Natural Progression

Written by: linda b on Dec 4, 2006 3:23 PM EST

Linked to groups: Blog For America

When my son went off to college at Virginia Tech, I was quite upset. My daughter had started college two years earlier and I was devastated to have her leave.

When I told Chris how much I was going to miss him he said “Mom, its natural progression”. I thought yes, I guess he is right.

Well natural progression is continuing, in my own life.

In 2003 I was introduced to the likes of Howard Dean by a friend. I listened to what he had to say about the many problems we were facing as a nation. I remember Howard said the reason he wanted to run for President was he was tired of yelling at the TV screen.

I was too.

I followed his rise in the polls, I listened to his speeches. I watched his interviews on TV.

I was enthralled with his common sense. I was hooked.

Then I,, along with my husband, went to NH to work on his campaign. We worked out of Concord and followed Howard around the state as he made speeches..

After Howard dropped out of the race, we still had the energy to work for the Democratic candidate, John Kerry. That race, as you know, went poorly.

I then turned my focus to the local Democratic City Committee. I found it in disarray. I challenged them to make it better, and we did. I became the vice chair for the 3rd district. We found candidates to run for the offices of Congressman and Senator.

We raised money and supported these candidates. Our candidate, Jim Webb, became our new Senator from Virginia.

Then I was asked to be on the Virginia Democratic Central Committee from the 3rd Congressional District.. I was honored that they would want me.

This past Saturday, after being sworn in by the state party, I was asked to be the 3rd district representative to the Virginia State Women’s Caucus.

I was again honored.

So natural progression can happen,  at any age.

I am progressing to where I never thought I would be.

Howard Dean’s candidacy started that progression. He is still my mentor and my hero.

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