Their Double Blessing

Cynthia lived for these events. At first wary of how it might look, she now helped whenever available. Both butting heads sometimes when the other felt they were being overbearing. But they made a dynamo team. Cynthia always wanted to get things running smoothly. Loving the challenge of new things and innovation. Charity was considered an important part of business. Patricia got a lesson in how valuable it was to businesses to give back. Also to have those who were able to keep schedules and other things running on time.

“Thank you for all the donations. Sales will be going to help keep this community from being gentrified. I thank you for coming today,” Patricia said and went to sit down. It felt great doing good and seeing all the wealthy people who came in solidarity of doing the right thing.

“Are there any questions from the media?” Cynthia walked up to the podium. At first Patricia took the forefront but that led to some undesirables coming just to heckle her. Now Cynthia or a representative stood up front at open public events like these. When it was just close friends or a more selective guest list, Patricia was allowed to be front and center. A screen was on stage to help anyone further back see the questions being answered.

“Thank you.” a reporter stood up with a bright smile. “Mrs. Kent, first off thank you for organizing this amazing auction. My question is how do you balance being a stay at home mother with being a social activist?” There had been a warning not to bring up the children. But the media always tried to find a loophole. This was a litmus test to see how far they could take things. If shut down now they might decide not to ask anymore questions putting a stink on the ending of a fine event. Clips would pop up everywhere with negativity.

“I can answer that one. Thank you to all media houses appearing today. Word needs to get out about those in need,” Patricia responded graciously. “Motherhood has been a blessing. I’m among the women who thought they would never have a child. My twins are wonderful and healthy. When it comes to balance I have advantages other mothers don’t. Wealth, a happy marriage, servants and nannies. So when it comes to balancing being a mom and activism I just trust my judgement and the help from those around me. Thank you.”

There was a round of applause signaling that answering was the right choice. She didn’t go into too much details about the twins, but dropped a hint that let the media have a nugget to discuss. Healthy babies and mothers with difficult pregnancies would be enough to keep those wanting personal stories busy for a while.

“Hi Cynthia and Patricia, I’m honored for a chance to speak.” The next reporter rose. “What do you have to say to those who feel that your charity choices are biased? That your focus is on families and black people. Not those from the LGBT and other races?”

There was silence. This wasn’t a question they’d prepared for.

“Let me make something clear. I’m not here to placate anyone. Being black has a huge impact on my life and I will not apologize for that,” Patricia said firmly. “Racism is a serious issue in America. There’s a clear majority white gentrification happening in our community. That affects everyone whether they are black or members of other diverse parts. Gay people are only a tiny portion of those moving here. Which means most either can’t afford or are being edged out of coming. Why that is goes above my pay grade. My charity endeavors are for everyone. If what’s being showcased looks too heterosexual then that’s a question for the media to answer. We have a small outspoken gay presence and they are happy with what has been happening. So take care.”

A cheer came from the back and several gay pride flags waved in the air. Patricia had always supported the gay community. If anyone felt different they were free to prove it.

The rest of the event went smoothly. No one else tried to be that outspoken at the auction. Media was a two edged sword. It was important to learn how to control those dynamics.

The money raised was triple the highest estimates and everyone felt proud of themselves.

“Look at my lovely wife, the Queen of Philanthropy,” George declared from the parking lot as she headed for the limo. “Surprise, I got out of my meeting early enough to watch from the sidelines. Didn’t want to take away from the juicy charity headlines.”

Patricia squealed and ran over to hug her husband. He often stayed away from these charities because the news focused on him not the event. It was great seeing him there to cheer her on. They always supported each other in their endeavors. “I can’t believe you’re here. We were just about to head home.”

“Actually I have a better idea,” George said, holding up a flier. “There’s a drag queen contest happening at the stadium and maybe we can crash it. Show those trying to besmirch our good name that we support everybody. I’m sure they won’t mind the extra press we’ll bring by peeping in.”

Patricia kissed him. She was always going to thank heaven for getting the perfect husband. “Thank you, let’s go.”

The end.