Today we woke up on our new sleep schedule (we had gotten way off between the pandemic and my being in the hospital). After cleaning up a little around the house we sat down to hear Joe Biden address the nation on his thoughts for forward progress with the current broken system that we have haphazardly put in place for POC.
He gave a voice to many, using his power and privilege as a cis-gener, white man (among other things) and made a lot of positive suggestions that I am going to fight hard to help with alongside so many other folks. It was nice to wake up to a dialogue addressing race relations, policy change, and really just basic goddamn humanity. We even got full sentences and fully-formed thoughts with no blaming of groups, fictitious or otherwise.
In his own words:
"That is what the presidency is-the duty to care.”
Today is also what is being referred to as "Blackout Tuesday" or #TheShowMustBePaused.
Two music executives issued a statement on Instagram to launch #TheShowMustBePaused initiative, after noting "the long-standing racism and inequality that exists from the boardroom to the boulevard." The statement said that Tuesday, June 2nd is, "a day to take a beat for an honest, reflective, and productive conversation about what actions we need to collectively take to support the Black community." I love this and am happy to be participating in any way I can. If you have the time, please make some to go to the youtube channel found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCgLa25fDHM. It is a video which, when watched WITHOUT SKIPPING ADS (please turn off your ad blocker) will donate ALL proceeds to a variety of vetted groups serving black communities and police reform where it is most needed. You can even mute the channel and just let it run in a background tab on your screen and money will continue to be donated. Commenting and liking also up the donations that can be allocated for these purposes.
Another really awesome program that I just hear about was that the channel Nickelodeon had a 8:46 blackout during regularly scheduled programming. This is such a great idea for any kids/teens watching to start a dialogue with their parents/guardians/caregivers about what is happening right now in an organic way that will help educate without putting the onus of responsibility on the black community to educate others.
Today I also had a follow-up ultrasound after my stint at the hospital and two doctors' appointments yesterday--and I was told that the things they looked at today are "grossly normal." That's a good thing, despite the wording! Tomorrow I will meet with my regular PCP and we will devise a treatment plan for my currently compromised lungs. I will be seeing a different doctor next week, and this list goes on. I am so grateful to my care team.
More information was also given to us today about my depressed breathing capacity and filled in the gaps for why I have been so short of breath, having low oxygen levels, and just generally having a hard time getting well. Thankfully, we are well on the road to recovery and I will continue to heal over the next few weeks.
Today is beautiful here and I felt motivated to make some positive changes to get both Alex and I in a good space. We spent several hours setting up my home office, getting it just right for me to feel comfortable in my own "maker's space."
We even brought out the power tools, getting some things up on the walls and carving out a loving space for me to be my best. We also got around to mowing the lawn and have *almost* finished unpacking...it has only been 11 months since we moved! :)
Whew.
I think it might be time for a rest now, but I hope you are well, wherever you are. I hope you know you are not alone. I am here to support and to advocate through pandemic, social reform, or medical nonsense.
Prepare, don't panic, friends.
-Allison
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