798: My Mom Changed The World

On November 9th, 2016 I received a text message from my Mom. It was something of an unusual occurrence, as my Mom didn’t text very often.

On November 8th Donald Trump had been elected as the 45th President of The United States. I don’t think my Mom had been enthralled by the concept of voting for Trump, but there was one issue which she cared about more than any other.

She had been twelve years old when the Supreme Court decision in Roe V. Wade was handed down, mandating legalized abortion with minimal restrictions in all 50 states. In response she had dedicated much of her life to fighting for the rights of the unborn. She dreamed of a world where their rights would be protected.

Knowing my Mom, I know that it was that issue, more than any other, which convinced her to vote for Trump.

It was a consequential vote, as the election was largely decided by a handful of votes in Wisconsin, the state where she lived.

As we pondered the results of that election, it struck us that this time things would be different. “Our country will never be the same,” I remember texting my her. “Roe V. Wade could be overturned in our lifetime.”

It was not a day that she would live to see, but I would.

It can be easy to blame politicians for things that happen or don’t happen, but this isn’t a country run be politicians. It’s a country run by we, the people. It’s a great country because ordinary people like my Mom have the ability to change it, and make it better.

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