Coming Home

by Brittney Griner

My kneeling was a sign of just how much I love our country. My ancestors helped build this nation. My father spent his career defending it. I take pride in being American, especially after being imprisoned in a country where public dissent can get you killed. Here, freedom of speech is our right. Exercising that right makes me more of an American, not less. Sit. Stand. Kneel. Protest. The beauty of our homeland is that we have a choice.

The crowd roared as I entered. Many wore 42 jerseys and waved “We Are BG” signs. I stood for the national anthem, teared up at its new meaning for me, stood proudly for the reason I once knelt, because I cherish my homeland.

Trauma recovery isn’t immediate or linear. There are stumbles forward and backslides. Healing is usually measured in years.