Stand Up Keep Fighting

Even though I have never met the man or his family, I find myself feeling a strong connection to Paul Wellstone and his wife Sheila.  Just in hearing his name, I feel deep affection for the gregarious, enigma of a human being.  He had an amazing way with people. Last night, at the Wellstone memorial, someone said, "He touched people, literally." 

The way he was with people was faithfilled, caring, honest, and true. One minute of time with Paul Wellstone gave people deep hope like no one I have ever met. With deep convictions rooted in faith, he served his country and his people. 10 years after the accident that took the life of Paul, Sheila, their daughter and three others, people gathered together. We gathered to celebrate all of these six people that died way too early, for all they accomplished in their years both short and long, and all that they left behind. The stories were meaningful, beautiful, and touching. Ten years later, the shock and sadness of the days following their deaths is still present. Tears still come easily to ones eyes. The joy on Paul's face and his presence project on the screen still make people smile. 

A story shared by Mark Wellstone from Marcia Avner: Marcia had gone up to Eveleth to the Wellstone Memorial and was walking around and taking it all in. Another man and his son were there at the memorial as well. The dad was telling his sone about the place and the man who Paul was. The son ask, "Dad, was he a democrat?" His dad replied, "Yes, he was." The son asked, "Dad, are you a democrat?" The man said, "No, son, I am not." That is what Paul was about. I think he would be so sad to see the state of our world today and the distrust we have of each other and lack of respect. 

Over 300 people gathered that night in a room to laugh, to cry, to remember, to stand up and keep fighting.

Death’s opportunity for the living is to look at the importance of life, the importance of the people around us. 

Recently, my uncle passed away.  At the funeral, we heard story after story of lives touched, and memories shared. He may not have been a national public figure like Paul, but his reach into his community touched hundreds and thousands of students lives and people at this church and his family and friends. I wish I had known him better. 

The death of someone I was acquainted with happened recently. Roger Greene was a man connected to Gethsemane Episcopal Church, one of the congregations I work with at the DCEH. Roger started the food shelf at the church and was a regular figure on Sunday morning. As a formerly homeless man, he worked diligently to ease the struggle of people experiencing homelessness. May he be at peace. 

Each of these people worked for a better society for all of us, through education, through feeding, through policy change.  I pray that I can have one ounce of an impact these three people did on the lives of others. Thanks you, Richard, Paul, and Roger for showing me how to live. 

Paul Wellstone Article

Women United

$50,000! The power of women.

As I looked around at the many bodies that filled the room last night, I was amazed at the way each co-host stepped up and raised a small amount of money, but made a big impact! 200 women co-hosts each raised $250 for the Minnesotans United for All Families, which is the organization working to defeat the marriage amendment defining marriage between a man and a woman.

The room buzzed with meaningful conversation. One could tell that the women in the room were thoughtful, caring, and determined. I am so lucky to be cosponsoring with so many amazing, beautiful women.

One thing I love about the Minnesotans United for All Families Campaign is that it is about a journey, it is about the dialogue, in addition to the amendment. It is not a secret to anyone in this country that our political system is so polarized. I am exhausted from hearing about how polarized it is. I am exhausted by the partisanship. I am so tired of the apathy and lack of care for one another.

Tonight, there was hope. There was hope for working together, there was hope that people still care for one another, there was hope that it is still our democracy and that we have a voice!

Thanks to those who support this work, both financially, with time, and with conversation. Let love abide! Vote No, Don't limit the freedom to marry!

A Song For Every One of Us

This is the sound of one voice
One people, one voice
A song for every one of us
This is the sound of one voice
This is the sound of one voice

- Wailin' Jennys

Sometimes I am caught by beautiful, well written, meaningful lyrics.  It washes over me like a blanket, filling me up with warm emotions, drawing me into the music and shutting out the world.  In my house and car, I tend to sing when no one else is around. 

Today is a day to roll down the window, put on some sunglasses, and sing at the top of your lungs!