Confidently tune into the election returns on the evening of November 8, but slowly realize your side got it all wrong. Dip into son’s Halloween candy as your anxiety level skyrockets and watch the map of the U.S. turn as red as the faces of the pundits who predicted a Clinton win.
Wake up feeling somewhat sick—not sure if it’s the results or all the fun-sized Snickers bars consumed.
Spend several days in a state of shock. Seek solace in nature. Take your dog on more frequent and longer than usual hikes in the woods and begin to suspect he is a Trump supporter.
Read vitriolic posts from Trump supporters that continue to bash Obama and his social policies and wonder, “What’s the point?” Though you suspected there would be a fair amount of gloating.
Watch with distress the protests and violence from both sides of the divide. Change your Facebook profile picture to that of a safety pin—the symbol of solidarity with vulnerable, disenfranchised groups.
Find yourself publicly berated on Facebook for doing so. Decide to take a “Facebook fast” during this time of divisiveness and great uncertainly.
Remind yourself that hate and blame are convenient ways of making meaning, and choose not to participate.
As a troublesome Trump appointment is announced, sign a petition and call several offices of GOP Senators. Be polite yet firm, and then be done with it.
Decide to deal with your own problems.
Use up your monthly yoga pass in a week.
Continue to show up to your life. Set alarms, pack school lunches, meet obligations, do laundry, go to meetings, make dinner, pray for forgiveness.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Reread again and again the inspirational words of Maya Angelou: “My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.”
Kate Ericsson
Roanoke
