Progressing Through the Stages of Grief

Good morning, Readers.

I'm still reeling from the U.S. election, but my shock has subsided and has been replaced by anger.

So.  Much.  Anger.

I'm also tired.

But the feeling of helplessness has gone.

Instead, there is only anger.

I've long ago learnt to channel my anger.  If I was still a teenager, my arms would be bleeding and raw from cuts and scratches and goodness knows what else.  That was how I used to channel my anger.  Now, however, it's different.

Now I'm ready to act.

Things are probably going to get really hairy in the states.  Women and the LGBTQ+ community are going to start losing their rights.  It's going to be really bad for immigrants and POCs.  But that doesn't mean we have to stand by and watch it helplessly unfold.

Those rights were hard won.  They'll be hard kept.

But they will be kept.

In the meantime, if you feel you must flee for your life, my house is open.  There is a fold out bed, and plenty of floor space.  And two cats who would love to love you.

If you are not in America (or you are) and you're worried sick, there are organisations that exist to protect people and their rights.  Jezebel has a list of organisations you can donate to HERE.  My favourite is ACLU, who has publicly issued a warning that they exist to protect the civil liberties of the American people, and they are up for the fight.  I'm also very fond of the Centre for Reproductive Rights.

Canada has her own issues with bigots.  She is not a perfect country, we are not a perfect people.  But I will do my absolute best to ensure that the evil does not spread.  I will be standing up for what is good here in my own country, and I will invite every Canadian with heart not to let hatred win.  Stand up for your fellows.

If you are Muslim, and feel threatened, I will walk with you.

If you are trans, and feel threatened, I will walk with you.

If you are a woman, and feel threatened, I will walk with you.

If you are a person of colour, and feel threatened, I will walk with you.

I am here for you.

Bonus: I know martial arts.  #BodyGuardAsFuck

Fighting back doesn't mean throwing punches, necessarily (though it can. We fought wars to protect rights and stop atrocities)... even though I'm happy to.  I'm in that mood.  Fighting back is also standing up.  It's linking arms and singing songs.  Fighting back is becoming good, and staying that way when the rest of the world seems evil.

Fighting back was Frodo and Sam walking with no end in sight and no idea if they could.

Fighting back was Faramir releasing his hobbit hostages, and remaining hopeful in the darkest hours.

Aragorn rallied the troops and fought the battles.  But Sam is the hero of this tale.  He stood by his friend.  He did the right thing.  He remained kind, and calm, and steadfast.  Frodo could not have done anything without Sam.

For those of you who aren't Aragorn, don't feel you cannot help at all.  Be Sam.  It would have all failed without Sam.  So be Sam.

The world needs you.  But only when you're ready.

It's okay if you're not up for the fight yet.  It's okay.  Take the time you need.  Gather your strength.  Mourn.  You're allowed.  Your feelings are valid.  Hide from the world for a bit.

This magnificent piece is by my author friend Cait Gordon. Click the link for her Facebook page and show her some love.

And when you're ready, I will see you on the field.

I'm here.  You're not going to face this fight alone.