By Mel Moseley
(photo by Lovelines)
On Nov. 6, when it was clear that it was a Biden/Harris win, I noticed the tension in my body start to dissipate. Tension that I had been holding for the four years of 45’s presidency – probably more, if I think about the lead up to that unfortunate event.
As my Facebook memories pop up this time of year, they are riddled with posts about my fear of this country turning into a cross between “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “1984.” Those books made a distinct impact on me as an undergraduate at the University of Oregon in 1982 under President Reagan. Even at that time, I could see a dystopian future like the ones outlined by Margaret Atwood and George Orwell actually beginning to take shape.
(In fact, I stopped doing homework in 1984 with the expectation that the world would be over anyway, so why bother? That decision landed me my first F. Little did I realize how bad it could actually get. On the upside, I learned that I should probably do my homework anyway).
Sitting here today in the midst of a pandemic, in a country soon to be led by a calm and loving grandfather figure and a badass, smart woman of color, I finally have a glimmer of hope for the future. I just have to hold my breath for the next few months while we are still led by this racist, misogynistic, xenophobic narcissist.
Still…at last, I can mostly breathe. I can breathe because I have a community of amazing humans that have been with me through these hard times – holding me up when I needed it and letting me be support when I was needed. I am grateful for each and everyone of you that has been a part of this journey. I would love to celebrate with you all through this holiday season in whatever way we can!
Despite the fact that we are now in lockdown in Portland, folx aren’t traveling, people are working with their Quaranteams to see how they can actually connect – we are still a tribe of loving humans that see each other and support each other in so many ways. This group has carried people through everything from moves and breakups to cancer diagnoses and beyond. I am so grateful to be a part of this group of amazing humans.