You know my story. You know my son was killed in 2012 by a man who shot 10 rounds at him, because he and his friends were playing music in their car. A man unloaded a clip on my son and took his life. So as you can imagine, Mother’s Day is not a normal day for me. 

This week has been an extraordinary time for our gun safety movement here in Georgia and nationwide, with extra attention on the vicious murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, GA. Attention that was only paid because a viral video of the shooting was released. 

First off -- I’d like to say that, you shouldn’t have to have a viral video of your son or daughter being shot and killed simply to get justice for your family. And second, I know the pain the Ahmaud Arbery’s family is feeling all too well. I know the pain his mother is feeling today, when he won’t be able to tell her “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.”

Just like me, she’ll never get to hug her son again, make him smile, or embarrass him in front of his friend by telling him she loves him. 

So this Mother’s Day, I’ll do what I have done each and every Mother’s Day since 2013 -- the first one after Jordan was killed. I’ll visit his grave and bring flowers. I’ll think of my favorite memories of him, and mourn a young life taken away from our family and our community far too soon. 

And then, I will think of all the mothers out there in America who take care of business -- personally and professionally -- each and every single day. We are the women who are pulling off triple-duty during this crisis: Making sure our children are home-schooled and doing their “distanced learning,” managing our households while everyone is cooped up inside, and doing our jobs -- whatever they may be during the work day -- just like we always have. 

You see, I never stopped being a mother to Jordan, I only transformed into a “mother on a mission” to end gun violence in America.

So this Mother’s Day, I want to send my support out to every mother who is supporting a family, keeping things together during COVID-19, and who is part of our gun safety fight to keep all of our families and communities safe. And I’m sending my own prayers directly to the family of Ahmaud Arbery, and all of the parents who have been affected by the scourge of gun violence. 

Today, I’m sending my love out to each and every one of you, but especially those of you who are mother’s. Thank you for all that you do.

With love,

-- Lucy
 

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