And so just passed the 32nd annual March for Life. I was fortunate to have attended back in 2000 with JMU Catholic Campus Ministry. It was freezing as it was today, but with four layers on, huddled closely in the crowds, I stayed warm enough. Until chills ran through me upon reaching the Supreme Court as I read "Equal Justice Under Law."
It hurts. I think it's sad that children are made to die and we allow it. I ache that we can think abortion comes down to a decision of economic stability and not the inherent value of life.
As I write today, however, I shed no tears because seething anger is my overriding emotion.
This entire issue pisses me off and I don't write about it often because it's exhausting. It takes a physical and mental toll to have to defend your beliefs over and over, year after year, and realize that there are still people out there who think you're some kind of Bible-thumping jack-off, trying to fulfill some Pollyannic agenda because God told you it would get you satin sheets and a space-heater Upstairs.
I do my very best to respect the Pro-Choice movement to my utmost ability. It is inspiring that they are motivated to protect women from exploitation, financial hardship, and broken hearts and bodies. I have no doubt that their efforts have helped women to feel comfortable discussing their sexuality and that they are making an acceptable choice if they bear and raise a child out of wedlock.
I believe the Pro-Life movement is due the same respect. Contrary to a popular perception, we are not all fetus-chucking, doctor-sniping nutjobs. We, too, work with families to help them raise their children safely in the home of their choosing. And those who are truly in favor of life respect and reach out to it on all levels, from embryos to elders to mothers who have had abortions and are fighting to heal.
It is outright disgusting that people generalize my beliefs because of those who have smeared the label of Pro-Life in ignorance and blood. Why does it forever seem that conservatives should be the ones to open their minds and understand their liberal counterparts? The definition of dialogue dictates that it also has to work the other way. Both sides have their reason, science, and faith and we would do well to acknowledge the good accomplished from every angle.
( 5:08 PM ) Meghan
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Winter Wondering
Again, I've been only poking myself in and out of the blogging community as of late. Another writing drought had swept through, like the minor blizzard I am now watching through my afternoon window.
One of the aspects I find most unique about snowfall is the quiet that settles over. It's as if the dull and filthy white noise of traffic were cleansed and cooled and manifested to the eye. We are left with time to think, our ears freed to hear the occasional shouts of children as they sled down their driveways into the streets without fear. Inevitably, the chaos emerges again as commuters regain their confidence and return to the streets, their tires and oxides coloring our peaceful blanket back into everyday din.
The fall is lessening. A shame. I was hoping to have the quiet company for awhile.
I am 13 days into my 26th year. I celebrated my most recent milestone by knocking back drinks at a good, Catholic Irish pub, followed by belting out country karaoke about losing one's virginity. While I am more skilled with downing Car Bombs than public singing performances, I had a good time at both. However, I am determined for improvement with the latter. Do drop me a note if you have any interest in a partner with whom to make an ass of yourself.
In accordance with my resolution to learn more U.K. phraseology, my co-worker has informed me that an elementary school writing notebook is a "jotter" and canned goods are really "tin food." Aye, pass the haggis.
The rest of the day will consist of lazing in my long-awaited papasan, putting the finishing touches on my scrapbook, and allowing iTunes a bit more profit. Shoveling can wait. But before I sign off, in alliance with this gift of quiet, I ask for a moment of silence for our dead. All of them. From war and waves, accidents and addiction, frightened new parents, and our imperfect penal system. May they rest in peace and lead us on to justice.
( 3:04 PM ) Meghan
Monday, January 17, 2005
Living to serve
Hearing all the ruminations of protests for this coming Thursday, I've been thinking that we can do better.
( 1:01 PM ) Meghan
Monday, January 10, 2005
Way hay and up she rises...
Hear 'em singing "Happy Birthday,"
Better think about the wish I made.
This year gone by ain't been a piece of cake.
Every day's a revolution.
Pull it together and it comes undone.
Just one more candle and a trip around the sun...
Yes, I'll make a resolution,
Then I'll never make another one.
Just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun.
~Jimmy Buffett and Martina McBride, Trip Around the Sun ( 11:46 PM ) Meghan
Monday, January 03, 2005
Wind was blowing, time stood still...
The whole of last month, I would often pause in wonderment at the gap in time; it was steadily approaching five years back from now that I was sitting in Doug's basement with cider flute in hand. I rolled my eyes with friends at the world's notions of apocalyptic seizure, while supressing undertones of nervous tension because maybe my faucets wouldn't work tomorrow. Midnight passed and morning came--that was the first day of the Mistaken Millenium.
This year, the ball dropped again amidst friends. Some from senior lounge, others from freshman dorms. Now we drink champagne as we celebrate. And although we no longer worried over what technological pumpkins would emerge as the clock struck twelve, my mind remained fixated on time passing. As I melted butterscotch chips in Rob's kitchen and ripped the front off his mother's stove (thinking it was a drawer), I caught oft glimpses of the second hand circling. I almost hoped the toast wouldn't come...I could have cut apple slices with Justinne for hours. But as before, the year changed, I received a kiss, and the world didn't end.
As the elders dictated to me, I have noticed time gaining speed. Visits seem shorter, Monday comes faster, and a crowded desk distracts from pausing for the moment. Of course, when you do manage to catch the moment, it's a beautiful shot within a blur.
An evening with Cynthia over warm peppermint mocha and like gossip...comfort sushi with Jenna and Alison...a late night of commiseration in the parking garage with Joy...Justin and I ordering the same entree and esoteric sidedish after our annual tradition of power-shopping...dropping tears at Ian's play, as I watched him transition from acting student to writer, producer, and star...crashing in Ben's apartment as the Dukes won the championship...laughing at the role reversal as my mother enjoyed the video game and explicit lyrics CD she got for Christmas...staying up to greet the dawn of Boxing Day...and most recently, gathering with my collegiate family from four towns as we played poker like old times, painted pictures of new times, and looked over a scrapbook, which like our years together, remains both preserved and unfinished.
Come to think of it, I've no idea how I worked it all in. I must have had more time than I thought.
( 10:39 PM ) Meghan
