As a 57-year-old woman, I often felt as though I had missed my chance to make an impact. I graduated high school in 1977, and while I missed pivotal moments like Woodstock, I realized during President Obama’s second campaign that my time to engage had finally come. Tomorrow, I will proudly serve as a Staging Director for my third Democratic campaign – first, for President Obama, then for Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, and now for our future leader, President Hillary Clinton.
My journey hasn’t been easy. I endured an abusive first marriage, both emotionally and physically. The turning point came when my then-husband held a loaded gun to my head and asked my three-year-old daughter if she wanted to see her mother’s brains on the wall. In that moment, I found the courage to leave, taking only two suitcases and my children, and I never looked back. I owe a debt of gratitude to many who supported me during that dark time.
After being a single mother for six years, I married a wonderful man, Tom. Together, we have a son, and he embraced my two older children as if they were his own. Tragically, three years ago, I took Tom to the ER, where he was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure after being misdiagnosed with chronic bronchitis for far too long. He was literally drowning, unable to move fluid through his body due to a weakened heart. Our next hurdle is an LVAD and hopefully a heart transplant. Thankfully, I work for a company that provides excellent health insurance, but in one night, I transitioned from wife to caregiver.
Tom’s youngest son, Jake, came to live with us when he was just twelve. Unfortunately, he did not have the same fortune as his father. At 36, Jake visited the ER with chest pains, and though doctors informed him he would eventually need heart surgery, they could not proceed without insurance. Sadly, he went home, and during his next episode, he didn’t survive. He was merely 37. Jake passed away three months after Tom’s diagnosis, and he lost his life due to the lack of health coverage. The ACA could have saved him, and every time I hear people criticize it, I feel a surge of frustration.
Now, I fight for healthcare. I advocate against domestic violence and stand for the ideals that matter to me, opposing those who believe that disrespect towards women is acceptable simply because of their status. Volunteering has opened up incredible opportunities for me. I’ve had the honor of driving in Joe Biden’s motorcade, conversing with the inspiring Michelle Obama, and spending time with our future Vice President, Tim Kaine, along with numerous Virginia politicians.
My message to you? Get involved. Make your voice heard. Change the world. And don’t forget to vote! For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, I recommend checking out this excellent resource on infertility from the CDC. You can also explore intracervicalinsemination.com for more insights, and Make a Mom for details on at-home insemination kits.
In summary, it’s never too late to take a stand and make a difference in the lives of others. We all have the power to influence change, and it starts with us getting involved.