POLITICAL FAMILY DIVIDED: HELLEN AND HERB.

“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” Isaac Asimov

Never mind the country, how about the family?

Those two lovebirds have been together since high school. They have seen each other through illness, job loss, buying a home, and raising a family—the definition of hard-working folks. Helen and Herb (who will remain anonymous) live in the middle of the country. Helen has always worked in the public school system, mostly as a head office secretary; Herb, both high school graduates, works with farmers, selling them much-needed equipment.

Herb is pro-Trump; I mean, he has a hat and streams podcasts and tunes into the Trump channel. Helen will not have anything to do with it; she is adamantly opposed. She is pro-women choice and pro-women in general. They are a true family divided.

House Rules: no politics, no exceptions.

They are family-centric and have a group of friends they have known since their school days. They gather for neighborhood events and town activities. They were volunteers when the floods hit and devastated many. She also volunteers at the animal shelter. They took in a foreign exchange student from China for a year when raising their children.

Hellen and Herb are a shining example of hard work, love, marriage, and true Americans.

Other than Herb’s hat, which Hellen sees that it’s tucked in the back of the closet, no one would know their political stance. They knew early on in their marriage that they came first, not their political party. The family they have created needed to be centric. The four children they raised knew that the political distance between their parents signified complete opposition, but they allowed their kids to decide for themselves where their vote would land. Three out of the four kids will not share their political views.

In a land where there is passion over politics, can one lay aside their opinions for the relationships they are creating?

My husband studied political science in college, and I am grateful that he has a history of our country that he shares with me. I personally am not too political, even though it can drive my friends nuts. I much prefer to walk my dog. Don’t worry—I do vote!

My 99-year-old dad recently told me,
“Your mother and I have seen presidents come into the office we did not like. They did some good and some things we did not care for. We have also seen presidents come into office we liked. They, too, did some good and did things we did not care for. The country will just move along, it always does”. His perspective is deeper than mine as he has paid attention and has years of witnessing our country and the changes over time.

Let’s put it this way: On your deathbed, what do you consider important? Your loved ones, family, and dear friends. I thought so.

My Mantra: “Note to self: time to walk the dog”