wEDNESDAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING

Today is Wednesday and this morning I awoke from a dream that I was back home in Spencer, NC.  My late Grandmother, Clelia Eakins Myers, would wake me at 6am to get ready for school at North Rowan High. 

Wednesdays before Thanksgiving would be a half day.  Because in uptown Spencer the Thanksgiving parade would be marching down main street at noon.  Cars would park on the side of the road days in advance to secure their viewing spot; like people waiting in line for that next iPhone.

You would see so many people line the streets before the parade would start.  In those days, there was always a crisp chill in the air.  You could smell the aroma of popcorn popping and to break that chill, there was always some freshly brewed Hot-Chocolate - one of my favorites.

There were so many people standing, sitting in lawn chairs, back of their pickups on top of their cars waiting for all the bands, floats and mini-go karts in formation performing go-kart tricks as the parade passed by. Then the grand finale: Here comes Santa Claus finishing up the spectacular events.  It was a sight to see and those memories fill my heart to this day.  Then it was off back home to prepare for the next day.

Later that evening, several of my cousins, friends and family would assemble in the basement for what would always be pizza night, watching TV and sports.  Fun times.

I was always my Grandmothers helper in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day.  From placing the Turkey in the oven, helping with deviled eggs, turkey dressing and pumpkin pie.  It was a feast to behold and so much to do.  But everything was always perfect and ready on-time.

Prior to the consumption of all that food, family, cousins, and neighborhood friends would always meet up for a quick game or two of football.  We called it the Turkey Bowl.  Those were some fantastic games moving that pigskin up and down the front yard.

Then we would cram into my Grandmother’s home, set up tables, chairs and eat to our hearts’ content.  Of course, there would be a thanksgiving parade or football game in the background on our TV.  No, we didn’t have cable TV – we had rabbit ears and I was the one who knew just how to tweak them for the best reception.

Reality of today:  Many of my elders, my Grandmother and family have moved across that rainbow bridge.  Many have families of their own and are creating those memories for their children to remember one day.  I guess just like me.

But with reality of today, my heart hurts for so many families and friends who will have so many empty chairs and less plates to pile on that extra slice of turkey and gravy.  There will be happiness and sorrow for so many that honestly could have been avoided. 

We see the numbers spiking.  North Carolina is #11 on the COVID19 fatality list.  This ranking is because people are ideologically divided, refusing to wear a mask or accept the recommendations of medical experts.  Here are the numbers right now:  The USA has 12,969,067 cases – you might as well call it 13 million.  266,146 friends, family, loved ones are dead.  Our medical infrastructure is at a breaking point.  
Infections have reached 171,000 a day.  1,500 or more are dying each day. My god that’s a death every minute. People are not heeding the warnings and are traveling during this COVID19 Turkey Holiday. Have a Thanksgiving gathering and you'll have a Covid19 Christmas.  I mean how selfish we have become?  Or are we?

You may not like my response, but all the BLAME and the loss of life is on Trump and Republicans who went along with his foolishness, his lies and dishonesty. I’m not talking just at the Federal level, but state leaders here in North Carolina as well. 

Leadership failed us.  It failed our nation.  It failed to protect us, it failed to unite us, and it failed to prevent so much tragedy that we all know was completely preventable, and every denier who refused to wear a mask because of some idea that their freedoms were being infringed upon are responsible too.

This post was positive about the memories I had growing up.  But those who failed to do the right thing have created memories of sorrow, empty seats at the Thanksgiving table this year and for years to come.  Please people, wear a damn mask and do the right thing.  Christmas is a few weeks away and we all deserve to live safely with one another. It’s not much to ask. There’s a vaccine around the corner. So wear a mask, socially distance, wash your hands and don’t spend time indoors with people that you don’t know or trust. Do it for your loved ones. Do it for our nurses and first responders and do it for yourself.

Almost 3 in 5 children are going hungry in NC. Senate Republicans like Sen. Mitch McConnell have refused to act and pass the #HeroesAct. Even though I did not win my race, I'm still fighting for people in our state and district.

I started my Instant Impact Program and with my limited campaign resources I have help to feed people during #COVID19.  Will you support my Instant Impact Program and make a donation today?  So far with your support we have provided over 45,000 meals.

The 2nd Harvest Food Bank in Winston Salem is a wonderful organization. I just made a donation of $250. It will provide up to 1,750 meals and make an Instant Impact on so many #NC lives. Plz click the link right now and help me feed more.

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/crvfd/team/871566/