Carter and Campbell Go to Washington

Last week while Russ was away Carter texted me early in the morning before school, “I have something to talk to you about.” That’s how parent/child communication is these days, through text. It sounded ominous, I was a little worried. A few minutes before she had to leave for school she came up and sat on my bed. What was she was going to tell me, she was so serious.
“Campbell and I want to go to the Women’s March.” What a relief. “OK.” I took a breath. “How are you going to get there?”  
“We can drive my car and ask Aunt Margaret if we can stay with her.”  
“If it is OK with Campbell’s mom and OK with Margaret you can go.”
I was so relieved that my daughter wanted to do something civically minded, not something teenagerish that I was thrilled she wanted to go to D.C. It is up to the young people in this country to speak out for what they want from government. Lobbies like AARP have been powerful because they get their constituents out to vote. It is time for the young to band together and set some priorities. 
My sister Margaret enthusiastically invited Cater and her friend to stay at her apartment. Since she does not live near a metro they got up early to catch the bus to get to the March. I got a text from them at the bus stop at 8:30 this morning saying they were making friends already. They must have gotten to the March in a timely manner because the report was they were up at the front.

It was a long day. Carter said the speakers were amazing. The only bad part was a day without food which made for some hangry marchers, but they did march. By five in the afternoon they were making their way back to the Margaret’s. I have no idea how long that took them, but Chinese delivery food solved the no eating problem.  

They are visiting with Carter’s godfather David tomorrow before heading home. I can’t wait to hear all about the day from her in person. It will be something she and Campbell remember the rest of their lives. There are issues they are concerned about and they took the first step to help create the world they want to live in. If you don’t like something you can’t just complain. Marching in of itself won’t solve it, but it is a first step towards being the change you want to see in the world. Well done Carter and Campbell. I am proud of you.