The Neighbors, Part 3: Rose

The years have not been too kind to Rose. I often wonder what she looked like when she was young and just married. Allergies and genetics give her bags under her eyes that always make her look tired. She is fighting off diabetes with excercise and diet. Her doctor didn't think she could do it. Her doctor underestimated Rose. I bet many people do at first.


Rose is white, her husband, Danny, is black. Rose stayed home to take care of their son, Immanuel, until he reached school age. Staying home was the right thing to do, she said. At the time, they were living in the projects... not the best place to raise a child. One night a bullet shattered their front window and knocked the drapes down while Danny and Rose sat in the living room. Rose took cover on the floor. Danny ran back to make sure Immanuel stayed safe in his room. They were determined to get out of the projects, so once her son was in school, Rose went to work.


About 15 years ago, they finally left the projects. A friend of Rose's rented the house to them for a good price, and eventually Rose and Danny were able to buy it from him. Rose planted a flower garden out front, and they have made major improvements to the house since buying it.


Life in this neighborhood hasn't been easy either, however. Because of their mixed-race marriage, most neighbors shunned them, and prejudiced kids would yell racial slurs at Immanuel . The old woman that lived in our house before us once called the cops when Immanuel's basketball rolled under her bush. Rose got teary-eyed as she told us how much she appreciated us just accepting them for who they are.


In spite of all this, Rose is not afraid. Rose is not afraid to tell you the way things are. She is not afraid to open her arms and love those others won't. Rose is not afraid to ask for help when she needs it, and she gives help when she thinks you need it. I wish there were more Roses in the world.