I have been absent from my blogs for over two years, the weight of the last presidency was too much for me to continue to complain about. I marched, I protested, I cried, I had PTSD. His mere voice made me so angry I had to retreat from hearing it anywhere. I know it was cowardly, I tried to escape an abusive relationship again.

The pandemic added to my isolation and also led to my reflection on some of the reasons why I was so affected by this atmosphere of divisiveness in our country. I grew up with very strict parents who really didn’t place any other code of ethics on me except the golden rule and that was to treat others as I would want to be treated. My parents were not the most loving, but they also were not narrow minded. I know they were Democrats and liberal thinkers. I do know they were political and often took part in political activities. They were an example whether I realized it at the time and now as an adult know that is why I pay attention to the politics of my nation. It is part of who I am.

I also look back on my childhood and remember that I was and still am a “Trekkie” , yes, a nerd. But Star Trek inspired us to some very essential sociological ideals. Earth in the future had no war, no bias, no discrimination, no racism. Every country in the world united. Men and women were captains of starships, black, white, blue and green humans and even non-humans co-existed peacefully. If the science of Star Trek could become reality, computers and cell phones, for example, why couldn’t these sociological ideals become a reality. Ok, so I was naïve, but I hoped and actually still hope that someday our world will see this reality for our children.

The last four years scared me, I actually was seeing the repeat of history, of Hitler’s history and I was afraid, very afraid for our country, for our Democracy. Every day it spiraled deeper into darkness and hatred. The cruelty began the first day and only got worse. This last week had me on the verge of tears every day waiting for election results, not that I doubted Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I knew in my heart they were good for our nation and true to our Democratic Constitution, but seeing so many still willing to follow someone so poisonous and hateful. It broke my heart. It still does to see them so lost on someone that doesn’t care two cents about them.

However, JOY filled my heart yesterday to see the streets of our country and hear the congratulations of the world on the election of our President-Elect Biden and Vice-President Elect Harris. For me, personally, I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted and I can breath fresh air. I watch the streets fill on tv, despite the pandemic, of celebrants and was reminded of seeing footage of when World War II ended and liberation . I feel liberated from the oppression of worry about our Democracy being threatened at every turn every single day.

I know this is only the beginning of a new term and I know it will be a very difficult time ahead, a lot of damage has been done. A lot of work needs to be done and President Biden will need all the support and prayers he can get. He has mine. I am only one small voice, but I know today I am one of over 74 million that spoke up.