11/10/2024
I have run five elections now. My first opposed run- I lost. I remember that feeling like it was yesterday: going to bed with sore arms and legs from working the polls; barely a voice from all the talking, explaining, laughing and crying… and waking up praying it was a dream only to realize - no. It was real. “All that work for nothing” I lamented. I cried the entire day non-stop. And I asked God- Is this not what you wanted for me? I was genuinely confused. The Governor returned me to office within months due to two seats being vacated at the same time my term ended. What a blessing. And I never lost an election again.
For a new four-year term, I am grateful. The opportunity to serve my community for almost 16 years has been a professional dream come true.
Yet and still, I woke up Wednesday with pain so deep and visceral… that I remain… numb. She worked so hard. The combination of pride, excitement, hope and awe was infectious. For a moment, we caught a glimpse of hope that made us believe: now… This (bold, italicize) is America. Writing this post has taken so long because … IYKYK. This heartbreak is familiar but way worse. So much more was at stake.
I remain under the care of neurologists and other professionals for a concussion sustained this summer which has kept me off digital and social media almost entirely. they gave me permission for limited engagement for this election with proper rest and treatment thereafter. Even processing the hurt, the confusion, the unmitigated gall and the fear causes me fatigue and pain. Thus I have written this post over the week with my sanity and health in mind.
Everyone knows how deep my love is for my amazing boys. As an only child without parents, I spent a lot of my childhood, adolescence and young adulthood fighting for ME. cause i thought if i didn’t fight for me- no one would. But i learned i was wrong. that was my Id speaking. Many fought before me; for me and with me. It just took maturity, growth and experience to realize, appreciate and acknowledge it. THEY are the reason I fight. It’s for their freedom I will not stop. It’s for their safety that I must press on. My teenage boys deserve EVERY opportunity. I will fight until the day I leave this earth to see to it that they are afforded all opportunities despite race, shade of their skin, hair texture, affiliations, etc. I will FIGHT. You can’t stop us. Just know that.
The Keep Judge Hands team says thank you, thank you, thank you.
Abundant Prayers to our nation. We need them more than ever before. This is America.
