Prior to Tuesday’s midterm elections, I was skating on a rink of despair. So much hate, so many lies, so much outright cruelty, especially in the wake of the Paul Pelosi attack. What was this country coming to? My sister-in-law and I half-joked about moving to Portugal if that despicable, orange waste of oxygen were to get himself re-elected back in 2020.

Thankfully, that was not the case. However, the election denialism, the vitriol, the conspiracy theories, the LIES, that led to the horrific, mind-numbing, gut-punching insurrection on January 6th, 2021 and everything that’s followed since then has brought our nation to a very dark place.

And then came Tuesday, November 8th. As of this writing, it is still unclear who will control Congress. I’m paying close attention and hoping the Democrats will prevail, at least in the Senate. Regardless, though, I’m heartened by the turnout – Yay, young people! Props to you!! – and the commitment to all those who voted to help keep our democracy rather than letting those who care ONLY for power to prevail. Hatred, divisiveness and untruths did not get the upper hand on Tuesday. Rational, saner voices demanded to be heard, and they were. Red wave? Not so much. Not. So. Much!!

Country: I am grateful. This is a moment brought to us courtesy of those who care more about the future of our country, of these United States of America not spiraling into the autocratic, pathetically misguided whims of those who care nothing about the people (not really, despite what comes out of their lying mouths). I’m feeling a TON of gratitude for those who cherish the rights of women to make their own decisions about their bodies, their personal lives, their futures, their families’ futures.

All said, despite what is yet to be decided, I remain hopeful.