At 57, I often felt like I arrived on this planet a decade too late. Graduating high school in 1977 meant I missed out on Woodstock and the chance to be sprayed down on the White House lawn. But during President Obama’s second campaign, I realized it was never too late to step up. Tomorrow, I’ll be a Staging Director for my third Democratic campaign—this time for our future President, Hillary Clinton.
My journey began with a tumultuous first marriage, riddled with emotional and physical abuse. The moment of clarity came when my ex-husband held a loaded gun to my head, asking my three-year-old daughter if she wanted to see her mother’s brains on the wall. That was my wake-up call. I packed two suitcases, grabbed my two kids, hopped in my car, and never looked back. I owe so much gratitude to the people who supported me through that dark time.
After six years as a single mother, I met the most amazing man, Jack. Together, we share a son who adores my older kids as if they were his own. He also brought three children from his previous marriage into our lives, and we became one big happy family. But life threw us a curveball when Jack was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure. Initially, he was misdiagnosed with chronic bronchitis; the truth was much scarier. Our next steps involve an LVAD and a heart transplant, but thankfully, I work for a company with fantastic health insurance.
Jack’s youngest son, Ryan, moved in with us at 12, but sadly, Ryan wasn’t as fortunate as his father. At just 36, he went to the ER with chest pains and was told he’d eventually need heart surgery. However, due to a lack of insurance, they couldn’t schedule it. The next time he had chest pains, he didn’t make it. He was only 37. Just three months after Jack’s diagnosis, Ryan passed away, highlighting the dire consequences of not having health insurance. Every time I hear complaints about the ACA, I want to scream—it could have saved Ryan’s life.
Now, I fight. I fight for healthcare access, against domestic violence, and for women who stand up for what’s right—especially against those who think it’s acceptable to disrespect women. Volunteering has opened doors for me, allowing me to drive in Joe Biden’s motorcade and chat with the incredible First Lady, Michelle Obama. I’ve spent time with our future Vice President, Tim Kaine, and numerous other Virginia politicians.
So, what’s my advice? Get involved. Make a difference. Change the world. And for the love of everything, VOTE!
This article was originally published on November 2, 2016.
Summary
This inspiring tale recounts the author’s journey from feeling out of place to becoming an active participant in the political landscape. After overcoming an abusive marriage and facing health crises within her family, she advocates fiercely for healthcare and women’s rights, encouraging others to engage and vote.