Girls from all walks of life dream of one day marrying their prince charming. They spend a lifetime thinking about what their wedding day will look like, who will attend and of course what they will wear. When this day comes they hope it will be their forever after. On May 19th Meghan Markle, the girl from Windsor Hills, took the hand of her Prince Harry of Windsor Castle from across the pond. Five years earlier on the very same day, I took the hand of who I thought would be my prince charming. And although our journey did not last, the new Duchess of Sussex, a biracial and divorced girl from America, gives someone like me the hope that love is still within reach and the importance of being true to oneself is enough.
For most of my life I’ve been an open book. I chose a profession where I oftentimes share my personal life with the hope that it will help others glean from my mistakes and triumphs to live a better, and hopefully happier, life. Sometimes we put ourselves, or others, in a box that limits our thinking of possibilities. As a biracial and divorced woman myself, it warms my heart to know the new Duchess of Sussex broke through the shackles of what some would believe to be impossible. For a biracial divorced woman who is also an American to catch the eye of a prince from the United Kingdom and not only become his wife, but also his partner in destiny, is inspiring to so many.
I recently heard someone ask the question, why do Americans have such an interest in the Royals when we fought two wars to separate ourselves from them? There are so many books, movies and even Netflix hits such as “The Crown” that fascinate us with their everyday lives. Many Americans have family connections tracing back to England. Truth be told, all of us have roots somewhere other than this young country called the United States of America. We are all connected in this tapestry called life. Just like the prettiest needlework items that are made up of lots of beautiful colors on the topside, the flipside oftentimes has tangled pieces of thread that visibly look a mess. This analogy is representative of many of us. We are made up of many different colors, ethnicities and backgrounds with a lot of mess in our lives, but we can make a very beautiful piece of art when we come together in harmony.
Meghan Markle’s name will go down in history and her children will mark a new generation that connects the two countries and the blending of different cultures separated by “the pond” known as the Atlantic Ocean. This one act of love and marriage will hopefully help break chains of racism, sexism, and hate across the globe. The question continues, “what will each of us do in our own worlds to help break down the walls that separate us from family members, from neighbors, and the people we work with?” Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones and areas where we have pre-judged (prejudice) others in order to help make our world a better place?
Meghan’s journey to Windsor Castle may have roots right here in our own backyard of Windsor Hills, but we know she has become a global citizen. Her beauty, compassion, intellect and smile have the ability to warm the world. Let’s wish and pray the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex all the best for a fruitful, long and happy marriage and let’s do our part to be kind to others and help make a difference right where we are planted.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org. Wendy is a coach, consultant and speaker. You may email her at [email protected].
