My head is a jumble these days, even more so than normal.
As a busy single mom, a woman deep in the fog of perimenopause and writer for over two decades, it’s not necessarily uncommon but my overthinking and worrying brain has really ramped up over the last year and a half and ever since the No Kings 3 rally three weeks ago, I’ve been trying to put my thoughts together for this piece. It’s not that I don’t know what to say — it’s that I have so much to say that I’ve been overwhelmed with it all. But I woke up one morning not too long ago and suddenly it all started pouring out of me, so here we are.
I have met the most amazing people through protesting, good and kind and empathetic people who align with the same values and beliefs I have held my entire life and one in particular that is especially important — that all humans deserve rights and dignity. Those who are out rallying are happy to be a voice for those who need allies and they love their country deeply but are heartbroken that not everyone wants what is best for everyone, for the greater good for all.
We also feel strongly that if you are not hurting anyone with the way you are living your life, you should be able to love whoever you want and make decisions about your own body and live out loud and proud. The protesters I have met, from all walks of life, all feel the same way and it’s such a breath of fresh air to be around large groups of loving people and feeling that beautiful, warm energy wash over me.
I protest-hopped on March 28, first to Fitchburg’s rally that was 450 people strong, then to Lancaster where about 400 people gathered, and finally to Townsend, which drew 275 community members. There was music and bubbles and snacks and kids of all ages, people of all colors, and even some adorable dogs — one wearing a gold crown and a red cape that said “No Kings” on the back and another one wearing a sign around its neck that read “Dogs for Democracy.”…