The Day We Marched

The minute I heard about the Women's March on Washington I wanted to go. I tried my best by asking friends who I thought also might be interested if they were going. I spent lots of time searching for inexpensive flights and hotel rooms. It just didn't work out. I was bummed. 

I messaged my friend Jason on Facebook back in November asking him if he had heard anything about a local march. He got me in contact with a few different groups and was a huge help. By December I got wind of the Women's Rally at Lake Eola. I immediately RSVP'd as 'attending' and invited everyone in the area via Facebook. I posted their flyer several times in hopes it would get others as pumped as I would to stand up for myself and all women (and all people). 

When I invited Katie she mentioned that Aubrie would probably be really interested in going. Aubrie recently did a big project on Women's Rights for school and really became passionate about it. Unfortunately Katie works on Saturdays and so I told her if Aubrie wants to go I would be more than happy to take her. Aubrie was super excited to come with us. 

Dustin and I met up with Katie to get Aubrie the Friday before the march. We grabbed dinner, caught the end of Richie Rich, and then watched Sky High. By this time we were all pretty exhausted (and by all I mean me and Aubrie because Dustin had already fallen asleep like a big loser). 

I woke up the following morning pretty early. I tried to sneak around the house and be quiet so I didn't wake Aubrie up since she was asleep on the couch. I didn't do a great job because not long after she was up! Ha! I loved that early morning time she and I had together. She wanted to know about Dustin's graphic novels and she looked through all of my Harry Potter books. She even pulled the Chamber of Secrets out and read for a little while because she knew exactly which page she left off on. That's impressive! Once we both woke up a bit and ate some breakfast she and I worked on a sign. And by me and her I mean she did 90% of it. I asked her what was most important to her and she said something along the lines of "that all people are treated the same" so I told her that's what the word "equality" meant. And that's how the sign was born. She came up with the design completely on her own. She had a vision and I didn't want to get in the way so I stepped back and let her take over. I wanted it to be hers. I just supplied the markers and poster board. I drew a few stick people of different colors and genders. That was all I contributed. She rocked it!

While I got ready, Dustin taught her a couple things on guitar. She just got one for Christmas and is in the beginning stages of learning. It was so nice to be doing my hair in one room and to listen to Dustin giving her instructions in the next. He was incredibly patient with her even when she wasn't with herself. We both told her that it isn't something that happens over night. She will have to practice  and practice and practice some more until her hard work starts to pay off. And it will! I know how determined she is and I can't wait to see her improve as time goes on. 

The time had come for us to leave. I had my "Pussies Against Trump" shirt on, Aubrie had her "Young Feminist" shirt on, and we both were sporting our "The Future Is Female" pins. Let's do this!

We stopped at Wawa to get some snacks and get some drinks. I knew it was going to be a hot one so I wanted us all to be hydrated. 

We parked in my middle school's parking lot which is about two blocks from Lake Eola. It's weird because I had flashes of little 12 year old me sitting on the steps across the street with my friends or running around the track or watching cute skater boys do tricks in front of the gym. Then suddenly I snapped back to reality and I'm here about to march/rally with my husband, Aubrie, my mom, friends, and strangers. It's crazy how life brings you back to certain places. 

My mom was already there and we all walked to Lake Eola together. I had no idea what to expect from any of it. I have never protested or rallied or marched or actively supported something in this manner. I have always been passionate about certain rights but I never did anything more than donate money. Money is great but so is action. We walked around the lake running into a few groups here and there. We were all there for a serious reason but everyone was still so friendly and upbeat, passionate and determined. My childhood friend Joanne and I had planned to meet up except I totally was waiting in the wrong location. So while we waited Aubrie snapped some video footage of a swan and a turtle. She even went out of her way to remove a chip bag from the shore with a stick which she then threw in the trash. She impressed me left and right during her 24 hours with us. She is just so good. She radiates goodness.

Once I found out we were waiting in the completely wrong spot we walked to the amphitheater. I hadn't seen the shell since it had been painted to honor the Pulse victims. I loved the rainbow of colors. I love that the City of Orlando has honored them in different ways throughout town.

We finally found Joanne! Woohoo! I got to meet her cutie Penelope and her friend. It was nice to get to chat a bit. I was trying to remember the last time I had seen her face-to-face and it had to have been 10 or more years ago. We keep up over Facebook but face-to-face is so much nicer. Shortly after my friend Lauren and her mom joined us. We all stood there talking about all kinds of things while taking in everyone's clothes and posters. Aubrie pointed out a woman who was dressed like Rosie the Riveter (which is who she dressed as to do her presentation). She told me she wanted to get a picture with her but she was in a crowd of people on the other side of a fence. She and I tried yelling to get her attention but it was far too noisy. So together we squeezed our way into the crowd. Aubrie went right up to her and asked for a picture. I was again so impressed with her confidence. The woman was  so excited and agreed happily to take a photo. She was actually so happy that she asked me to also take one with her phone. We made it back to our little group and waited for the event to officially begin. We were standing on the right side of the amphitheater where the crowd wasn't as thick. It made it a little harder to hear the singers and speakers but it worked out just fine. 

It was an absolute inspiring event. I was so moved that so many came out to support women and equality and LGBTQ and different races and cultures and that we all agree that we have to stand together in order to fight Trump and his administration. That day gave me hope for the first time since the election. I felt restored and empowered. Yeah, I still might whine or rant every now and then but I'm learning to channel those feelings into action instead. 

Orlando's contribution was about 8,000 people which is on the smaller size considering some of the other sister marches around the world, but we came out and held our own. We made our voices heard. We were all a part of history that day. 

Dustin and I do not like crowds or the heat but we were out there! I saw a sign that read "So bad even introverts are here." And it's the truth! I was worried I might have anxiety but I felt completely calm the entire day. It became clear that this is where I needed to be. We were out there for almost 4 hours but due to the heat and needing to get on the other side of town to take Aubrie back we headed out a little earlier. My heart became fuller as we walked through the crowds of people. We got to my car and we all just sat there tired and sweaty taking it all in. I knew this was going to be historical but it wasn't until I got home later that night that it really started to hit how big of an impact we all made. The march in D.C. was HUGE (and Chicago and L.A. too). There were marches all over the world (Melbourne, Tokyo, Paris, etc.) People came out in all weather conditions. I remember seeing some Alaskans covered in snow but still there they stood with the rest of us. This is more than a one day march. This is a movement. This is a resistance. 

We promised Aubrie we would stop by the comic book store before taking her back so we did just that. She was in awe of how many comics and action figures filled the store. Dustin told her she could pick one thing and he'd buy it for her. She originally picked a Wonder Woman comic but she later decided on a Wonder Woman action figure instead. We also picked up a Michaelangelo for Kierce.

I couldn't believe the day was over and we were driving Aubrie back. The hours flew by. I'm so happy I got to share this experience with her. I know some parents would have not let their 9 year old go to something like that but Katie and Tommy are just so damn supportive of both Aubrie and Kierce. I see kids like Aubrie and I worry a little less about our future. If Aubrie were in charge the world would definitely be a kinder brighter place. 

Until she is...we will resist.