I’m not doing a very good job calming down after this election. I have walked away from the news to find some semblance of control over my emotions (my husband calls them outbursts).
Every day I hope that some crevice of light will break through the fear that is stalking me, but nothing yet. I can feel the fear and trepidation looming over my shoulder like – well – like Trump wandering around behind Hillary at the debate.
Even worse than that is that I seem to have lost my sense of humor. That is an untenable situation for me. I might as well be trying to drive a car without axles; the wheels are definitely going to fall off my life without a sense of humor.
Here is what has me worried- my friends have lost their sense of humor too.
I think it’s a pandemic.
Seems weird that it happened to so many people right around the election. Do you think the two are connected? What on earth could be so bad that we would all lose our ability to laugh, at the same time? Oh. Right. That.
Well, I’ve decided I just have to create a new sense of humor, one that will serve well for the days ahead; new world order, new sense of humor. I don’t know what it will look like but I am sure it will be a work in progress. A good sense of humor has to be tenacious – one that can hang in there for the long haul and survive many bumps in the road. Right now, I can’t even read the New York Times without feeling like I’ve swallowed acid, so a new sense of humor can come none too soon.
I do know this- my new sense of humor is going to help me laugh in the face of divisiveness at holiday dinner tables.
I was thinking about Thanksgiving this morning and how intolerable it’s going to be when the cousin-who-shall-not-be-named shoots his mouth off about how wonderful everything is, and “Man we showed them,” and bla bla president bla bla bla. I won’t be able to control myself- that’s a foregone conclusion. I have a feeling I’m going to spend a lot of time in the driveway. When they go low….nevermind.
It will not be easy. Here’s the thing. If we let politics divide our families too, then what do we have left?
It’s our safe place. I don’t care if it’s cabin or a condo, blood relatives or longtime friends; whoever and whatever we call family must be protected. There is enough divisiveness in this country right now to last a decade, but it shouldn’t be allowed at our most sacred family celebrations.
Let’s be blunt; the holidays are going to be hellish if we let politics rule the day. Insist they be left at the door.
It’s time for every host or hostess to post a sign that says “Please leave your boots and your politics here.” It’s non-negotiable. You can all gather in the garage and debate to your heart’s content but you will keep politics out of the house.
If we let our families become a microcosm of the hatred and divisiveness running rampant through the country, we have all lost. Politicians come and go, (thank goodness), but families are here to stay. If we can find comfort and reassurance in each other’s company, for just one hour or one day, I think we will be able to see the light. I don’t want to fear tomorrow, I want to embrace it.
I don’t know what I will do when inauguration day arrives.
I have always believed that once the election is over we gather together as one country and move to address the problems of the day. Like many, I’m just not sure I can get beyond the slurs and base insults that were levied by the person who will be at the center of that day. I’m trying – failing miserably – but nonetheless I am trying.
I guess the only thing to do is to remember that now is the time for each of us to get in the trenches and fight for the country we love in our own way. It’s time to stand up and make a positive difference. When we do, then hopefully we can share a good hearty laugh together.
As for that loud nephew, well maybe by Christmas with it’s abundance of good will. For now, let’s celebrate the love and friendship that no one can take away from us. So give me a hug and pass the pie.
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