Stephanie Tubbs Jones August 21, 2008
Posted by makingyourdashcount in Life Journey, mourning, Ohio Politics.Tags: "stephanie Tubbs Jones", democrats, memorial, ohio
add a comment
It isn’t exactly like I knew Stephanie Tubbs Jones. But I did eat dinner with her in an airport restaurant in Washington in 2004. My daughter, mom and I spent the weekend in DC participating in the million person “March for Women’s Lives.” It is hard to describe the power of that event, but our dinner at Legal Seafoods that night cemented every bit of empowerment we felt that spring weekend.
I am sure that Stephanie initiated the conversation, because there was one of her and three of us; we had built in company. As we, she was eager to talk about the weekend. We talked about family; she had lost her husband several months prior. She talked about single motherhood’s challenges, and the trials of living in two cities. She talked about her district, which she obviously loved, and what it was like being a black woman in Congress.
By the end of supper, I wanted to be a constituant.
My memory of that dinner is as embedded in the power of that weekend as marching on the Capital. There is no doubt that Stephanie inspired young women in her district that they can be whatever, whomever they choose! I feel most for her son, Mervyn Jr. He lost his mother way too young. But her loss is felt among many. America lost a rising, shining star this week; Stephanie Tubbs Jones made her dash count.
Assisted Living August 14, 2008
Posted by makingyourdashcount in assisted living, eldercare, Life Journey, Thoughts.Tags: assisted living, elderly, parents
1 comment so far
| I should feel relaxed to day. Yesterday’s move to assisted living went as smoothly as possible. Dad is now in the cre`me de la cre`me of AL facilities, which is immaculate. Everyone we meet there is friendly, gentle and kind. His room, which is indeed a room and not an apartment, seems “just right” for his needs. No longer will I get late night calls telling me of concerning behavior. They offer activities and outings that are appropriate for him. So why am I still a bundle of raw nerves? |
|
(Dennis, one of the house pets) |
Perhaps it is the newness of the place and routine. Perhaps it is because I am making decisions for someone else and I want them to be the right ones. (I will comment on this more fully later this week.)
I think it is more that this is “dad.” His needs are beyond his own capabilities. I never really thought of him as someone unable to care for himself or to make decisions that keep him safe. I hoped when he moved to Columbus that he could enjoy all that my wonderful city offers, but he has not. It’s been beyond his abilities and I find this very disconcerting. I’m sure that my nerves will relax, as he settles into his new home, and as I see that yes, indeed, I made the right decision for him. Until then, I will consciously take time out to breathe. |
Making your Dash Count 