IS IT REALLY A THANKFUL THURSDAY?

For many days here I spoke to all the reasons I felt strongly about the election held earlier this week.  

My words may not have reflected the views of others, no offense was ever intended.

For the most part, my words were posted to reflect my political leanings.

However, there was a great deal about this election that was very personal to me.

The outcome meant much for many in my family,

for the young generation that will be living through life in the years to come.

But today, I do not feel thankful for the outcome, my soul and my spirit

are crushed and empty and fearful.

Fearful that my amazing granddaughter, now in her 2nd year of medical school in Tampa, will not be able

to follow her dream and her goal to be an OB/GYN and to practice medicine freely and fully wherever she chooses.

Heart broken that my middle grandson, now looking toward a career in the U.S. Navy, and

just beginning his studies at USNA/Annapolis will likely one day not serve his country under an administration

that respects and honors his service.

That my two beautiful great nieces, studying to be registered nurses in Wisconsin, who

had to "fight against the odds", just to register to vote in that state ~ knowing their votes would

make a difference ~ I'm proud of them ~ yet, will they be able to fully

and comfortably pursue their chosen profession.

My youngest grandson is not shown here.  Bright, ambitious and hard working ~ an AP honors

student, loving music and soccer ~ has not yet chosen a career path.  But whatever road he may 

follow, will he be able to do so freely?

So, today, yes ~ I am not yet prepared to speak of thanks, for them, for their futures.

I can only hope that time will prove me wrong,

that wise and brave minds will speak truth to power, that kind hearts will prevail,

that women and men who look beyond themselves for the greater good

will stand as the guardrails against tyranny, 

for this I will be thankful.