Embrace
It Has Always Taken a Village
Embrace
Stand tall
Encourage
Dream
Rally
Defend
Challenge
Speak up
Push back
Seek truth
Be responsible
Reach out
Carry the load
Educate self
Teach others
Be accountable
Hope
Love
Observe
Listen
Think
Act
Words to absorb and execute as the world changes and attempts to manipulate us into mindless robots.
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I recently attended Springsteen’s American Tour, “Land of Hope and Dreams ” in Portland with my 30-plus-year-old daughter, McKenzie (Mac). Her words when we walked the halls to get to our seats were, “This feels like a warm hug.”
The concert was everything it was meant to be. A call to fight, resist, and be persistent in the pursuit of justice, freedom, and hope through the shared experience of music. To be with 20,000 plus people, all looking for community in times of upheaval, was indeed like a big warm hug.
Sharing this experience with my daughter, who does not love large crowds and prefers mostly soft, relaxing instrumental music, was monumental. She was humbly and visibly inspired by the music, the stadium's response, and the words Springsteen spoke, which were like a parent’s advice to hold on and strive for what is right and just.
As a young woman who has been through hell and emerged out of the fog of addiction at the age of 26 in 2020, Mac has been constantly slammed with a societal structure that seems to have gone completely rogue, with little regard for humanity and decency. As she continues to gain solid ground and work her recovery with grace, determination, and compassion toward herself and others, those in positions of power seem to be shitting all over the place. No wonder people turn to numbing themselves with whatever means are accessible when hope is diminished. Who wants to experience any of this?
It pains me that she is faced with this complete and utter nonsense. Having lived with the good, the bad, and the ugly, I’m seasoned at dealing with most of it and know how to survive and thrive despite the downsides. What blows me away is that, somewhere in her mind and body, Mac retained what she was taught early on and has intuitively chosen to continue demonstrating the goodness and compassion she received and spread throughout her young life. She is far and away ahead of so many her age and older, myself included.
Don’t get me wrong, she gets angry at the world (as do I), and we have many discussions surrounding the inhumane and inconsiderate treatment people exhibit on a daily basis. Our response is to find ways to release those intense feelings through productive actions.
Mac was always the kid who stood by those who struggled to fit in. She had a special place in her heart for souls who needed a true friend, someone who gave without needing to receive. Maybe because she herself did not fit any mold. While recovering and living in places such as Los Angeles, CA, and Portland, OR, she was the one who gave away food to people living on the streets, talking to them and treating them like humans. She understood their plight and was not afraid.
Although not shy about stating her opinion or dramatizing a situation if warranted, Mac has learned to treat others as she has always wanted to be treated, with respect, even if they do not initially deserve it. Why kick someone when they are already down? She told me the other day that she attributes this to her Midwest upbringing and the characterization often referred to as “North Dakota or Minnesota nice.” Which does have its place, especially now, when so many are suffering, attempting to make it through the day, and need a break from judgment.
I am forever amazed by this young woman and cannot take full credit because she has been influenced by many along her journey. It has literally taken a village to get her to the place she is now. Our ancestors were farmers and relied on the small town and farming communities to assist with all aspects of their lives, sharing skills, food, equipment, educating, and caring for the children. This is not a new concept, and it worked.
It is a concept we honestly need to re-embrace if our society is going to move past the “individual as king” era. An era of patriarchy and entitlement that is killing the spirit and relationships of literally everyone.
Carry on, resist, persist, dream, and be kind.
Artwork Image: Dawning, 18” x 48” - chosen for this writing because it visualizes hope, nature at the beginning of each day, is layered and textural, as humanity is, both complicated and absolutely beautiful.
Michelle Lindblom
Mac is so fortunate to have you as her Mama. You have been so invested in supporting her progress and individuality! Bruce’s concert must have been not only a warm hug but a moment of joy in the music and integrity he brings to his music and to those of us feeling a little hopeless… perhaps goodness and intelligence will prevail!!