State of the union

Aftermath

The morning after
I woke up ten, maybe fifteen minutes before my alarm
I checked my phone in the quiet dark
really just to confirm what I already knew
I leaned over and touched my partner's side
asked her what time she needed to be out of bed

We left the room and were greeted by
somewhere around six inches of snow
like a wet, heavy blanket
thrown over the city
a message to
be still and listen

I took my tea and sat alone,
like any other morning,
and wept quietly
Tears for my partner
For my friends and family
For my two nieces both under the age of five
For two close friends going through high risk pregnancies and their husbands
For my clients
For my communities, but especially the queer and BIPOC communities
For myself

Then, after the quiet contemplation,
I went and shoveled the snow
Went to work after
Still trying to make a difference

j.s. 2024

To quote my good friend and co-founder Chavone, "in times like these, it’s tempting to focus on the anger, the disappointment, and the fear. Yet, when we let those feelings consume us, we risk leaving no room for compassion. We can lose sight of the kindness that is so desperately needed in the world. This is a time to look outward, to see where we can give, where we can serve, and where we can be part of the solutions we so dearly wish for. By embracing compassion, we find purpose and can make a tangible difference, no matter how small."

I was reflecting on how it's been such a tough year, collectively and personally. To be honest, it's been a tough several years now. I thought of my parents, of the adults around me when I was young, and wondered how much effort it took for them to shield my brother and me from the hardship of reality and adult life - if perhaps, in some better past, maybe they didn't have it so hard. But if I take a step back and really think clearly, it's much more likely that life has always been difficult, but it's not just difficult.

There are better days, beautiful moments, and deep connections that help us stay afloat amidst turbulent waters. For as long as is needed, turn to supports and batten down the hatches. Take the time to grieve, to mindfully wonder what will come next, and when ready - emerge with strength and hope for some stretches of smoother sailing ahead. With good people around us and eyes focused on the horizon, we will make it through.

In discussing the election results and the future implications of that with Chavone and our peers, I’ve come to the realization (albeit begrudgingly) that we as a community have survived this before. We have survived worse, even, as Chavone has added - “As long as people can’t own people, this won’t be the worst president we’ve ever had.” While there can and likely will be many policy changes that will greatly impact the safety and quality of life for many, we must choose to stand strong in the face of adversity and difficult times ahead.

Get out there, be well, keep trying.

- Jonah