Hello Sharra, I'm Marianne's daughter, India. While you might know her as an author, an activist, and a candidate for U.S. president, to me she will always be first and foremost 'Mama.' There are so many things you don't realize about your parents until you become an adult. I remember the day when it dawned on me how taxing it must have been for my mother to fly across the country for work, only to have to fly back the next day because her little girl couldn't bear to be apart from her for more than a day. And to do the same thing again mere days later. I remember crying for her on the phone in the middle of the night because I didn't like sleeping when she was away, and her soothing me for hours. Where did she find the energy? How did she manage it all on barely any sleep? Because I don't remember a tired mom, or a stressed mom, which of course she must have been. All I remember feeling – and have continued to feel my whole life – is completely secure in the knowledge that she is always there for me, always loving me. It's not changed, even now. Nearing thirty years old, I don't need my mother in the same ways or in the same volume as when I was a little girl. But she's still my mama on a daily basis. No matter where she is on the trail, or what she is doing, she somehow finds a way to suspend time and space if I need her to take my call, whether just to listen or to soothe me or to offer advice. My mother has demonstrated her love for me in so many different ways over the course of my life. Sometimes that has meant helping me get exactly what I want. Other times, the way she supported me best was by remaining firm, by demonstrating tough love. Because she never let herself get too overwhelmed by what I thought I wanted in the present; she was always looking to my future, and to helping me become the best version of myself. A presidential campaign is exhilarating, surreal, extraordinary, and yet it is also incredibly hard. It's hard on the candidate and on the family. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that she is doing the right thing, for herself and for America. I am so proud of her, but even more than that I believe in her. She will be the same kind of president that she is a mother – unconditionally supportive but never coddling; giving all of herself no matter how difficult it is on her; being radically honest and transparent; focusing constantly on what actions need to be taken to help America be the best version of itself it can be, now and in the future. Your support means so much to her, and to me. Today of all days I wanted to share with you all just how much she deserves that support. She loves America the way she loves me, and that is why I know she will make an amazing president. I hope you will join me in wishing my mother a very happy birthday. India Williamson |
No comments:
Post a Comment