Christian Educators' Journal

Waiting for Madison

Part 1 of 12

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

Photos throughout this essay by Charles R. Snyder

Before leaving my parents’ house that night, I can’t resist the urge to shock my great aunt and uncle who have unexpectedly dropped by to visit. Within five minutes of their arrival, my Aunt Barb has told my mom she has big feet and my dad that he has graying, receding hair. I think maybe they can use a little disruption in their snowbird lives.

“Yeah, we’re going to a welcome-home party for the former Death Row inmates who were pardoned yesterday by Governor Ryan. It’s on the 4800 block of South Michigan.” South Michigan, an area of bittersweet memories for many of my ancestors, an area most of them fled when black people started moving in. “I’m hoping we won’t be home too late.” And with that we are out the door before Aunt Barb’s mouth has closed.

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