Voting Day 2020 – Ian would say “People above politics”

Ian,

I did not expect to post a blog today. Like most Americans, I am struggling with this divisive and mentally abusive election season. 2020 has been a year of years. I stated that my 5-year plan was to just finish 2020. This election has increased the anxiety and lengthened the days. 

I woke up this Nov. 3rd remembering your quote in the Bryan/College Station Eagle on July 4, 2012 – your first semester at A&M through the Gateway Program.

What would you think of the politics of this year? From this quote, I remembered that first – you would be voting. Second, you would not shut up about your opinion. Ian, you would be endlessly talking about the values that drove your opinions and motivations for participation. 

So, in effort to not to talk about the details of this particular election, I wanted to explore what values drove your passions, opinions and choices. Maybe they will be relevant and helpful on this critical election day - as I process how to respond. 

Some thoughts:

From his earliest years, Ian’s empathy shown through his words, his feelings and actions. Thus, his mom always said he was destined to grow up to be a counselor or a preacher. As we sat stunned in our home on Trillick Ct. on September 11th morning in 2001, my thoughts circled around the horrible suffering and loss of life as the twin towers collapsed. Danny, Caylea and Ian who sat with me cried and talked about this loss too. But, as a 7-year-old, Ian’s response showed important nuance. He was most concerned about the people’s families who had to watch this video, see the buildings crumble and their precious loved one’s lost. He thought through things – not just of those who directly suffered, but how their suffering impacted others. 

This “other-centric” attitude drove his actions as he grew up. He actively joined his brother and sister as we helped at homeless shelters, took sandwiches to people with Mobile Loaves and Fishes and served Kids at the Stone. He was passionate about helping people. His active engagement in mission trips to Mexico, El Salvador showed his passion for those who had less than he had. He would serve tirelessly through manual work, playing basketball, trying out soccer, or teaching the guitar with those around him. He gave literally the shirt off his back and his good shoes so that the kids would not be lacking. He gave his love in word and deed, listening to the kids and trying to understand and speak to them in their native language. 

As we prepared to leave El Salvador, the children we served would not let him go – hugging, holding him and wanting to stay with him. They took out their pens and wrote their names on his shirt – a legacy 40-50 kids left of the impact his love had on their lives. He did not want to leave El Salvador and told the pastor that he would do what he could to return. He did not have opportunity to make good on this desire. This shirt is one of our most valued possessions.

He regularly gave money, food, and his possessions to homeless people in Austin. After his passing, homeless men would stop us and tell of his generosity. Indeed, Lanette heard stories of Ian from homeless people who did not even know she was this “kid’s” mom. He left a lasting impression. Further, he knew the challenge of addiction and the way charity can be misused. But, he gave first; he did what he could to meet a felt need. Their stories reverberated with Ian’s generosity and how they felt the love of Jesus through him.

In High School and A&M, Ian was passionate to see his friends from all backgrounds have the same opportunities, recognition and respect of others as he enjoyed. He would lecture me on the evils of racism and the importance of inclusion of all people, gender, sexual orientation and race. Exclusion, suppression and limitation was not to be tolerated. Ian’s voice was clear and articulate – and ceaselessly expressed… We could hear his opinions until we ask him to leave the room because our ears were tired.

Why do I tell these stories? One reason is to remind myself of Ian – so I do not forget the details of his vibrant, but all too short life. But the other reason centers on the passion that he had for people and that politics must serve people, not oppress or limit them.  In this election, voting is critical. It is our voice. As Ian reminds me from the past, America is a unique place, where we can “express our opinions openly and live our lives fully.” This starts with the vote. It is our voice for our leadership and values. Ian would be voting early or today if he were here. 

But as we vote, we need to consider who and what we are supporting. Politics has become even more this season about “power,” “positions” and “policies” that are divorced from their impacts on real people. We have politicized everything this year – from public health to even the vote. Yet, in the midst of this rhetoric, real people struggle to have food, pay rent, find jobs, receive healthcare and plan for a future. I know Ian would be voting for candidates who value the people first and would use policy to help people, not exercise power, prove a point or argue a position.

Ian has been gone for so long – I cannot predict some things about what he would look like, be doing, and other things. But what he valued, people – this I know would not change. People must be valued above politics, I think I know how Ian would vote this year.

Now back to my direct conversation with Ian. 

Ian, I love you and appreciate how you continue to influence my life for good. Tell my little sis Stephanie that I love her too and miss her so very much. Look forward to meeting you both again when in the reunion in our real "Home."

Love you "E",

Dad