When we became parents it changed our lives completely. Yes, we checked to make sure they had all they need with love and nurture. We provided a safe, happy, healthy environment, and then we commenced to worrying.
We worried if they would be cheerful and secure children. We worried if they would be groomed and dressed. We worried if they would do well in school. We worried if they would have friends. We worried how we will get through sickness, disappointment, and rejection. Nothing seemed to stop the worrying world we created.
Then years went by and the worst fears did not transpire. I am sure it was because of my constant warnings repeated over and over again. It was also due to my quick reaction of my straight arm seatbelt that would pop up when driving with a child or teenager in the front seat next to me.
All of that worrying didn't amount to much, except it spread. It spread to other people's kids. I was sure that if my children were okay it was time to look around and see if others were okay. That is not what I found. I found chronic devastation. Heartbreaking diseases, death and worse, desensitized adults. It became apparent to me that it was not something they felt they could do anything about so they simply turned away and turned off.
I don't want my children to ever feel overwhelmed but there is always something you can do. I asked them to be socially intelligent, compassionate, and find a daily purpose in justice and peace.
They achieved that task in different individual ways. Art, writing, music, medicine, education, sports, military service, volunteering and most importantly, being civically minded and voting. It is not the least of what they can do, but it is an act that keeps them involved in all that matters in their private worlds and the larger world. I don't expect them to love politics, but you can't ignore it.
I have never been disappointed in a sad face from my children because they saw something bad happen to someone else. It is right to feel deeply about troubled lives and living things so that we do something.
Vote and volunteer. That is an active positive reaction to wanting to help solve a problem. I have never been more proud of my children then when they tell me what they are doing for others because everything is going so well for them . They want to give back.
I guess this is how most of us imagine everyday heroes live. No great fanfare or even pats on the back. It isn't necessary. It is an intrinsic reward of keeping things right in the world.
Join our campaign and fight towards Richmond here.
Angela Lynn
Virginia House District 25