Yesterday was John's and my 53rd anniversary and though neither of us felt much like celebrating, we celebrated anyway, dammit!
John prepared lunch at home (filet mignon, sauteed shitakes, baked potatoes, and green beans) and brought it to the facility, along with china, cloth napkins, and silverware. Bubbly too. And we enjoyed a meal together -- me in the hospital bed, him in my wheelchair, while we shook our heads over the election results.
Though flight to Canada or New Zealand has its appeal, we're not going anywhere. Our move to the farm, back in '75, was in part due to the unsettled political climate of that era and was intended to give us a life that could be close to self sufficient in scary times. All that's in place still.
But my heart breaks when I read on Facebook posts from Muslim-Americans and African-American and LGBT folks who fear for their safety in this post-civil society. My heart breaks when I think that this country will be in the hands of climate change deniers. My heart breaks at the thought of the undoing of abortion rights . . .
For better or worse, this is still my country. And while the Republicans in charge of all three branches of the government will own the coming changes for better or worse, those of us, the popular majority of us, must dig in for a long opposition.
I know that not all Trump supporters are hateful racists and xenophobes-- many were voting in hopes of lower taxes, better jobs. Many were voting out of a profound dissatisfaction with and distrust of government.
I don't agree with them and I have doubts about how things will work out. But we'll see.
The positives I take away from this long, bitter election season are the friends of all persuasions I've made on Facebook -- friends of a diversity not available in my 'real' life. And most of all, the many women who were empowered to speak out about their own negative experiences with the patriarchy -- those women won't be silenced any more. Though our candidate didn't succeed in breaking that glass ceiling, it's full of millions of cracks that can never be repaired.
16 comments:
I feel the same, Vicki. As always, you say it so well.
Sending you speedy recovery wishes...
Happy anniversary! Glad you got to celebrate. I like your sentiments too. Political waves come and go and the wise and/or fortunate ones of us have crisis-proofed as much as we can - so we rode out those high interest rates in the 80s and those low ones lately and things creak a bit but life goes on. We support those who are struggling and we speak out where we can against injustice. Sadly, I fear we are on the cusp of irreparable damage to the climate.... but we do our own bit and hope that love, friendship and compassion in our own ever-widening circles makes some kind of a difference. My life is that little bit richer for knowing you and seeing how life in your neck of the woods seems to look. Each of us has some gifts to share. Politics will play out - but far more important right now is your body healing steadily and getting you home, back to your centre. In the meantime I'm so glad your loved ones can visit you with goodies to enjoy. Every blessing to you.
It is a very confusing time, but it seems like you had a fine anniversary celebration, or at least the best that you could under the circumstances. Congratulations.
Happy anniversary! I have decided to commit myself, overtly and more emphatically than ever before, to love. Yesterday was a donation to the area food pantry, a new squeaky toy for my dog and a "feel good" care package for a friend with health problems. Today will be a thank you letter to the Obamas and to Hillary, plus an order of buttons - one for me and the rest of the package for my daughter and her friends - showing I'm a safe ally to LGTB people. And so on. I have to believe that the arc of history really does bend toward justice and in my actions help that to become a reality.
Safety and trust. They have again become issues in daily life, and I thought immediately how our liberal church meetings with a black minister and many LGBT members had established a safety committee. There were times we used to lock the doors once a women's meeting started at night. This was after a sister UU church in Knoxville had had a shooting on Sunday morning and people died. These days will impact my life again, as well as many others.
On the other note, personal relationships and love (as Karen said) are the keys to happiness. Hope you and John celebrate many more happy anniversaries!
Wonderful post, eloquently said. Happy anniversary, and I hope you will be out of the hospital soon and back home.
I really love Karen's approach to this new reality!
I wish you and John a very Happy Anniversary! Lovely to celebrate that happiness in a joyful, delicious way.
We cannot predict how Mr Trump will feel after his meeting today at the White House.
Let's keep positive in our day to day interactions and listen to, and help, each other.
xo
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! John is definitely a five-star husband, bringing in all the food, china, and bubbly to celebrate. It's all about choosing the right partner. Seems both of you did just that.
Happy Anniversary both of you. I'm glad you had your celebration. Your husband is a star!
Over here in England we are watching all the news with great interest and much sorrow. If I was Obama, I wouldn't give Trump the time of day.
Perhaps California, with an economy the size of France, will secede from the Union and then Obama can go and be President there.
What a sweet guy your husband is, and how lucky the two of you are to have had a long and happy marriage together. May you have many more years of harmony and love! Cheers Vicki!!
I love your spirit and John is quite the catch! Happy Anniversary! I needed your words today more than usual.
You found the exact wise words Vicky. I am sure something good will come out of it, one way or the other. D. Trump said a lot of nasty things but once he sees the reality of what is in the files in front of him I hope he will brace himself and do the right thing.
Happy Anniversary. What a nice way to celebrate.
Congratulations Vicki on yours and Johns anniversary. You gotta celebrate especially when so much of the news is disheartening. It helps keep the blues away.
XO Vicki!
Happy belated anniversary. I love that you and John got to have such a fine celebratory dinner at the facility! As far as the election goes... I feel the same way. It has been a difficult week, and this is just the beginning.
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