The Aftermath: Return of the Taurus

I've been doing so much reading lately, there hasn't been much time for writing, and when I do find a moment to gather thoughts and words, they're in the form of letters, postcards, and e-mails to my legislators, demanding that "The D," as Beatrice refers to him, be held accountable for the catastrophic, possibly treasonous things he is doing to our country in only his first month on the job. Some are directed to our state representatives, because they're no better. They're worse in some ways, because they actually live here among "the people" and should have a better understanding of the needs and concerns of everyday Tennesseans and priorities more aligned with seeding our economy, nurturing real job creation, addressing our crumbling infrastructure, and appreciating the diversity of their neighbors instead of focusing on onerous social issues - "legislating the Bible," as it's called - which will potentially pull millions of federal dollars out of our state, legalize discrimination and bigotry, and isolate us from the kinds of organizations and businesses we need and want when they are considering where to locate.

Emerging from the cloud of despair I felt for weeks following the election hasn't been easy, and there are still dark, sad, angry moments - whole days - but networking with others both to share personal stories and create meaningful change has brought me to a new place of strength, perseverance, and motivation where the things that have always mattered now matter even more.

I can't lie. The lead-up to and fallout from the election have been hard on a lot of relationships - mine included. I've lost some I'd long-believed were solid-to-the-core, and no, they didn't end because of differences in politics. They ended because of insurmountable differences in core values. They ended because I will not tolerate those who cheer thought of burning our democracy to the ground. They ended because Lucia, Beatrice, and all the little children deserve a future with clean air, clean water, a livable planet, quality schools and healthcare. Choices. Freedom. Justice. ALL of them - not just the ones who look a certain way or believe a certain thing or adhere to a certain ideology.

I've been mourning. Two days before inauguration day - on Jack's birthday - a dear friend lost a long battle with cancer.

The sum of all things has been a lot. Like getting hit by a truck. But I'm up, I'm at'em, and I'm gaining steam. My lights are on. I'm wide awake, and for everything I've lost since November 8th, with the exception of the irreplaceable Kim Petty (damn, I miss her), I realize I've gained something better in return - strengthened friendships and family relationships, new connections with great people, valuable insight into myself, confidence through vulnerability.

I don't know what's coming at us in the future, but I'm ready. And I'm present.