Monday, January 23, 2017

You made a difference


https://acceptingchanges-maybe.blogspot.com/2017/01/arleen-goes-to-washington.html?showComment=1485201049939#c18537138550012937

Friday morning I woke up and sensed a palpable negative energy in the world, like a cold skin had been placed on us all. The sky was slate grey and blackbirds corralled in my yard picking at the ground. Thank God for children and their divine ability to distract us all from the troubles of life. When they came home from school going on and on about tests and what their plans for the weekend were, I felt myself lighten up a bit.

Friday was the inauguration, and no, I didn't watch. It may be history, but so are sinking ships.

On Saturday things weren't that much better, really. I went about the house completing my errands, conducting a mental dialogue about the groceries I needed to pick up for the week ahead: sack lunches for the kids, dinners, hand-held items for bus-bound pre-teens. By noon the clouds thinned just enough to see a spark of sunlight; it lightened my emotions as I took Henry for a walk. Still though, my heart felt depleted like that of a twenty-year-old after being broke up with. No hope for reconciliation, just a dull pain and going-through-the-motions to get through it all.

Later on I watched the news and saw all the women who had gathered together, not only in America but across the world, and it was if the real sun finally come out. Everything changed. These weren't bitter women, these weren't violent protests or refusals of truths, these were people of all gender, age, status coming together to say: we count and we won't put up with bully tactics from anyone. Not now, not ever.

I can't stop thinking about how amazing it is. Thank you to all who went out and marched. I feel like a jerk for not being there too, but I am glad that the ones who were supposed to go, did. Thank you. It made a difference. You made a difference.

I loved reading Arleen's blog post today about her epic journey to one of the marches on Saturday. Truly inspiring. We should all be like her in action and in spirit. You rock, Arleen.




8 comments:

  1. My daughter numbered among the demonstrators in her city, Chicago. I feel a measureless pride in that assembly, and in her. Just keep raising a rational family, Amy. Sometimes it takes a generation or two to get rid of a bad idea. If I can do it, anybody can.

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    Replies
    1. Glad to hear your daughter was there and I love how proud you are of her! Wonderful!

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  2. Marching was just the beginning. Their is much to do to keep up the momentum and the reasons for the march.

    I feel so proud to have your support, Amy. Thank you.

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  3. I loved Arleen's blog as well. And I love yours. Keep strong xx

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  4. I think many of us who have not been activists are beginning to ask ourselves the question "what can I do?". Hopefully this will encourage more of us to be galvanised into positive action for positive change whatever form that may take. It's a very new area for me! Arilx

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