Last night, I cried in my car. After a long night of hearing from passionate stakeholders & debating the toxic and regressive Bill 207, we managed to stop the Bill in Committee. It was a victory for many of us, but I cried. /1 #ableg
I cried because I was overwhelmed by the integrity & passion of those who spoke about the devastation the Bill would create. I cried because it was a long week (& months) of heartbreaking attacks on our democracy & the most vulnerable by an entitled gov't. /2 #ableg
I cried because it was finally - finally - a small victory, but I can't believe that this Bill was able to come to light in 2019 and that we still have to fight to protect the most basic human rights of women, LGBTQ2S+ & trans people, & those seeking dignity in dying. /3 #ableg
I cried because I was physically tired and earlier that day, I had held my 6 year old who was upset because mama was going to miss the 4th bedtime this week because of work & no matter how much I feel in my bones that I'm doing what's right, I still worry that I'm not. /4 #ableg
But mostly, I cried because I feel so deeply the responsibility of my role. I feel the hopes & expectations of those who are scared, desperate, & frustrated by what is happening. It was emotional to feel like I was finally able to be part of a concrete victory for them. /5 #ableg
I don't say this for sympathy. I don't say this for partisan reasons - I know that there are those of all political stripes who take this role seriously. And I am even more certain that those in other roles that work just as hard - if not harder. /6 #ableg
But I say this because it's a reminder that there are real people doing this work. And I'm new to it. And I am learning every day from those around me. And I get inspired and frustrated and angry and energized. And I love it. And sometimes, I cry. /7 #ableg
