Is America going to be ok?

[medicswife]

It's a quarter after 2 in the morning here in Kentucky, and I'm awake because I'm very fearful for the future of our country if McCain gets elected. I'm also worrying about the Gulf States right now and concerned for all of those people that don't have the resources to rebuild after a giant hurricane, or even more frightening, the resources to reach a truly safe location before the storm. Some of you know that my husband is in Iraq for his second 15 month tour. I just found out that my gall bladder has stopped functioning and it's going to have to come out. I am blessed because we do have healthcare, so this is not going to break us financially, but I'm very concerned about whether or not our four kids are going to be ok while I'm in the hospital. I know it's a common operation, but if I can't get family out here, then they're going to have to be taken care of by strangers.

I lie there thinking about all of the people in this country that are going through great trials right now, and I wonder how many of them will actually go to the polls and vote on November 4. I wonder how many people, like Senator McCain just don't get it. Just don't understand the way that so many Americans are really struggling. How many Americans will be frightened away from Senator Obama because of the lies that are being spread about him? How many will freak out when they get an email or see a blog claiming that Obama and Biden will take away all of their guns.

I know that this is not a very optimistic post. Maybe it's because it's dark, and my kids are all asleep and I've been in extreme physical pain for 2 weeks and unable to eat anything but watermelon and crackers for a week and a half. I want to see America regain her promise and her glory. I want to be able to feel that we are respected throughout the world. I have come to the realization that I am going to do whatever is within my power to help Barack Obama become President. I believe in America, I believe in the power that each of us holds through positive action.

[Sannum]

1. .

First of all, a big hug to you. I am sure the surgery will go well.

So many of us feel the same way. The situation in our country is as bad as it has ever been. I don't know what to tell you...I have these same fears and doubts. We all do. But we are all in this together. We have to fight for our country.

:hug:

[1corona4u]

2. I hear ya, I'm awake too...and I'm in Florida....

lots of things going through my head tonight as well....

[elleng]

3. Hey corona,

raining and winding now in boca; 'great' wind, and chop, at ocean earlier.

Hope you're OK.

[1corona4u]

5. Yeah, it's kind of squally here too....I can hear the thunder getting closer...

but I am very concerned about where this is going to land, and how much damage it does. I'm just sick that McAss is going to use this to get media attention. Fucker.

[Dan]

4. smile,

relax, it's an easy surgery, especially when you consider how sucky while you wait for them to determine its your gall bladder that has the problem. You'll feel wonderful within hours after the surgery - and the little scars won't even make an impact.

Good luck and best wishes... (oh, just don't push yourself for the first three days after).. :}

[melody]

6. We will be fine

I'm reminded of a verse from Amazing Grace that comforts me in bad times. I think it speaks to the heart of our
problem right now:

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

When you consider all the hurdles we've cleared before, we'll get over this one, too. Nothing can destroy America.
America is her people. We're not going anywhere. We're a very tough people.

[Emit]

7. Hang in there, medicswife. If I lived nearby, I'd say bring those 4 kids over! It takes a village.

I can only imagine the stress with kids at home and hubby in Iraq - facing surgery. :hug:

I relate very much to your worry, though, and while I try to remain optimistic and hopeful for the future, I must admit that I have moments of sheer panic and depression. I think of it kind of like stages of grief after loss -- except I seem to go back and forth between different emotions.

1. Denial:
* Example - "I feel fine."; "This can't be happening."

2. Anger:
* Example - "Why me? It's not fair!" "NO! NO! How can you accept this!"

3. Bargaining:
* Example - "Just let me live to see my children graduate."; "I'll do anything, can't you stretch it out? A few more years."

4. Depression:
* Example - "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"; "I'm going to die . . . What's the point?"

5. Acceptance:
* Example - "It's going to be OK."; "I can't fight it, I may as well prepare for it."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%BCbler-Ross_model