The Countdown
It’s been awhile since I actually wrote something personal and substantial on my blog. My mom pointed out this fact to me earlier this evening. I don’t post a lot anyway, especially compared to other Tumblrs, but when I go quiet for weeks at a time she worries. So, I decided to check-in despite my tired eyes.
After class this evening, I opted to walk and talk with my mom down 23rd St. despite the unusually chilly temperature. Btw, since when does winter start in October?! We exchanged updates and overall I left the conversation thinking how strange, different present day New York and my world back home in the Northwest is. In the past few months, I’ve had friends who have lost their jobs or have taken pay cuts all in the name of a poor economy. My parents have both undergone surgery and are paying thousands of dollars because insurance will just not cover enough- even though, in my dad’s case, he was the victim of a car accident. And most heartbreaking, my 86-year-old grandmother, who lives alone, spent $4000 (a lot of money given she has no income) to rewire the heating infrastructure in her home, so that she could afford to heat her home in the winter. Oh, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be sticking it out solo in New York for Christmas. This is depressing stuff and it’s really hard to shake, especially when it’s one thing after the other…
When I got home I noticed the Obama TV special was DVRd, so I settled in and pressed play. Obama has had my vote for awhile, but regardless, my emotions were running high tonight and his timing was right with this special. It moved me to tears. He didn’t talk about being a “maverick” nor did he attack his opponent’s personal character, but what he did share was the stories we all hear every day. And more importantly, he told us what he is planning to do about it.
I know Obama’s election will not “change” America over night, but every bone in my body tells me he’s what our country needs right now. Sigh, and now the countdown begins… six days. Despite the distractions of Halloween and the NYC Marathon, it’s going to be a nerve-racking week full of anticipation for the words I want to hear.
