Relief

 

I was devastated in 2016 and again - more, actually - in 2024.  I no longer recognized the country where I lived.  Worse, I didn't recognize friends and family anymore; because of their ignorance and hatred was now unhidden.

I worked yesterday for most of the day. I sat at my desk and computer and tried to concentrate on anything other than what the day was.  I mostly stayed off of my social media.  I didn't want hope nor grief.  We've been burnt before and to quote the kids: I just don't have the bandwidth for this.

Pair this with some of Canadian friends reaching out in hope and support.  They, too, were holding their breath over these results.

Then at 8:30 pm, the West Coast polls were closed and I decided to peek.  It takes hours for votes to be tallied on this coast and it's frustrating.  However, races are usually determined by the time the polls close here anyway.

Threads was my go-to last night.  It's much like the bird app used to be; filled with fun, smart, creatives who only want good in the world.  It took less than a minute to learn the House had been flipped. Not only flipped but Beyond Any Doubt flipped.

The results started to post and all the good people were winning.  All of them. And the diversity of the winners: Women! LGBTQ+! BPOC!  Suddenly the political world was going to reflect the real world.

It was stunning.  I had difficulty reading the results to Kevin because the emotions threatened to overwhelm.  Also, I would read one post and another one would appear with more good news.

And the memes...the memes were glorious.  I am so glad I live in a time where memes exist. 

Our Canadian friends messaged after the results in joy and relief.  This whole mess has impacted them so badly and they too are relieved there is change happening.

So, we can breathe again.  In a few months, we can start moving forward. To quote the internet: all gas, no brakes.  We have to keep moving forward.  Sign those petitions, write/call/email your representatives and Congress. LFG!

Sidebar:

May I suggest following these kind folks:

Aaron Parnas - his reporting with his baby daughter on his lap yesterday, using her foot as a mike healed something in us yesterday    He's on all the social platforms and is one of two people I have paid subscriptions on Substack.  (threads: https://www.threads.com/@aaronparnas)

Pictures.of.Sue - our emotional support German who has been cheering the country on from Munich and feeling all the feelings right along with us.  She got up really early in the morning to watch the results and celebrate. (threads: https://www.threads.com/@pictures.of.sue)