Day 1,676

Over the past several nights Autumn has come knocking, only to be slowed by unusually warm, late Summer days. Nonetheless, nature presses on and the leaves begin to change color, quietly, gently letting go. Acorns, cheered on by strong winds, drop on the metal roof; sometimes gently and sometimes like a 90mph major league fast pitch, but always with a constancy that becomes synonymous with my breathing.

Yet sleep eludes me.

I am deeply concerned about many things. Some are personal. Others are not. They all wrestle for space in my thoughts and push for room in my body.

A few days ago, I took my ballot to the county registrar of voters’ office – feeling it was likely the place with the highest probability of getting counted in the election results. Fortunately, I had the ability to deliver my ballot personally. I have consistently taken the right to vote for granted.

Over the weekend, I had a conversation with a gentleman whose views about COVID are diametrically opposed to mine. He does not wear a mask, and has no intention of doing so. I do. I am one of those folks at “high risk” for contracting the virus, so I do my best to be diligent about the protocols that have helped.

Tonight, I watched the second presidential debate. I heard a candidate declare that he “had done more for the black and latino community than anyone, except perhaps Abraham Lincoln. Perhaps.” I heard the other candidate outline ways he would attempt to change the way that people of color are treated in this country.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to cast their vote; without exception. Everyone deserves the opportunity to have their opinion and to care for themselves in the manner they feel is most appropriate; without exception. Every person of color deserves justice; without exception.

If I can assist someone to the polls on election day, I will. If there is someone I disagree with, I will get curious and lean in rather than turning away. If I see an injustice, I will speak to it and do what I can to effect change. Without exception.

I will begin with compassion, come from love, and seek peace.