving our home that day, she drove to the Registrar’s Office in Warrenton, where she planned to vote early. I did not ask her how she was going to vote, but I am sure I know the answer. 

We now know Mr Trump has been elected and will become the 47th president of the United States. I’m not too happy about that, but for R_____, there are greater risks in her future. Those in this country who cannot seem to look past skin color or ethnicity, will be further emboldened as they try to fashion their white bread world. 

God help us all, but maybe God can help the R_____s of the world a little more.

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