People are taking their flags down. People are not proud of this country. Women in this country have lost their rights. EVERY time I pick up my phone there is some new and horrific news item.
I have to balance the fight with the gratitude. Gratitude for what? For how far we've come? For the freedoms we have? For the foundations we were built on? NO TO ALL OF THAT. I am grateful for the idea though. There's a concept worth fighting for.
PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR DAMN MINDS and I have a young child. I want him to understand and know the beauty of something worth fighting for. He has to know something besides the fight. Members of the next generation have to believe in the dream of a better country, a better world. They have to know what it is we must fight for.
I remember happier times. I remember little moments. Many parents try to "make memories" with little pockets of happiness, adventure and tradition. We have to. Maybe it's a family outing, a consistent routine, a special event. "Remember that time we went to the beach?" (or toasted marshmallows, saw fireworks, went camping, etc.).
No, I am not proud of our country right now. I will be, though, when we all vote and make change. In the meantime, I will still wash down the patio furniture and toast marshmallows. I will barbecue and light sparklers. It's not giving up or giving in. It's making memories. It's taking time to recharge and strengthen. It's remembering what it is that we are going to fight FOR.
With Love,
T
