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Kathryn Mayer • Writing Out Loud

I write stuff down. writer • humorist • activist

Channeling Grief into Advocacy, Sort of

February 8, 2013 by Kate Mayer 15 Comments

I would like to post regularly and share what is happening here in Newtown, but there just isn’t enough time or energy to do that. I want to, but I’ve been muzzled: first by grief, then by fear, then by responsibility, then by trolls, then by frustration, then by friends, then by time.

When trying to find someplace to channel the grief, to get away from … well … me, I discovered a grass roots effort born at a kitchen table by two CT moms rocked by the Newtown massacre (more appropriate than tragedy) called March for Change, addressing the need for common sense gun laws. You think?

So I volunteered, half raising my hand, and pulling it down again and again, to encourage those here in Newtown to come to Hartford to rally for common sense gun laws, if this might be something that would want to do. Or not. It’s individual, and not everyone is ready. Most days, we’re all just hanging on the best we can.

My only goal: represent Newtown. Make sure Newtown neighbors, families, and friends have the opportunity to attend this march – if they want to. Towns across the state have pledged to send buses (yes, buses of supporters), and I want very much for Newtown to have a powerful presence.

March for Change folks are completely organized, armed with incredible volunteers, linked to Connecticut Against Gun Violence and focused on the forest: the passion behind the commons sense gun legislation.

My focus? The trees. The trees right here in town. And to completely honest – most days, just the trees in my very own yard. Maybe that’s selfish, but that’s just the way it is.

I want March for Change to, as their brilliant tag line represents: change the conversation, change the culture, change the laws. I really do. But it’s all I can do to get my own family on a bus next Friday, go to Hartford and beg like those tiny whos on a fluff ball in Horton Hears a Who! together, united, shouting in quiet whispers:

… we’re here … we’re here. 

And we’re hurting. 

Please. Please hear us. 


Where Everybody Knows Your Name
I’ve been busy.

Comments

  1. Amy Saunders Lawer says

    February 8, 2013 at 10:50 pm

    Another heart-wrenching blog by you, Kathy…My heart bleeds for and with you, and I hope you’re heard…when IS this march taking place? You left out those details…
    You’ve been in my thoughts and my prayers…you, your family, and your community. May God bless each and every one of you~

    Reply
  2. Kathy (p/t writer, f/t mom) says

    February 8, 2013 at 11:39 pm

    Thanks Amy. Thanks for the love and keeping Newtown in your thoughts. Our whole town feels the love, we really do. It’s so amazing. March for Change is February 14 in Hartford. All details are in the link, or at http://www.marchforchange.org. xo

    Reply
  3. Amy Caraluzzi says

    February 9, 2013 at 3:28 am

    I saw one of the SH moms in the grocery store yesterday. I thought she looked familiar then it hit me how I “knew” her. Someone stopped her and told her how much an inspiration she and her family is, but all I could think was, “this poor woman can’t even shop for food anymore without someone bothering her.” It doesn’t just hit close to home. It is home. We are Newtown too. xoxo.

    Reply
    • Kathy (p/t writer, f/t mom) says

      February 9, 2013 at 8:16 pm

      Newtown Strong. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Andrea says

    February 9, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    I hope your voices are heard….a Person’s a person, no matter how small (that Horton line does not mean I find you small…you know that…I am sure …)

    Reply
    • Kathy (p/t writer, f/t mom) says

      February 9, 2013 at 8:16 pm

      I know. Together we are all Newtown Strong!

      Reply
  5. vanita says

    February 9, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Kathy, I made a blog button that can be grabbed here: http://afterbedtimeblog.com/heart-hurts/ 150px can sit in the sidebar and link to the site

    Reply
    • Kathy (p/t writer, f/t mom) says

      February 11, 2013 at 3:05 pm

      Thank you for your post and sharing Newtown with your readers. And thanks for the blog button — I even managed to post it here you should be so proud of me!!! Thank you so very much for the support, Vanita. I hear you loud and clear. xo

      Reply
  6. Mia says

    February 10, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    I’ll help get the word out. Tweeted your post and Vanita’s post. Posted on my Facebook and Google + too. We’re listening!

    Reply
    • Kathy (p/t writer, f/t mom) says

      February 11, 2013 at 3:08 pm

      Thanks Mia! We have a saying here — Newtown Strong! — and thanks to folks like you, you’re helping us regain our strength.

      Reply
  7. Robin K says

    February 18, 2013 at 8:08 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
    • Kathy (p/t writer, f/t mom) says

      February 20, 2013 at 8:01 pm

      don’t delete your comments girl. they add value to everything i write.

      Reply
  8. Robin K says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    Got it. Thx.

    Reply
  9. mutterschwester says

    April 16, 2013 at 9:56 pm

    Just wanted to let you know that your Twitter presence has been magnificent. Ever since I showed up here asking whether returning to the Blue Colony on our trips to MA from NJ would be seen as an intrusion, I’ve been so impressed with the activism and heart and excellent addition the Newtown contingents have provided.

    Anyway, just wanted to let you know. Twitter doesn’t allow for enough characters. 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Deciding to take a stand on something that matters says:
    February 3, 2015 at 1:04 am

    […] Except I’m beginning to realize trees truly do matter. Even the smallest action can have ripple affects that create change. There is no action too small, no voice too weak to be heard. […]

    Reply

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About Kathryn Mayer

Kathryn Mayer

An irreverent storyteller with a foul mouth and big heart, Kathryn Mayer (aka Kathy and/or Kate) is a writer, humorist, and activist writing out loud with humor and grace about little life moments with big ripples, including the space between parenting and aging parents, social issues, angsty reflections of midlife, and, sigh, gun humpers. Still. Sometimes a big deal, sometimes not Mayer is a national award-winning columnist, according to the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, and her essays have been recognized as Voice of the Year … Read More Here...

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