Thank You, Bill Whittle

Recently my husband and I were on our first real vacation in over a year.  We had both worked hard to save for the trip and our intention was to completely shut down and try to relax for a change.

We agreed that the only time we would use our computers was in the early morning before starting our day.  But then I learned Andrew Breitbart had died.

I did what I always do when I hear a major news story–I started writing.  I posted on my Facebook and Twitter pages, wrote to my family and friends and wrote an article about Andrew—desperately trying to make some kind of sense out of it all.  My husband and I still went out and played in the sunshine that day but he knew my heart and mind were back home in Los Angeles where my colleagues were meeting to mourn our fearless leader Breitbart.

Then sometime around 3 a.m.—after reading every blog and news item I could find about Andrew, I watched my dear friend Bill Whittle’s tribute to him:

Needless to say, it was a real eye-opener for me.

Bill is so right; we can’t fight this political/media/social/class battle if we’re not strong, rested and prepared.  After working 24/7 for almost a solid year–traveling and flying and writing and covering political events non-stop– I knew I needed a break.  I was tired; I was weary.  And Andrew’s early heart attack was a reminder that we’re all fallible.

After watching Bill’s video I immediately posted a message on my social media pages saying I was taking time to re-group.  I closed my computer and didn’t open it again other than to check in with family to make sure everyone was okay.  It wasn’t easy for me at first, but I managed to tuck away the pain of losing Andrew Breitbart and reconnected with my husband in paradise.

I know so many of you out there are political activists like me.  There is definitely a feeling of urgency because we don’t have a lot of time before the elections– and according to all the pundits and scholars I know, it’s going to get much worse before it gets better.  But please—please—take some time to take care of yourself and your loved ones.  We need all of you to be strong and healthy and clear-headed through the upcoming months and beyond.  I feel much better now; sad still, but ready for whatever comes my way.

Blessings to you and yours.