-------------------=.--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Still dealing one year later Vote smart www.theloquitur.com
Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004
MARISA GALLELLI STAFF WRITER
MLG723@CABRINI.EDU
One year ago on, Sept. 24, 2003, my grandmother passed away. Now, one year later, my family and I are still taking it the best way we know how, one day at a time. Personally for me, though it feels as if a giant wedge has formed between all of us, because in every sense of the word, my Nana, as we fondly called her, was the glue of the family. I still think about her often, and miss her terribly. Some days when thinking of my Nana, I sometimes get the impression that she’s somewhere nearby. Even though every person deals with grief in different ways, sometimes it does not feel like I have dealt with mine at all. It’s as if in my own way I am refusing to mourn her passing to stop myself from believing that she really is gone. Although I know in my head that she is, it is almost as if my heart just refuses to believe that
she really is gone. This past year has been very difficult on me; my Nana was a constant source of inspiration and bravery to me. I saw how she would always remain strong for the rest of us even when she was sick and in the hospital, or when my grandfather was in the hospital, she would sit there and tell us that everything was going to be alright. A little less than a year after she passed away, my grandfather went into the hospital to have a bypass heart surgery. When I heard this I was absolutely terrified, because it scared me to death that I may lose another grandparent. I knew in my heart of hearts that my Nana would be watching out for him. I have always had certain beliefs and one of the main ones is that even though those you love may not be with you in this life, they are still watching out for you anyway. You may not realize it, but they are there.n this past year I have realized a few things, the most important of all being that, no matter what my family is always there for me. The second
is that no matter what I do, or where I go, they will always be there for me supporting me in all I do. The last but certainly not the least thing, is that even though it may seem weird I can always talk to my Nana, even though she may not be in front of me or across a phone line any more, I am still able to speak aloud to her, if I feel the need to just tell her something, and every now and then I find myself telling her that I miss her and wish that she was still here with us. Sometimes, the grief can be overwhelming, and be all-consuming when it hits me off guard in a moment a stress or frustration, and can hit me like a ton of bricks, or so it feels. Needless to say although I miss my Nana terribly and wish sometimes that I just had seen her one more time to tell her I loved her, I know that what I had with her was very special. I will never forget her for as long as I live, for she is always in my heart and mind. Every day and I love and miss her terribly.
·Can westillgetHoward Deon?' 'No.Didyouever think wewould long for the days of Dukakis and Gore?' \
MATT DIFALCO/ARTIST
PERSPECTIVES | 11
Be independent, become informed ASHLEY WEYLER STAFF WRITER ARW723@
CABRINI.EDU
OK, I know what you all must be thinking, “Not another stupid article about the election!” But this one has a slight twist to it. I promise that I won’t talk about either candidate specifically, because I respect everyone’s opinion that is different than mine. To all of you fellow Cabrinians who decided they were going to register to vote, congratulations! You are helping to make the young people of America’s presence known. I am asking you to go a step further. Now that you have the vote, don’t throw it away! Most of all, prove to those of an older generation that you are intelligent, worldly, and inthe-know of what is going on in your world, because let’s be honest, it is our world. I say this because I was involved in a little quarrel, if you will, a few weeks ago at work. I work in an office where most of the workers seem to be at one end of the political spectrum. I am part of the end of the spectrum. One day, I had asked a coworker who was a member of this particular presidential candidate’s campaign team, to get me a lawn sign for my house. He kindly abided. The next day, as he promised, he provided me with a lawn sign. I just so happened to be the fill-in receptionist that day, and couldn’t leave the desk until lunch time to bring it to my car. I then stuck it directly in back of me so that it wouldn’t be in plain view. After all, I had no intentions of offending anyone. A woman walked by and noticed the sign she said, “What is that sign doing her?” I said that I was bringing if home for my dad but couldn’t get to my car until lunch. She then came back up and asked me who I was voting for and why. I gave her my answer confidently. Then she replied, “Kids, these days, they don’t know anything!” and walked away. She even went as far as to make a sign saying “Just say no” and taped it on the wall next to it. I was absolutely appalled! Who is she to say that I don’t know anything because I’m a “kid?” I’m not a kid! I am an adult! I have my own mind! I have my own opinions! Just because they are dif-
ferent from this woman’s opinions doesn’t mean that they don’t count! I know a lot actually. I have done my research and picked the candidate that I think speaks for me. I find it outrageous that this woman could categorize all people my age as “not knowing anything” and inadvertently name me the ringleader. The simple fact is, there are a lot of people my age that do know a lot about what is going on in the world today. I know because I have been able to hold intelligent conversations with many of them. If you are someone who is in-the-know, be proud of yourself! However, there are still some of you that are completely out-of-the-loop and are registered to vote. I call all of you young voters to please do a little extra homework, and your beloved country a great service and take into consideration all the facts. There is so much information out there that you can get your hands on! Think about the next four years, and what are going to be important to you. Are you concerned about being attacked again like 9/11? Vote for the candidate who you feel will protect you better. Are you concerned about our economy and job situation? Vote for the candidate that will take better care of you financially. Don’t just listen to what the candidates say on the debates, because let’s face it, both will tell you exactly want you want to hear to get your vote. Research the facts; make sure the candidates are telling the truth. Please don’t vote for Bush because you parents or best friend is voting for him. Please don’t vote for Kerry because you think he is more attractive that Bush. Be independent! Be your own person! Vote for someone who will represent you! If you think Nader stands for everything you stand for, by all means vote for him! The only way to accomplish fairness and select the right person for the job is by looking at all the facts. So, hopefully, all this ranting and raving will get my point across. First, prove to those older folks out there that you can think for yourself with your dazzling political knowledge. Second, vote! You hold the power to put a man in office that will be the most powerful man in the world. Make your vote count, and may the best man win!