I am so thrilled to be able to share with you the very first of my ‘guest blogger’ series! My dear friend and fellow Bongino for U.S Senate volunteer, Julie Imirie has written this heartfelt article, and I pray you read it, share it, and lift her and her dear husband up in prayer. I read it and was overcome with emotion. What an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing Julie!
What I did on my summer vacation:
I will turn 60 years old in November. I decided that this was the year for me to stand up, speak out, and do something, because in the words of the Republican candidate for the US Senate, Dan Bongino, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”
The summer of 2012 for me will be remembered for several memorable reasons. My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I lost my job due to the failing economy, and I volunteered as a County Coordinator for Dan Bongino’s campaign. In each case, there was a soul-searching decision, a blessing, and a bright light shining. While the future is at this moment undecided, it is filled with hope and love. This summer, I found out who I am and what I am made of.
Sitting in the oncologist’s office, listening to a lesson on the chemistry of cancer and the choice of quality of life, or certain misery, my husband said to the doctor, “Can you keep me alive long enough to vote this bum out of office?” He has always had a very strange sense of humor-it is one of the reasons I love him so much. The doctor laughed and said, “I’ll try.” Even he agreed that we are at a critical crossroads at this point in time, and much of what is decided over the next few weeks and months will determine the future of the next generation, and my husband wants to leave his footprint, or in this case, his digital image, on the voting booth screen.
So where, you might ask, is the blessing in all this? Well, for one, losing my job meant I could be home with my husband to care for him, spend quality time learning from him, and gather the history of his life and legacy, while opening the door to friends and family who want to talk and laugh with Capt. Pete one more time. It also meant that, with my husband’s blessing, I could jump in to politics and support a brilliant young man who wants to change the path we are on. Once I’d heard him speak, I was instantly drawn to his point of view, his explanation of conservative economics, and his love for his country and family. It just made so much sense.
But the residual benefit of being a campaign volunteer was far more helpful to me than my efforts could ever be to Dan Bongino. I have encountered a group of people who are connected in common purpose, faithful to their values and beliefs, kind and giving, and worthy of being called ‘patriots.’ We believe that the cause of freedom and liberty without tyranny and the “nanny state” are so much more important than entitlements. We believe that hard work should be rewarded, and that taking from the wealthy does not cure poverty. We believe that if this country does not respect and revere its constitution, it will fail as all the other government experiments have done. And we believe that you have no right to be wrong – a civilized society cannot exist without a moral base.
I have been ridiculed and teased, attacked and slandered for my beliefs, and it has only made me stronger in the belief that I am right. I see the opposition now as lazy, mean-spirited, and greedy. They offer no solutions … only blame, and none of the so-called progressive sycophants can give one good explanation for why they would vote for President Obama, other than free stuff. I am anxious for November 7th. It will either be a huge sigh of relief, or it will be a slamming door on a country that will forever be a memory. I don’t know how anyone in their right mind can think that the current administration is taking us down the right road. I cannot tolerate those who do, and it has been liberating to clean my social house.
Life is, as they say, short, especially when the doctor tells you yours is. Years ago while living on a boat traveling the Intra-Coastal waterway, there was a TV show on one of the only channels we could get in port. It was a travelogue hosted by a guy by the name of Alby Mangels. Travels with Alby followed the Australian born rover around the world on various adventures (mostly involving beautiful young women in bikinis.) But, what I remember most was something he said, “Life is just a flea on an elephant.” Did he mean we are small and insignificant? Or did he mean that while we may be small in the grand scheme, we can make a difference. I am proud of my husband for facing his death, whenever it might come. He is scared, but has faith, and he made a huge difference in the lives of many. I am proud of Dan Bongino, because he is the future – the next generation – and I believe his journey is just beginning. He is scared, but has faith too. There are other “fleas” out there. The hundreds of people who came out of their comfort zones, faced their fears, suffered through illnesses and crappy weather, sacrificed time with their families, took off work, gave hard-earned money, donated supplies, stood on street corners, and made phone calls late into the night. I am proud of all of them and I include myself.
Here’s my question: what did you do on your summer vacation?
Julie Imirie
