Hope

One day after the “No Kings” protest, and after reading/listening to a bunch of different articles from around the globe I think it’s ok to say it was a successful, overall peaceful day. Sadly, it didn’t start out this way with the asassination of Minnesota state rep. Melissa Hortman (the top Democrat in the Minnesota house) her spouse and beloved pup Gilbert. Attempts were also made on Democratic State Senator John Hoffman & his spouse. We, as a community are thinking of these families, LA, Salt Lake City and beyond. We, as a community will continue to march. We, as a community are holding onto hope and joy. Without them, there will be no change.

While protesting is powerful, it is draining. I am tired of fighting. My wife says it’s ok to rest. That I have paid my dues.

Gosh this post is hard to write because she compares paying my dues paid to black women. Black women are tired of fighting. And gosh darn rightfully so. I,

we admire you, admire your fight. You, and your ancestors have been fighting the good fight for decades!!! Thank you.

My tiredness today. Today is 20 years since the day in Iraq. The day where I stepped into the chow hall on steak & lobster night one girl, one Marine and came out another. Today is also 15 years since I attempted to take my own life.

A war on terror, a war on gays in the military, a war on the LGBTQ community amongst a few tiny battles. I saw a shimmer of light in 2011 when former President Obama repealed the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. You know, I ran into former President Biden while he was still the VP and he promised me he would fix that policy & dammit he did! He kept his promise. This is why I hold onto hope. It’s not about the party, it’s about the person. A cadence called out yesterday during a protest here in Asheville goes like this “the people United will never be defeated” and that is why I will continue to fight. I raised my right hand for the people & I’ll continue to honor that oath.

Today, however. I rest.

For the lifetime of me, a Marine I will be.

For the lifetime of me, Erica Leigh I will be.