Overcoming grief to vote for compassion, equality

I thought that I understood grief. When the mocker of the disabled with a history of racism and abuse of women was elected president of the United States, I felt what I thought was grief. I cried, but then used my sadness to propel me forward. I went to multiple marches, made endless phone calls and wrote multiple letters to congressmen and senators. I shifted my energy to the 2018 election and eagerly joined the finance team of Sean Casten, the candidate I thought was the best candidate to beat my right-wing congressman. I felt glimmers of hope. We would elect a new Congress and Trump would be put in check.

Just then, as my heart was lightening, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. I had never been a smoker and declared this unfair. I did nothing to cause this fatal diagnosis. Why did this bad luck fall upon me?

So, I have experienced some degree of grief. However, I now know that there is another level of grief that is beyond my ability to comprehend. I cannot begin to imagine feeling hated, perceived and pursued as guilty only because I am black. I am tired, but I promise I will continue to try to effect change. There is no reason anyone should have to live with that kind of grief. Please join me in voting for candidates who will act with love toward equality in November, including Sean Casten for Congress and Joe Biden for President.

Anita Ehlers

Barrington