I thought it best to write a diary tonight, for several reasons really.
Barry and I have been up and then down through all the emotions that have been
careening like a virtual roller coaster. While Barry’s loss was a disappointment to me, there were several moments of light that proved not only encouraging but also humbling.
The really big high was today, when unexpectedly Kos put Barry on the front page encouraging others to help retire the campaign debt. I can’t thank you enough Markos, your words and encouragement and donation really mean a lot to Barry and I. To all those that have helped to pay down the debt, I can only say Thank you, and I know it sounds so feeble – I just don’t know how to convey as sincerely as possible our thanks, our gratefulness and our renewed strength that your words and actions have meant to us. My very heartfelt Thank you doesn’t translate so well on page, but I’m writing this with gratefulness and affection.
So the highs out number the lows and the kindness and generosity of others reminds me of why I love this country and no matter the circumstances I know we are blessed because of people like you.
One of our concerns, were that after the campaign, we would probably move or be moved. After all it wasn’t just Barry’s campaign, it was mine, the volunteers, but most revealing – it was the campaign of a lot of members from our congregation and denomination. We thought we would be moved because due to the sheer enormity of the district, we were afraid the congregation would feel they weren’t first with us. We were worried that maybe the church would be very tired of the focus on Laurel and the congregation. Election night from one of our oldest congregation members, called because she wanted to make sure Barry knew she was so proud of him. We worried for nothing – they told us, they weren’t going to “trade us in” but in fact they were worried that we would move away.
There were the times when someone from outside our community decided to let their opinions loose and question “How can someone from LAUREL win a congressional race?” to which many in the gas station (our only one by the way) literally stood up for Barry. I’ve learned that one doesn’t trash talk about Laurel, much less trash talk while actually IN Laurel and about their favorite son no less.
The State Party Chair has called, the Mayor of Indianapolis has called, as have many others around the state, and we have been invited to the state Holiday Ball, and many county holiday events, Senator Russ Feingold sent Barry a personal note, as has Senator Biden.
There were moments where we have lows, like when we discovered that there was a debt of $3,800 (approx.) left owing – (this was a posting error, and everyone thought the yard signs were paid for when they were not and it backed everything else after that up)-this debt is to local vendors who have been under the same economic woes that have beset the district. This weighed very heavily on us, as no doubt on Barry’s pay, the amount might as well been $3.8 million rather than a few thousand. While I’m at it, I want to express my opinion on personal wealth and the attitude of what money means. Barry is very well educated (Bachelor of Science with 7 Majors), Masters of Divinity work, comes from a really good family (I love my in-laws) as his great uncle was Matthew Welsh, Governor of Indiana in the mid-sixties. Barry could have chosen one of many paths for his future to accumulate wealth or further himself socially but the path he chose was one very different than that. While being wealthy and being socially acceptable is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s not Barry’s nor mine main focus. To that end, we (Barry and I) know the value of a dollar – we’ve raised our kids to know the value of a dollar and what effort it takes to make that dollar. My kids have never asked me for something we couldn’t afford to give and in retrospect have asked very little of us other than to love them. I may speak of the trials and tribulations of being part of this family, but my speaking of it is not to complain but rather look at it like it’s one of the perks.
One of the bright moments was a wonderful card we received with a hand written note from a Kossak, who took the time to not only write but gave funds to our Food bank for Thanksgiving. This was from someone who was so thoughtful as to think of others here in the middle of nowhere (albeit lovely) to help feed others. That touched me so deeply, not just because this person gave from their heart with a generous donation to the Food Bank but also because that was the very last thing on my mind. I was humbled and I am reminded daily by the convictions and the actions those convictions spur that I see in others. I was reminded that not all is lost if we personally don’t succeed as we plan and work toward, but that we take each opportunity to be grateful for such reminders. I am human and as such I am flawed like everyone else, and to take joy in others and their successes reminds me that to see that joy is indeed a precious gift.
Barry and I saw some lows, my house still looks like a bomb squad and several dogs (other than our Mowgli and Spike) tore through the house. The yard is littered with
Un-raked leaves and our poor fish in the fish tank are wondering if they’ve been forgotten. When I think of it, it’s not much is it?
Your help is truly appreciated. Thank you again Markos, and all of you wonderful Kossacks.
With love,
Sherri
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my diary.