Solidarity

(A homemade sign in my front yard.)

Thousands of demonstrators supporting women’s health gathered on the grounds of the Texas Capitol yesterday to mark the beginning of the legislature’s second special session.  I desperately wanted to attend, and so did a close friend of mine, but we both have young children (she is nursing an infant), and we weren’t sure we could manage them in the sea of people and the heat.  We both worried about getting stuck downtown, whether we brought our children or not, but we wanted to show our support somehow, in some way.  Finally, we decided to get together at my house yesterday to let our children play safely while we followed the events at the Capitol via Facebook, Twitter, and the local news.

(Felt flower pins to wear in support of Texas women. I’m wearing mine every day throughout the session.)

I did what I do best these days: organize a small get-together of women, and I invited a few other mothers and their children.  I made signs, orange flower pins for us to wear, and provided enough food to keep us fed all day long.  All total, there were four mothers, seven young children, and two babies due in October.  Not too shabby for a last-minute event.  The little ones played outside and inside, ate, napped, fussed, and laughed, and we tried our hardest to keep up with the events downtown.  We found a live feed of the demonstration, so we were able to hear most of Senator Davis’ speech, and we did what all mothers do best: multi-task.

Even though we weren’t with the rest of the demonstrators, it was wonderful to spend the day with other mothers and children whose lives have been directly impacted by healthcare in Texas.  We talked about our experiences and shared our thoughts, and I felt as exhilarated as if I’d spent the day on the grounds of the Capitol downtown.

(My friend soothing her baby and staying up-to-date on the day’s events.)

(Watching the little ones play.)

(Trying out a new toy.)

We had a wonderful day, and I was so thrilled to share it with so many lovely women.  This session has just begun, and I’ll be wearing my pin and watching the entire time.