May the odds be ever in your favor

So my last blog was pre/peri election. I have to admit that despite my desire to stand up, speak up and reach out, I’ve been paralyzed by shame, disbelief, shock and pretty much an overwhelming feeling of what-the -hidey-ho. I’m speechless. 

But like you, I know. I work with mostly men.. conservative men…and I knew/know. Even as a professor of surgery, even in my mid 40’s I’ve heard the comments,  women doctors, women in general.. I’ve dreaded how to “prep” my daughter’s for the real world, I’ve put them in taekwondo, I’ve recognized that there is the American Dream and then there is the American reality. Don’t get me wrong.. we can get there. We Must. But not quite yet. 

Tomorrow marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. I must say Thanks. Thank you to the Obamas for 8 year of attention to our children’s health, diet and schools, thanks for 8 year of leadership with grace, humility, intelligence and respect. Thank you. Thank you for leading our nation in a way that our children can watch, admire and be inspired by. No one is perfect, but I admired the leadership of our nation tremendously. 

It is from this inspiration that I will find my voice. I must. We must. I watch the news, I listen to the radio and I feel as though I’m watching the Hunger Games. Reality is off key, it’s been altered. Everyone has smooth  foreheads, big boobs and even bigger wallets. There are bills to carry weapons in public – even in schools, there is a movement to end healthcare coverage…end healthcare and family planning for women of all ages, socioeconomics and education, there is talk of tax breaks, media transgressions and conflicts of interest. 

Yep. May the odds be ever in your favor. Be smart. Be aligned. Be strong. Find your voice.  It’s not us against them…. thats the thing where we get it wrong.. your favor, is “their” favor.. is my favor… is our favor.