The Journey Begins

Posted on | by Veronica Hand

“They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds.”

The Única blog is meant to share my growth overtime.  I will start from one of the lowest points in my life to where I am currently.  By far one of the lowest points in my life began when Donald Trump became President in November 2016.  Below is a glimpse of what my feelings and thoughts were like during that time.   

November 8, 2016:

It was becoming dreadfully clear that Donald Trump would be our next President.  My heart sank. I went to our bathroom, closed the door and cried deep sorrowful cries from the depths of my heart. This was a man who started his election by calling Mexican immigrants drug dealers, criminals and rapists.  I come from Mexican immigrants who are loving, brave, kind, courageous and none of the things that Trump spewed out of his hateful mouth.  My heart broke that day knowing that millions of people voted for him regardless of his racism and hate. 

I knew after his win that things would never be the same in our country.  It was such a stark contrast to how I felt when Obama won his presidency.  I can still remember back then how much hope I had for the future. Donald Trump winning this presidency felt like a slap in the face. 

I later got off the floor and crawled into bed. I prayed and cried until I fell asleep.  I went to bed with a very heavy heart. I would never be the same person again.  American would never be the same again.

November 9, 2016

I woke up with a feeling of grief and hurt. “Did this really just happen?” As I was getting ready for work I suddenly realized I hadn’t yet taken a shower. I was filled with so much emotion that I almost forgot to take care of my most basic needs. I continued to be strong and got ready for work. I hugged my baby girls extra tight that morning and was grateful that they were too young to really understand what was going on.

As I was heading to work I made a decision I often make when I experience hardship. I remembered Michelle Obama’s words.” “Lead by Example with Hope, Never Fear.”  I decided I would dust off the pain and keep moving forward and do whatever was in my power to make this country better for my daughters and for my family.  

Facebook Post Nov. 9, 2016

“Today I will remember there are many others in the U.S. like me. People who choose love and acceptance and not hate. People who believe in Social Justice and Equality. Let’s not forget that we can make a difference. We have to hold him responsible. I vow to be more civically responsible, to send messages to my local representatives to support the causes I feel passionate about, to be informed and teach others around me to be critical thinkers, to continue to fight for social justice and equality. He has not won, he has only made me stronger. I hope others feel the same and fight with me for ourselves and our children.”

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