Last Night

by Lorene Keller Smith

Last night…

We walked into the restaurant, brought together by two things, our desire to DO something and that we had mentioned this desire to our “fearless leader” who was already setting up a platform to accomplish this.  The four of us gathered around the table and, in the excitement of finding like-minded ladies, the ideas and words just started rushing out, everyone talking at once sometimes.  We easily drowned out the Superbowl sportscast playing on the bar TVs.

Shortly, the conversation started to feel like a spin-off of the “Never have I ever” game (minus the drinking).  In short succession, I found myself challenged with questions like:

• “Did you attend any of the refugee protests or the women’s march?”
• “Have you ever helped someone buy ACA coverage, or read the manuals that comprise the law?”
• “Have you ever worked a soup kitchen?”
• “Have you ever chained yourself to a bulldozer?”

My answer to all of these is no, I have not.  Why?  I could state all my excuses.  I was not convinced the protests would accomplish anything.  It is not safe to take my kids to a protest.  I have a job where I cannot afford to get arrested.  Lack of time, lack of money… I could go on, I am sure I have used them all.  It is easy to make excuses, it is hard to really effect change.

Lately, I read a lot about the Holocaust and I wonder, would I really have been one to stand up?  Or would I have made a few token protests (about what my Facebook posts feel like), and continued on with my life?  Being honest, I am afraid it is more likely the second scenario.  And that is not who I want to be.

So, like with many of the other challenges I have set myself this year, I am stepping into a new adventure and making an attempt to be the person I want to be.  Last night, I told my new friends I want to “DO” something, and I meant it.  It is time to share the burden of making the world a better place for all.  Just please do not expect to find me looking for heavy machinery to start.



About Lorene
Full time working mother of 3, married 19 years… I want to leave the world a better place for my kids (sounds trite, I know) and teach them to step up to work at making it better… Wiccan/pagan is my religion, it speaks to me somehow… we consider nature our temple, and I always feel better after being outside… Have only lived in the Chicago area for 6 months now (formerly from CT, born and raised)… Find myself looking for something, not even sure what it is.

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