The day After

COVID-19, “The Rona Era”

November 6th…Day after the election. I can’t speak for others but Tuesday, voting day, I felt optimistically nauseous. I started the day by running in the morning before running to the polls to vote. I was excited. I got I ran a bit under 2 miles. I was early in line to vote when the polls opened up at 7a.m. I proudly wore my 51 Selma to Montgomery shirt. Today was epic and historic.

The momentum , the energy, I was so hopeful. At 2 a.m. on Wednesday, by hope was gone. She did not win. The country voted for him. A racist, sexist, misogynist, felon, a revere , lying, and spiteful person. I thought we would win. It’s hard to win when you have billionaires influencing the vote and people are welcoming white supremacy. There were not enough words or the right words to express all the feelings.

I cried. I cried for me, I cried for my loved ones, I cried because we fight and fight and this is such a big step back. I cried because my ancestors have fraught, died, and did so much that I can be here.

I needed to run, I needed to cry more, I needed to be outside. So I ran. I wasn’t sure where I was running but I ran. Through the park, by the stadium and East Boston greenway. Over 70 million people vote against their selves. Fear wins over hope. White supremacy wins, yet again.

Normally, running gives me time to think and process. This morning, my thoughts were gussying. I could not stop all the thoughts in my head. That man told everyone what he will do first days in office. Project 2025, deporting people, getting rid of Dept. of Ed, making service workers position into a position that they will have to obey the president, challenging the right to vote. There is just so much. I thought about the environment. IT was a beautiful 68 degree morning. Cool breeze, blue sky, the sun was out. Now our environment is going to be fucked. My knee felt wobbly. What is health care going to look like. I love an Iowan. Will we be able to express our love without being harassed. So many thoughts.

I realized that I ran 3 miles while processing. I stopped and did a live on Facebook with BGR to check in with the ladies. As I was talking, I was holding back tears until I couldn’t. That was my extra mile.

4 miles total today. I know I will be processing this for a while. I need to rest for a while. I need to be around loved ones and find strength and joy. It will be a long four years.