A not-so-everyday story of a white girl pulled over by police

I was pulled over by police the other day
Even though I'm a white girl, I was nervous and even stuttered a bit
I noticed myself consciously putting my keys on the dash and keeping my hands glued to the steering wheel
Even though it didn’t feel like I had to.

I noticed myself verbalizing my movements as I slowly went in my glove box
Even though it didn’t feel like I really had to.

I noticed my hands shaking while fumbling for my documents
Even though there was no gun pointed at me.

Being pulled over (though I was clearly speeding and in the wrong), can be pretty intimidating and nerve-racking.
But you know what?
I didn’t fear for my life.
I never wondered if this was going to be ‘the day.’

I never wondered if I should get my phone out to record what might end up being the only proof that I didn’t do anything to warrant violence against me.

I didn’t feel like I needed to say a prayer of Lord, please just let me make it back home. But just because it’s not my personal experience doesn’t mean it’s not the reality many Black folks live with.

Anyway.
I see you.