Breathe.
R. B. Wood
Perhaps you heard. We, in America, had a bit of an election on Tuesday. The results were…infuriating to me. Depressing.
Frightening.
I’ve been near catatonic since early Wednesday morning.
I have LGBTQ+ friends who have removed themselves from social media out of fear. I have another friend who’s daughter was heckled and referred to with a racist slur just because she is black. The kid is eight.
There are other stories. But let me share one about my 16-year-old daughter.
She FaceTimed me last night in tears, terrified–like many of us–at an uncertain future.
“But what can *I* do?” She lamented.
“A lot,” I told her. Get involved, learn about what it means to be a citizen of this country. Work hard to fight for what you believe in. Do good.
I blinked after I said that. Why aren’t I already doing that myself? I thought.
I told her I loved her and that she is a powerful force, an intelligent, vibrant individual with so much to give. After we disconnected FaceTime, I started my research. I *could* do something. But what?
In Boston, there was an organization called “Crittenton Woman’s Union” which is now “Economic Mobility Pathways” or EMPath for short. They work to help people through the fundamental values of inclusiveness, diversity, mutual respect, support, and learning.
I’m calling them in the morning to volunteer my services in any capacity in which they can use me.
Being an American is advanced citizenry. It requires hard work. Sometimes, there are tears involved.
But this is not a time to throw up your hands. This is not the time to “move to Canada.” This is a time to roll up your sleeves. It’s time to say no to hatred and make sure the worst of us do not get to the best of us. This election was a wake up call for action.
It will be hard, maybe even impossible to fight the threatening darkness.
But goddamn it I’m gonna try.
I’m getting involved. How about you?
‘But in the end it’s only a passing thing, this shadow; even darkness must pass.’
– Samwise Gamgee
