I've often considered getting a lifetime membership -- usually during those times that my screen freezes because I had the audacity to click into a diary when the screen was loaded with the wrap-around ads. But really, my desire for membership had almost nothing to do with speed or never having to look at the ads, it had everything to do with belonging.
You remember those old "Calgon, take me away" ads? I've never been a bath kind of gal -- and really, just how many bathes can one take when life starts getting stressful? Daily Kos has been my Calgon... When I encounter selfishness and rudeness; when the kids fight; when I need to get away from my own thoughts, I come here. The community diaries warm my heart and the political activism diaries warm my soul.
A lifetime membership was always something I was going to do for myself. Someday. But suddenly there is a deadline. And as much as I wanted to be a member, I simply couldn't justify it right now. Our monthly budget will be taking a HUGE hit come January 1st. Our insurance had a $150 deductible for medication, but is increasing to a $7,000 deductible. Yikes. My daughters, between the two of them, take five medications daily. I don't know the exact number yet, but we are looking at about $1,600 a month.
Nurse Kelly and fellow Kossasks who contributed to the membership fund did not know how much I wanted lifetime subscription and did not know the circumstances that prevented me for joining. I don't know what motivated Nurse Kelly to choose me as one of the lucky recipients. But I am so thankful that she did.
Daily Kos has meant a lot to me. I learn so much here -- I have yet to hear a story on Rachel or Keith or Chris Hayes that I hadn't already read about on DKos. I am inspired by kossacks who have worked tirelessly on issues like healthcare issues or have put themselves body and soul into OWS or pushing back against Scott Walker. I am in awe of the generosity displayed here, sometimes as simple as kind words for someone who is struggling, and sometimes something more tangible like a quilt or financial support -- and even the offer of a kidney!!!! I mean, just wow!
This community has made me a better person and a better mother. I believe I've always been open-minded, but maybe a better description would be tolerant with a touch of stereotyping. Here, I've learned that so many of my stereotypes were just wrong. I often had a mental image of commenters only to be surprised that the person is younger or older than I suspected or a different gender or from a different part of the country. It's been quite eye-opening to realize that people just don't fit into the tiny boxes I gave them. So now I find that I reach out to a much wider base of people, people that I never bothered to talk to before because I assumed that we'd have nothing in common. And my life is much richer for it.
Since being here, I've come to believe that "tolerant" is akin to judgemental. I recently had a conversation with my daughter's school counselor. Kgirl1 has been struggling with school and friendships -- and possibly her sexuality. The counselor wanted to make sure that I could be "accepting" and assured me that the schools are "tolerant". Um, I guess I'm relieved, but really, just what is there to tolerate? Do I tolerate that she is brunette in a world where "blonds have more fun"? Do I tolerate that she's kinda short in a world where the tallest candidate wins? Or is she just who she is? A sometimes funny, often irritating, always energetic kid who loves golf, snowboarding, and skateboarding...
Thank you, Nurse Kelly and all the people who donated. I am so grateful -- and I am proud and honored to be a lifetime member of this community. Thank you for sharing so much of your personal stories. By getting to know you, I am getting to know myself.
And it's not too late to join or give a gift of membership! (but the clock is ticking!!!)