There's been a lot going on since I last posted to this blog.
My wife and I found out we are expecting.
We found out it is a girl (or very likely a girl, if ultrasound pictures are indicative).
I found out I have Type II Diabetes. After beginning three medications, I have some control over my blood-sugar.
The Hawkeyes have lost four football games. Usually that takes about 22 months for that to happen, not seven.
A friend was killed instantly when struck by lightning.
Peter Jennings died.
Rosa Parks died.
Three major hurricanes hit the United States.
So you see, there is a lot of life and death in the world. And it was damn near overwhelming for this 38-year-old. I mean, when you do the Math, it is beyond remotely possible that I have already lived out over half my life (how many overweight diabetics see 76?). And it feels like I'm down two TD's at the half, and it could be worse except my boys scored late to make it closer (they get points just for being).
So it has been a lot to ruminate upon, in recent days. So when politics pops up, it isn't the big big deal it once was.
Actually, it's bigger.
See, it's actually more important for me, because it's a process that is shaping not just my future, but the future for my children, and their children, and future generations everywhere. It's the future of humanity.
Now, don't get me wrong here. In many ways, it is much less important. It is not so important because I don't need to get angry about what I see as injustice. I don't need outrage to formulate my opinions and associations. I don't need politics to justify my existence. And I surely don't feel the need to indulge in a little Schottenfruede over the meltdown on the political right.
But it is more important, in that I see now how I can, and must, engage in the public dialogue (is there such a thing as a multi-logue?) for my own future, and for my children. Too much is at stake not to get involved. It is perfectly justifiable to care, and care deeply, about the direction my community and country are going.
So yes, I still care, quite a bit. But I am no longer beholden to politics for my identity.
I'm willing to be a partner with politics. I won't be a co-dependent.
There's too much else to live for, anyway.
