therealljidol Season 10-Week 17: Surrender Under Protest
I click on the web page and pull up my retirement accounts. Can I afford to retire in two years? I mentally calculate expenses and figure in the increases which will most likely occur. With a heavy sigh I log off. Six more years unless I just can’t do it anymore.
I go on to Facebook. I read my “friends’” rantings and the occasional funny cat picture. After scrolling through a few posts I log off and get up, grab an iced tea out of the fridge and go in to the living room to see what my husband is watching on TV. Chris Matthews is ranting on MSNBC about the “repeal and replace” of “Obamacare.” I have to leave the room. My stomach starts to turn into a giant knot. I am surrounded.
If I don’t already have a preexisting condition I’m about to develop one.
I’ve spent my career working in human services, ranging from education to residential services for developmentally challenged adults to advocacy services for a cross-disability population. I’ve fought for the rights of all people to live as equal members of society. I’ve fought for independence for both myself and other blind people.
I’m tired of fighting.
I’m tired of struggling.
I’m tired of trying to convince others, both individuals and institutions that everyone deserves to live in a world where all can participate equally without discrimination.
I don’t want to fight.
I don’t want to protest.
I want to surrender.
I can’t give up.
I can’t hide.
I am more than a preexisting condition.
I need to find strength to fight the injustice that seems to be pervasive.
I will keep my head out of the sand. I will go to our nation’s capital this July. I will join my colleagues, who are as tired as I am.
We will protest.
We will fight.
We will embrace our preexisting conditions.
We will not surrender!
Thanks to all who have supported me last week and throughout the competition! I hope all are well and you’re enjoying the fabulous writing that is happening this season!
I go on to Facebook. I read my “friends’” rantings and the occasional funny cat picture. After scrolling through a few posts I log off and get up, grab an iced tea out of the fridge and go in to the living room to see what my husband is watching on TV. Chris Matthews is ranting on MSNBC about the “repeal and replace” of “Obamacare.” I have to leave the room. My stomach starts to turn into a giant knot. I am surrounded.
If I don’t already have a preexisting condition I’m about to develop one.
I’ve spent my career working in human services, ranging from education to residential services for developmentally challenged adults to advocacy services for a cross-disability population. I’ve fought for the rights of all people to live as equal members of society. I’ve fought for independence for both myself and other blind people.
I’m tired of fighting.
I’m tired of struggling.
I’m tired of trying to convince others, both individuals and institutions that everyone deserves to live in a world where all can participate equally without discrimination.
I don’t want to fight.
I don’t want to protest.
I want to surrender.
I can’t give up.
I can’t hide.
I am more than a preexisting condition.
I need to find strength to fight the injustice that seems to be pervasive.
I will keep my head out of the sand. I will go to our nation’s capital this July. I will join my colleagues, who are as tired as I am.
We will protest.
We will fight.
We will embrace our preexisting conditions.
We will not surrender!
Thanks to all who have supported me last week and throughout the competition! I hope all are well and you’re enjoying the fabulous writing that is happening this season!