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How I Felt After The Election: For The Love of God, Believe Tom Robinson!

How I felt after the election. Can you say gobsmacked?

Here is Tom Robinson’s answer to how he felt on Wednesday, November 09, 2016. Tom writes on Quora, and I’d tell you the exact question he answered, but those belong to Quora, doncha know.

(Other than him saying the words ‘president’ and ‘Trump’ in the same sentence, I love this answer. )

“I am writing this on November 10th, as I was unable to do anything very thoughtfully yesterday.

I admit that, as is clear from reading my answers on the subject, I was one of those who thought that there was no way that Trump would get elected. The result was so unthinkable that I never allowed myself to mentally prepare for the possibility of a Trump presidency.

The election results hit me like a truck.

I didn’t sleep the night of the election, try though I did, and that became an added part of the equation. On The ninth, I felt like I was entering a deep depression. I felt totally defeated, like I had fought the good fight in support of kindness and tolerance and it had done nothing. I am not generally an emotional person, but I found myself breaking down in tears unexpectedly throughout the day.

To cap it all off, New York City was enshrouded in a thick coat of rain clouds. The weather was terrible and everyone was thoroughly unhappy. I don’t think I saw a single person smile all day, and I lost count of how many strangers I saw crying in public. New Yorkers are generally very stoic and this is highly unusual. I think I saw more tears on 11/9 than on 9/11.

I left the school where I work immediately after my kids dismissed and I headed straight home with the intention of not leaving my room. I played video games and watched Netflix and tried to forget what had happened over the past 24 hours. I fell asleep by 7:00.

When I woke this morning, after about 10 hours of sleep, I felt completely different. I am fired up and ready to take on the future. I have moved past my denial phase and am making myself say the words “President Trump” as often as possible so I can start getting used to the fact of his election. I accept the election results and am coming to terms with this chapter of American history.

The president doesn’t define America, Americans do, which means I have the power to help make this country what I want it to be. I feel rededicated to the ideals of kindness, tolerance, knowledge, truth, humility, grace, patience, and fortitude as never before. I still believe in America, and I realize that one man, even a really powerful and evil one, cannot undo what I love about my country.

I still feel all the emotions. I am simultaneously angry, sad, frustrated, astonished, and hopeful. More than anything, I feel called to action. I feel ready to keep fighting for love in the face of hate and continue to elevate America regardless of the election.

Also, even though I think the election was the national equivalent of a tantrum, I forgive everyone who voted for him. I suggest that you do as well.

We need to heal and it starts with us.”

 

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4 thoughts on “How I Felt After The Election: For The Love of God, Believe Tom Robinson!

  • November 10, 2016 at 9:39 pm
    Permalink

    Today I finally watched the concession and acceptance speeches. As with Robinson and his repeating, I will force myself to rewatch several times to form that metaphorical callus which will probably be pretty thick by 2020.

    Reply
    • November 11, 2016 at 12:25 am
      Permalink

      You’re back! If you do grow it, please share with me.

      Reply
  • November 10, 2016 at 9:41 pm
    Permalink

    Sorry. But I’m not ready to start forgiving.

    Reply
    • November 11, 2016 at 12:26 am
      Permalink

      You’re entitled. I won’t hold it against you.

      Reply

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