It only took me ten years

To get to post number 3,000.

I wanted to drop this post here in the Loners Group. When I first came to DU, I was in my late twenties and had the honor of voting for President Barack Obama. Our first African-American president!!! I remember the pride I felt as I filled in the space next to his name. (I miss you Barack) After the disgraceful eight years of GW, I was so proud and so full of hope.

In 2016, I had the amazing honor of voting for the first female President of the United States. I put on a white pants suit and proudly cast my vote. Earlier that year I was sexually assaulted by the owner of the company I managed and lost my career. I could barely stand to watch TV during the general election. The man with the vulgar mouth and hateful heart was on 24/7. He embodied everything that the man who hurt me did. I hated him.

The night of the election, I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. I couldn't breathe, couldn't believe that this asshole was going to be the next president of my country.

Two years later, I still feel punched. But...I am gathering every ounce of my being together and finding that I have hope again.

The Blue Tsunami is coming. The monster in office will be gone eventually. He's trying to destroy our democracy, but his time is running short.

I may not be a politician.
I may not be eloquent and outgoing.
I may not be an outspoken figure in my community.

However, my voice is heard with every ballot that I cast. I can make a difference. I can be heard.
I will crawl to my polling place if I have to.

Love will overcome hate. Compassion will overcome greed. Empathy will overcome intolerance.

And here at DU, we will endure and overcome this storm together. I love you all. Here's to the next ten years!