Yes that’s me and Elizabeth! (Yes, she made us ALL call her that) I was one of the 22 bloggers from Silicon Valley Moms Blog who had the honor of meeting with the amazing Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards. You can read great live blogging recap here.
Like, many of the other moms in preparing for the meeting on Saturday, I rushed from two soccer games, made arrangements for child care, prepped lunch, handled Kiley's tantrum, and did laundry so I had something semi-clean to wear. I have tried to write this post several times this weekend, but got interrupted by regular life - friends, chores, work and family time. I started to feel like a loser for not getting to posting sooner, then it hit me - "regular life", that is what struck me about Elizabeth Edwards.
What I loved about her was she was a "regular person". She could have been one of my neighbors - whom I would borrow a cup of sugar from, someone who I would feel completely comfortable with watching my children, someone I'd share wine with and someone I would call my friend. She gave hugs, shook hands and noticed new haircuts. She remembered the little things about my fellow bloggers, that many of us would have long forgotten. It was the little things that someone who cared remembered. I've worked with many public officials in my day job and sincerity is rare.
Given the controversy that erupted on the SV Moms Blog from Rebecca's post, I was curious about how she would respond. Elizabeth immediately wanted to know if Rebecca was there. Upon hearing that she wasn't she immediately, said,"Oh please give her a hug for me. I felt terrible for her and all the grief she got from it all.” Like a regular gal, she’s moved on.
While she tackled our questions about the campaign head on, she also shared insights into her family and life. She gushed about how gifted her daughter was in math and how disappointed she was that her daughter lost interest in high school when a mentoring program ended and when a teacher said girls don’t "do math". (I’ve been there!) She talked about how she didn’t read blogs as much as she would want to while on the campaign bus because she wasn’t going to pay $9.00 an hour for access. (I’m with her there too!) When she lost her train of thought, she joked that she had a ton of things to blame that one on – “Chemo brain, being a mom, oh the list can go on.” She talked like a mother, like someone who has been through hell and back and sincerely wants to make every moment count. She had a stuffy nose, like a regular person.
I was touched when she also talked about how she would not be part of a presidential campaign if it was going to be “more of the same”. I believe her. As someone who came to our meeting undecided about whom to vote for, I left with a new lens to evaluate the candidates. I think that the Edwards campaign may come closest to addressing many of the issues outlined by Moms Rising.org.
She talked about the Edwards campaign was one of substance, ideas and true leadership. I did not know much about his campaign and his ideas, but have since checked him out and encourage you to do the same. She said, that this campaign is not about John’s hair, but the things he is talking about and the legacy he will leave when this campaign is done.
She eloquently said,
“We don’t get the change we want unless we are willing to work for it. It has to go beyond writing a check at a fundraiser. Many people think they have done their part after that.”
I agree. I think that it is “regular” people with “regular” lives who make every day decisions that make change. We each make the decision to recycle the soda can or not, we decide whether to treat a stranger with respect or not and we decide to trust a candidate or not.
I think that it is impressive that the Edwards campaign “gets it” and sees that Mommy Bloggers are “regular folks” who have “regular” issues, like health care, education and paying for college for our kids. We have “regular” conversations in person and on the blogospheres. We also have a network that we are starting to harness to mobilize “regular” folks to engage in our conversations.
She made it clear to me that she believed that her husband was the man to lead this country, not because they were married and was standing by her man. She was well versed in his platform for the future and is obviously a strong partner and advocate for him. She proud of him, like I am proud of my husband, just like most regular people.
Most of all, I left thinking that if John had just a fraction of my new BFF’s Elizabeth’s forethought, grace under fire, intelligence and sincerity, then he has my vote. He sure is lucky to have her in his corner☺
I have comes to terms with it. I am a cupcake making, candy pushing, force you to play silly games and decorate a pumpkin kinda hostess when it comes to Halloween parties. I am freely admit that I am pretty obnoxious. But who doesn’t love Halloween? When else can strangers come to your door and you welcome them with candy and treats? When else do children and adults dress in costumes to have a good time? It is as American as apple pie. 
