I was at a meeting the other day where one of the speakers was saying that some of the work had been put on hold because ...
because ...
because ...
the self advocate who is part of the team is on her honeymoon.
The meeting went on but that simple statement was swirling around in my head. I had trouble focusing for a moment or two.
I couldn't help it.
Simply couldn't.
I sank into history.
Remembering the dark times of institutionalization and gender segregation.
Remembering the dark times of community agencies with policies that forbade relationships.
Remembering the dark times of parents who fought to forbid their child ever loving another.
And though I know ...
deeply know ...
That these times are not over.
That there are many battles yet to fight.
That there are those who still forbid, still punish and still tyrannize the beating of another's heart.
But here, now, she is on her honeymoon. And we have to wait, for her to get back, for the work that belongs to her to be picked up again.
Here, now, a heart beats and a pair of hands has meaningful work waiting.
Dear Dave:
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful post.
Makes the phrase "worth waiting for" take on a whole new meaning.
Yes there is still work to do but how lovely that your group has to wait for this woman.
Colleen
Yes! Yes! Yes!
ReplyDeleteAND the fact that she is a valued member of the team and they won't proceed without her!
Debbie (NJ)
Simply wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAm I getting this wrong? I read that no one else on the team values this person's work and carries the same principles on, regardless of whether she's there or not.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, it's her job - and not anyone else's job, and not part of the team's job that everyone contributes to.
What happens if she gets run over by a truck? No one is indispensable. Do they wait to 'do the right thing' until they can find a replacement with her capabilities to make 'her' contribution.
I must be missing something.
Alicia
PS Delete this if I'm completely out in left field.
Just so lovely. I have a facebook friend who announced to us all her forthcoming change of name due to her wedding. It was just so nice to see her name changing over the weekend and her guest list looked the best Ive seen.
ReplyDeleteYAHOO EXCELLENT!,!
ReplyDelete