Anthropologist Margaret Mead,"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world; in fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
Thank you for this amazing story and your personal share.❤. Loved when you shared about living in an illusion and things falling apart. Living in"the shoulds", is living someone else's paradigm, and you can feel it in your gut, but don't know what it is, until you undergo sometimes a dramatic, and sometimes a mundane awakening.
I have worked with families who are domestic violence victims. I always make a point of letting the mothers know that their happiness and safety is what their children want for them. If Mom is not safe and unhappy, the children are terrified. The most proactive thing you can do to support your children’s health, and well-being is to protect your own
My father died last November. He fought on the front lines of Korea for a country that no longer exists. I agree. To get through this we are going to need to take lots of mental breaks. Be careful everyone.
Thank you Leah. Everything is so surreal. This country is so messed up. I'm 65 and so many people I know are having hard times even without this political trauma that is coming down the pike.
My Mom passed 2 days after Christmas 2023(Dad passed in 2018) so yeah this was a hard one but I put her tree up in my parents house that I have inherited 😢 not my childhood home but has been theirs since 2003
Leigh, Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am 70 and in treatment for cancer. I have learned a lot of the lessons you have learned about navigating circumstances with unsure outcomes in positive ways. Like you, I am very lucky to have supportive family and friends, good doctors, and good medicine that is helping me survive as well as ways to protect myself from internal and external circumstances that I don't need to cope with. I also want you to know how sorry I am to hear that you lost your mother. I have a son, 37, that I love so much and he loves me just as much. How lucky we are. I send you, your family, and our world blessings. It is New Year's Eve. I am sitting at home with my dog trying to keep her company during the horriffic explosions of fireworks that are wracking the night. My hope is that after all the fireworks are over we can both fall asleep and sleep in tomorrow! Hugs from me to you!
I'm 74 and in treatment for cancer. I live alone, and it can be overwhelming so I understand some of what you're experiencing. I am fighting back and won't give up. I wish the same for you in the new year.
You nailed the last three characteristics of trumps modus operandi You will not believe the destruction. This creature is about to unleash, both domestically and globally. Trump is about to destroy 80 years of Goodwill since World War II
I've been depressed my entire life. Since I could remember. I have good days. I have bad days. And I have days I just want to give up. If it wasn't for the people that loved me, I would have given up a million times over. Fighting this seems to get worse and worse, especially with what has happened in America. Every day is hard to keep fighting. It is only for the people that care about me, that I am still here and still fighting.
Black cats are beautiful. Alley cats are fierce. Black Alley Cats are fiercely beautiful. Having a good self-attitude always overcomes fear, and makes us stronger!
My mother had cancer on her nose and I watched my beautiful mom lose her face. She also had Alzheimer's, which was actually a blessing because she didn't really know what was happening. It was absolutely heartbreaking. It changed me and truly made me realize what was important in life. Despite everything, she was always smiling. Her radiant light was never lost. Now, no matter what happens, I smile and keep walking forward.
I lost my mom when I was 15. Too many years ago to mention. She taught me a lot in those few short years, but I've missed her presence my entire life. It took me a lot of years to come to terms with her death, and to stop blaming myself, thinking there was something I could have done to prevent it. I was an only child. She held our family of three together. My dad was abusive, angry, and after her death, he wasn't there for me. I survived, mostly from the lessons she taught me, a little of my own strength, and the help of a few people around me. I'm sorry for your loss. It's life changing to lose a parent. May we survive the coming year with grace and strength.
I lost my dad in 2008 , he was 59. Unfortunately it wasn't my mom. Even though she's 73 and I'm 55 she still sees her kids as competition and she's jealous and insane.
When my father was put into Hospice care I was 17. In 1997. The last time I saw him he was starting to look frail and he told me Mom not to keep bringing me to see him, he knew I loved him and didn't want my memory of him painted over. I wasn't sure how I felt about it back then but I feel like honoring his wishes was the right way to respect his choice, he passed away less than 10 days later.
Oh Leigh, I went through almost exactly what you went through with your mom and her kidneys failing, with my daughter, who was 41 at the time. The few small differences were when they put my daughter in that medical coma, she didn't survive, and I, like you, lived far away, and was not able to make it home to be by her side as the decisions were made to put her into the coma, nor as the decision was made to take her off the machinery and allow her to pass away. I am thankful for those of you who are still putting out there these podcasts, because that is what I have left, and that is what keeps me grounded in any kind of sanity. I no longer live in the US, but I continue to support my country and do what I can to help keep others informed. Thank you for helping those of us that need it, to understand how to best to cope with all these changes. I am a senior and I live on a very limited income, and am unable to even receive my social security, so I can't afford to become a member, but I do want you to know that even as a nonmember, I appreciate you, more than you know. Thank you again.
Lee, I cried through your post. We share this experience as I was present for both my parents passing, and am living with chronic illness. So grateful you have survived and thrived to become the beacon of light that you are. Much love to you and your family. Thank you for all that you continue to do and for your love of America 🇺🇸❤️
This was one of the most powerful episodes of your program. To share your personal story showed tremendous courage. May the Universe show Light the Darkness cannot be for you your family. ❤
My mom passed in 2018. She was my cohort in anti-Trumpism within our family. She wouldn’t have made it through the pandemic and I’m glad she didn’t experience it, but I so miss her emotional support. I have my own family and things are good, but my world has never been the same.
When I was a child I heard my mom say “a women doesn’t entirely grow up until she losses her mother”. It finally made sense to me when I came out of the depression I dove into when my mom passed six years ago
I hear you. I can really relate, I too fell into depression after my beloved Mom passed. Also became very ill. B I m coming out the other side. Sending hugs
I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer the same year and the ensuing fallout within my family still has me reeling. Sending you renewed strength and courage on your journey....especially as we embark on these next 4 years of the unpredictable unknown❣️
I too felt liberated (and guilty about feeling liberated) after my mother died. My feelings about this are complicated too. My mother has been gone for 37 years. It’s so strange. We may have a conversation about this one day beyond the veil. I hope so. Continued strength to you, Politics Girl!
Thank you for this. I am of your mother’s generation and I can relate. Raised to be seen but not heard, your emotions were shut down, responsible to help take care of others before of your own care…. I have finally learned all of these lessons and better late than never…..❤🎉
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Mom’s illness and death. My dad died unexpectedly from cancer last year, he was similarly a rock in my life. I try to keep him front of mind and teach my special needs students about the need to be honest with my feelings, while also being responsible for how I treat others while I’m mourning. I wish more people in the public eye were willing to be as vulnerable as you about the difficulty of grieving.
One chooses to call a situation a crisis. I choose to be present and focus on what is in my control. No one can ever own your mind regardless of how you are treated. My parents lived (and served) through ww2. My grandparents lived through WW1 and the Spanish flu. None of them ever looked back to whine about their circumstances. They just kept living. I recommend everyone do the same.
I know your feelings, my Mom, had breast cancer,1979 ,not much known about it, I got to the hospital just in time to hold her, and we both said, I Love you, and she was gone, I was only 23 yrs old, adopted, she was my real Mom in my arms, her last words were I love you,too, I miss her to this very day, TY for sharing, Florida
You are such an amazing speaker. Thank you for sharing some of your story . I am so grateful there are smart and brilliant women like you in the world sharing your truth and ours . Sending you love and light .
i relate about my dear husband and palliative care. He died in July. I know the carpet pulled from underneath. SSA benefits changed, I'm disabled. and when I receive them, the rent is past due and I get notices for late fees and termination of Lease. I will embrace your wisdom . Have a great new year and we both can do this.
You’re so wise and self aware. I love your authenticity, heart and transparency. Thank you for caring and preserving freedom as best as you can. Thank you for perfectly tying your life experience into the now and what we have to deal with. You’re a blessing.
Thank you Leigh for your deep honesty. Been in so many of those same places by way of other paths but same discoveries- we don’t know what we learn and need to learn thru adversity that sucks! Holding you in healing light.
This was very powerful Leigh! Thanks for sharing because you have shown that we all have more in common than we don’t. Most of us have gone through illness or death of a family member. Even if you think you’re prepared for, it will strip you bare and leave you with a different perspective on everything.
I resolve to become better informed on issues such as Christian nationalism and authoritarianism, and to be strategic in which candidates, causes, and media I support. I resolve NOT to succumb to cheap attempts to spur me to outrage, whether it be from the left or the right. And I resolve not to succumb to temptation to spur others to outrage just to increase engagement on social media.
I call it; "the Rollercoaster of life" When people think you are strong, helping other's in need of support. Never see you crying on the inside. Thankyou
Leigh, thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry for your loss and your illness. My mother also ignored signs of illness and avoided going to the doctor. She died 30 years ago, so she has been gone half my life. I still miss her everyday. She was the glue that held my family together. My father did step up and try, but he was also verbally and mentally abusive to my brothers and myself. Three of my four brothers have now passed. The fourth is Maga evangelical and I have cut him out of my life, not just for those reasons. My father died two years ago, so like many I am now an orphan. I have several friends who have also lost both parents and we get together several times a year as an orphan club, it helps to have this support system.
That's wonderful that you have formed this support group. I have lost both parents as of 2 days past Christmas 2023. I have one sibling, a sister that lives 5 minutes away but left me for 10 years to take care our parents so I often have felt like an orphan this past year😢 moving forward with young people that are helping me clear out their house that I have inherited and lived with them for the last 10 years after losing everything when I retired young to move in and take care of them.
Thank you for this. I listen to your story and all you've been through and marvel at what a strong woman you are on the other side. I have been depressed most of my life and family life was not good. My father was miserable, absent, cruel and uncaring. My mom did the best that she could with the tragic life she was handed. She was and is the best mother she knew/knows how to be. I lost my father in 2024 and it was such a hard time for me, (this will sound awful), but not because i was sad that he was at the end of his life, or now that he is gone, but because he deprived me and my siblings of a loving father and my mom of a loving husband. I was so angry, I decided the only way to let go of that anger was to write him a letter and bury it with him. It helped with the anger towards him (mostly), but i'm still always depressed and lonely. I still have my mom, (she lives with me) she will be 85 this year, and i love her dearly, but still is only the best mom she can be. I try to make her comfortable and happy but not much seems to work. She lost her last sibling this year and that was devastating for her. So i really try to be understanding and patient, she's been through so much in life, including losing her oldest child(my sister) when she was only 47. Now with the threat of the doom and gloom of 2025, Trump and Trudeau (I'm Canadian), my mind is always racing. I try not to let the unknown get me down, but unfortunately i'm not strong. So I listen to you and all you've been through Leigh, and just wish i could find a fraction of your strength.
I was pregnant the whole time my Mom was dying. She was my best friend. She died 3 weeks to the day that my daughter was born. She hid it too. My baby shower was in January and she died in March. I had a new baby and was exhausted going back and forth everyday. The one day I just wanted to give my body and new baby a day to rest, she took her last breath. I know she lives with me each day.
I saw my father die ten years ago. It was sudden, painful, but he’d cried out with pain like that before. He was my rock and the center of my life. His death completely broke me, but i was his executor. My relationship with my mother (who had died 12 years earlier - Parkinson’s and dementia) had always been fraught. It’s taken me decades to realize that she was mentally ill during my entire life, and I believe a malignant narcissist. So my experience is in many ways completely different, yet we share the traumatizing death of a parent.
I feel your heart! My parents are in their 80's and I dread this day. Much love to you political girl. I buried a husband from swine flu, butvwas so grateful to have been with him until his final days. So much loss, and so much love ❤️
Such a wonderful message Leigh. I've lost both my parents, a niece, and three of my six brothers all to bad genetics. Thanks for making us remember what's important.
Leigh you are so brave and inspiring. Thank you for sharing. You hit on a lot of the human condition, as you often do. Thank you for your contribution.
I love listening to you. You are very articulate, insightful and real. Thank you for telling us your stories. Our stories are very helpful to others. I had a dear, dear friend who died from brain cancer. I was with her at the end. She couldn’t talk anymore, was incontinent but was not in pain. We had a a deep moment of soul to soul. It was beautiful and I will be forever grateful for that experience. She died the next day. I felt at peace and so did she.
It was after my parents died that I found out who I am. I believe they are proud of the person I am, which is pretty much what I was before, but not out of trying to please them, which they didn't want, but because I want to be who I am. Who knew?
I was the oldest of 3. I had physical issues, was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos at 50, ADHD & Autism at 65. At the same time, I was treated almost like the boy of the family. I resonate deeply with what you said about being all the children. I pushed myself all the time. My next sibling was almost 3 years younger than me, a boy, and severely physically disabled. The youngest sibling was 6 years younger and a girl. She wrapped everyone around her finger from the time she was a toddler. It was "me and the kids". I was basically another parent.
Thank you Leigh, your personal story was appreciated and hit the mark. I, like you, was responsible for keeping the stability in the family, but unlike you, they were never my rock. I had to find my own. So the political environment is so important to me and I’m glad we have people like you fighting beside us shining the light through this darkness. Strength and love for 2025. 😊
Thank you so much for this! My wonderful Mom died 2 years ago today. She was my best friend, confidant and advisor. I too am an only child - my Dad passed in 2019; but we were never very close. Mom was so much of my world. Tonight I felt like someone I will likely never meet, who I see only on an iPad, knew exactly what I feel like today..
Damn girl! You are incredible in your ability to...make sense. While I know you don't ...'need' to hear that, I want to tell you that. I had the opposite experience with my mother, and yes, it is sad. Sometimes, I still cry for the abandoned, neglected, and abused little girl. But, like you, I have found strength through the endurance of it. I admire and appreciate your grit and compassion. Thank you for the beautiful words, wisdom, and wishes. ❤
Your experience with your mom was so similar to mine and my mom's death in 2005. Watching her die was traumatic, even if she was dying for 3 mths, and my brain tried to be ready. Kidney cancer took her out after a tough battle. I am now a life coach, as I think I earned the experience from many lives lived in one. Abusive relationships, near death experiences, you name it. The most important thing is to take our struggles and use them to better ourselves and others around us.
Thank you Liegh, I had no idea I even needed this talk. Thank you for sharing your personal stories, they hit home for me in the same but different ways. As far as going forward in 2025 you are spot on, we have so much to do and we need support. After the election I found I needed to release those who were directly against what I believed in. I recently noticed how much I had been changing to try to be comfortable in a community that was less kind, more angry, and sometimes down right threatening during and after the election. I am not willing to lose myself - what I was and what I can be. I have pulled back and am now focusing on moving forward with issues I believe in and what might help us be better people and a better country. All the best to you and your family.
Oh Lee, I am feeling your your pain and frustration. My father who I adored was an immigrant from germany and came over in 1923 My mother was born and raised in WI in 1916 so when they met they had13and1/2 years between them. They had the perfect marriage. They never fought. My dad built our house in the country in sort of a suburb of the town of Sheboygan, WI. Called Black River. And to me it was paradise. We had forest about 1/3 around our property and river front around the rest. My childhood was wonderful. Except for all the orthopedic surgeries I had to have but that's another story. When I got older , after my dad passed away, I made the mistake of marrying to early. Bad move. But my second marriage many years latter was a gem, he was 26 1/2 years older than me and we married for 13 1/2 years. I can honestly say those were the best years of my life. But when he died, lord it took me forever to get over the grief. Sometimes it still hits me, so I know what yourself going through. But with much prayer and good christian church family you get through it. I will definitely put you on my prayer list sweetie. God never turns a deaf ear to those whom we love. And trust me, you are loved. God Bless You sweet heart. With love from, N.M.❤❤🎉🎉❤❤
Thank you for this candid vlog. Many have shared in aspects of your life challenges, and understand the pain. I wish sincerely a successful new year for you and your family.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead,"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world; in fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
Love this quote😊
I have that quote on my wall just outside my kitchen. It's a wonderful reminder that anything is possible..
@tomduenwald so glad to hear it. I share your sentiment.
@judekramer6 so glad to hear it. I share your sentiment.
Yes, the Nazis and the Soviet communists.
“Strength over fear…community over isolation”. Thank you. ❤
❤️
Best line I have ever heard 🥰
Thank you for this amazing story and your personal share.❤. Loved when you shared about living in an illusion and things falling apart. Living in"the shoulds", is living someone else's paradigm, and you can feel it in your gut, but don't know what it is, until you undergo sometimes a dramatic, and sometimes a mundane awakening.
When we share stories I believe we help each other in many ways.
Mothers will always put their kids first. She sounds like an incredible mom
Some children take longer to learn and know that in their heart's, some give back to late and miss their opertunity...sad
Not all Mothers do that. But it is what we wish for, isn't it?
I have worked with families who are domestic violence victims. I always make a point of letting the mothers know that their happiness and safety is what their children want for them. If Mom is not safe and unhappy, the children are terrified. The most proactive thing you can do to support your children’s health, and well-being is to protect your own
Not all mothers put their kids first. I'm living proof.
They certainly do ,, ❤
My father died last November. He fought on the front lines of Korea for a country that no longer exists. I agree. To get through this we are going to need to take lots of mental breaks. Be careful everyone.
South Korea thankfully still exists and is thriving!
@@carrerau7138 USA. I believe is the county that no longer exists,
My Dad also. 💜X2
My dad too.
I'm so sorry for your loss. The loss of a parent leaves a hole in your life
Thank you Leah. Everything is so surreal. This country is so messed up. I'm 65 and so many people I know are having hard times even without this political trauma that is coming down the pike.
Thank you, it helps. I am old and all of my friends have passed. It is so lonely here. God bless you darlin'.
There are always people here for you.
Happy New Year, Coleen
Happy New YEAR'S, COLEEN 🎈🎉🎉🎉
Me too but sometimes I like being alone. Happy New Year! Coleen😊Hang in there love ❤️ 😊
You aren't alone Coleen. Hugs ❤❤❤
Christmas and holidays are difficult for a lot of people who lost loved ones.
So true 😢
My Mom passed 2 days after Christmas 2023(Dad passed in 2018) so yeah this was a hard one but I put her tree up in my parents house that I have inherited 😢 not my childhood home but has been theirs since 2003
Leigh, Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am 70 and in treatment for cancer. I have learned a lot of the lessons you have learned about navigating circumstances with unsure outcomes in positive ways. Like you, I am very lucky to have supportive family and friends, good doctors, and good medicine that is helping me survive as well as ways to protect myself from internal and external circumstances that I don't need to cope with. I also want you to know how sorry I am to hear that you lost your mother. I have a son, 37, that I love so much and he loves me just as much. How lucky we are. I send you, your family, and our world blessings. It is New Year's Eve. I am sitting at home with my dog trying to keep her company during the horriffic explosions of fireworks that are wracking the night. My hope is that after all the fireworks are over we can both fall asleep and sleep in tomorrow! Hugs from me to you!
…hugs & love, to you & the pup, @bookwoman5130 🤍🪶
@@LivRainbow365 Thank you.
I'm 74 and in treatment for cancer. I live alone, and it can be overwhelming so I understand some of what you're experiencing. I am fighting back and won't give up. I wish the same for you in the new year.
@@loisvonhoene3999 hugs and love. Wishing you all the success in your treatment💙
Love and hugs to you and your pup, @bookwoman. Wishing you full success in your treatment.💙
Thank you Leigh! You are a beautiful human being, inside and out. ❤ 💙 💙 💙
Dr.Bandy Lee states,"The principles of true power are compassion cooperation and trust not cruelty coercion and fear." Session 2 12-23-24
Dr Lee is also awesome
@TinaStepniak everytime I listen to her I hear something new...
You nailed the last three characteristics of trumps modus operandi
You will not believe the destruction. This creature is about to unleash, both domestically and globally.
Trump is about to destroy 80 years of Goodwill since World War II
I've been depressed my entire life. Since I could remember. I have good days. I have bad days. And I have days I just want to give up. If it wasn't for the people that loved me, I would have given up a million times over. Fighting this seems to get worse and worse, especially with what has happened in America. Every day is hard to keep fighting. It is only for the people that care about me, that I am still here and still fighting.
Hang in there and please focus on nature and it's gifts .
Black cats are beautiful. Alley cats are fierce. Black Alley Cats are fiercely beautiful.
Having a good self-attitude always overcomes fear, and makes us stronger!
Read my mind.
I can relate
@@BlackCatAlley23 every day of my life is this way. It has gotten harder as I get older.
My mother had cancer on her nose and I watched my beautiful mom lose her face. She also had Alzheimer's, which was actually a blessing because she didn't really know what was happening. It was absolutely heartbreaking. It changed me and truly made me realize what was important in life. Despite everything, she was always smiling. Her radiant light was never lost. Now, no matter what happens, I smile and keep walking forward.
Your mom's story is so inspiring. ❤❤❤
I lost my mom when I was 15. Too many years ago to mention. She taught me a lot in those few short years, but I've missed her presence my entire life.
It took me a lot of years to come to terms with her death, and to stop blaming myself, thinking there was something I could have done to prevent it. I was an only child. She held our family of three together. My dad was abusive, angry, and after her death, he wasn't there for me.
I survived, mostly from the lessons she taught me, a little of my own strength, and the help of a few people around me.
I'm sorry for your loss. It's life changing to lose a parent.
May we survive the coming year with grace and strength.
I lost my dad in 2008 , he was 59. Unfortunately it wasn't my mom. Even though she's 73 and I'm 55 she still sees her kids as competition and she's jealous and insane.
When my father was put into Hospice care I was 17. In 1997. The last time I saw him he was starting to look frail and he told me Mom not to keep bringing me to see him, he knew I loved him and didn't want my memory of him painted over. I wasn't sure how I felt about it back then but I feel like honoring his wishes was the right way to respect his choice, he passed away less than 10 days later.
22:23 "Pick your battles and save your sanity" If I could remember just one message from this video, it would be THIS.
Leigh, you are a treasure and a beautiful light in the world. Thank you for your time and love.
Thank you for all you do, say, and share. You are an inspiration. 💙💙💙
Oh Leigh, I went through almost exactly what you went through with your mom and her kidneys failing, with my daughter, who was 41 at the time. The few small differences were when they put my daughter in that medical coma, she didn't survive, and I, like you, lived far away, and was not able to make it home to be by her side as the decisions were made to put her into the coma, nor as the decision was made to take her off the machinery and allow her to pass away. I am thankful for those of you who are still putting out there these podcasts, because that is what I have left, and that is what keeps me grounded in any kind of sanity. I no longer live in the US, but I continue to support my country and do what I can to help keep others informed. Thank you for helping those of us that need it, to understand how to best to cope with all these changes. I am a senior and I live on a very limited income, and am unable to even receive my social security, so I can't afford to become a member, but I do want you to know that even as a nonmember, I appreciate you, more than you know. Thank you again.
You can receive your social security also when you live outside the US.
We overcame a depression, a world war, the energy crisis of 1973, 9/11 and COVID-19. We will overcome whatever this will be.
I love your positive attitude. Please don’t let trump and his lies depress you.💙
You are a beautiful credit to who your beloved mother was. Thank you for your inspiration. 🙏
Lee, I cried through your post. We share this experience as I was present for both my parents passing, and am living with chronic illness. So grateful you have survived and thrived to become the beacon of light that you are. Much love to you and your family. Thank you for all that you continue to do and for your love of America 🇺🇸❤️
Liked “Pick your battles, and save your sanity.”
This was one of the most powerful episodes of your program. To share your personal story showed tremendous courage. May the Universe show Light the Darkness cannot be for you your family. ❤
This is what I needed to hear today. I truly admire who you are and what you do.
Be Visible, Be Loud, Be Proud, Never Ever Stop, Giving In or Giving Up are not Options
My mom passed in 2018. She was my cohort in anti-Trumpism within our family. She wouldn’t have made it through the pandemic and I’m glad she didn’t experience it, but I so miss her emotional support. I have my own family and things are good, but my world has never been the same.
Good luck P.G. - well-written during our shared hard times. Thank you.
When I was a child I heard my mom say “a women doesn’t entirely grow up until she losses her mother”. It finally made sense to me when I came out of the depression I dove into when my mom passed six years ago
I hear you. I can really relate, I too fell into depression after my beloved Mom passed. Also became very ill. B I m coming out the other side. Sending hugs
Wonderful, touching story and inspiring call to action!! Thanks, Politics Girl!
Thank you P G for all you do for us. You are in deed an inspiration and a beacon of hope for all Americans. Not everything is lost.
I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer the same year and the ensuing fallout within my family still has me reeling.
Sending you renewed strength and courage on your journey....especially as we embark on these next 4 years of the unpredictable unknown❣️
I too felt liberated (and guilty about feeling liberated) after my mother died. My feelings about this are complicated too. My mother has been gone for 37 years. It’s so strange. We may have a conversation about this one day beyond the veil. I hope so. Continued strength to you, Politics Girl!
You are spellbinding with your life stories. Write a series of memoirs. They will absolutely sell..God bless your soul
We will not allow ourselves to change or ignore what is happening. We will keep our heads high, our values strong, and our purpose relentless.
Thank you for this. I am of your mother’s generation and I can relate. Raised to be seen but not heard, your emotions were shut down, responsible to help take care of others before of your own care…. I have finally learned all of these lessons and better late than never…..❤🎉
I’m trying to learn these lessons
First on the list is learn to say no.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Mom’s illness and death. My dad died unexpectedly from cancer last year, he was similarly a rock in my life. I try to keep him front of mind and teach my special needs students about the need to be honest with my feelings, while also being responsible for how I treat others while I’m mourning.
I wish more people in the public eye were willing to be as vulnerable as you about the difficulty of grieving.
👍🏾👍🏿👍👍🏽👍🏻👍Luv you politics girl you are a ray of sunshine for me
Life is difficult.
The opposite of Democracy is apathy.
Hang in there people! 💙
Heartfelt and insightful. Thank you.🫂❤
One chooses to call a situation a crisis.
I choose to be present and focus on what is in my control.
No one can ever own your mind regardless of how you are treated.
My parents lived (and served) through ww2.
My grandparents lived through WW1 and the Spanish flu.
None of them ever looked back to whine about their circumstances. They just kept living.
I recommend everyone do the same.
I know your feelings, my Mom, had breast cancer,1979 ,not much known about it, I got to the hospital just in time to hold her, and we both said, I Love you, and she was gone, I was only 23 yrs old, adopted, she was my real Mom in my arms, her last words were I love you,too, I miss her to this very day, TY for sharing, Florida
You are such an amazing speaker. Thank you for sharing some of your story . I am so grateful there are smart and brilliant women like you in the world sharing your truth and ours . Sending you love and light .
Thank you for sharing your incredibly personal, emotional story. You are a strong woman.
i relate about my dear husband and palliative care. He died in July. I know the carpet pulled from underneath. SSA benefits changed, I'm disabled. and when I receive them, the rent is past due and I get notices for late fees and termination of Lease. I will embrace your wisdom . Have a great new year and we both can do this.
Thanks for sharing your personal challenges, Leigh, and your upbeat challenge to us all....
You’re so wise and self aware. I love your authenticity, heart and transparency. Thank you for caring and preserving freedom as best as you can. Thank you for perfectly tying your life experience into the now and what we have to deal with. You’re a blessing.
Thank you Leigh for your deep honesty. Been in so many of those same places by way of other paths but same discoveries- we don’t know what we learn and need to learn thru adversity that sucks! Holding you in healing light.
I have anxiety disorder. I am nervous about our future. I like listening to you. Thank you.
I've been saying we must fight it's our duty to protect this country and our fellow Americans
This resonates w so many of us. Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration.
This was very powerful Leigh! Thanks for sharing because you have shown that we all have more in common than we don’t. Most of us have gone through illness or death of a family member. Even if you think you’re prepared for, it will strip you bare and leave you with a different perspective on everything.
So sorry for your loss. Losing a parent, child, sister, bother, friend is a very difficult thing to go through.
LOVE LOVE LOVE you Leigh😍SO MUCH!!!!!!
This was extremely moving! I cried my eyes out.
I resolve to become better informed on issues such as Christian nationalism and authoritarianism, and to be strategic in which candidates, causes, and media I support.
I resolve NOT to succumb to cheap attempts to spur me to outrage, whether it be from the left or the right. And I resolve not to succumb to temptation to spur others to outrage just to increase engagement on social media.
Making this one of my new year resolutions!
SO GLAD THAT YOU BUILT SUCH A WONDERFUL FAMILY!!!!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!!!!
I call it; "the Rollercoaster of life"
When people think you are strong, helping other's in need of support.
Never see you crying on the inside.
Thankyou
Thank you for your transparency and honesty. I needed that... My very best to you and yours, Leigh.
Thank you, I needed to hear what you said today.
Strength personified.
Leigh, thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry for your loss and your illness. My mother also ignored signs of illness and avoided going to the doctor. She died 30 years ago, so she has been gone half my life. I still miss her everyday. She was the glue that held my family together. My father did step up and try, but he was also verbally and mentally abusive to my brothers and myself. Three of my four brothers have now passed. The fourth is Maga evangelical and I have cut him out of my life, not just for those reasons. My father died two years ago, so like many I am now an orphan. I have several friends who have also lost both parents and we get together several times a year as an orphan club, it helps to have this support system.
That's wonderful that you have formed this support group. I have lost both parents as of 2 days past Christmas 2023. I have one sibling, a sister that lives 5 minutes away but left me for 10 years to take care our parents so I often have felt like an orphan this past year😢 moving forward with young people that are helping me clear out their house that I have inherited and lived with them for the last 10 years after losing everything when I retired young to move in and take care of them.
Thank you for this. I listen to your story and all you've been through and marvel at what a strong woman you are on the other side. I have been depressed most of my life and family life was not good. My father was miserable, absent, cruel and uncaring. My mom did the best that she could with the tragic life she was handed. She was and is the best mother she knew/knows how to be. I lost my father in 2024 and it was such a hard time for me, (this will sound awful), but not because i was sad that he was at the end of his life, or now that he is gone, but because he deprived me and my siblings of a loving father and my mom of a loving husband. I was so angry, I decided the only way to let go of that anger was to write him a letter and bury it with him. It helped with the anger towards him (mostly), but i'm still always depressed and lonely. I still have my mom, (she lives with me) she will be 85 this year, and i love her dearly, but still is only the best mom she can be. I try to make her comfortable and happy but not much seems to work. She lost her last sibling this year and that was devastating for her. So i really try to be understanding and patient, she's been through so much in life, including losing her oldest child(my sister) when she was only 47. Now with the threat of the doom and gloom of 2025, Trump and Trudeau (I'm Canadian), my mind is always racing. I try not to let the unknown get me down, but unfortunately i'm not strong. So I listen to you and all you've been through Leigh, and just wish i could find a fraction of your strength.
I was pregnant the whole time my Mom was dying. She was my best friend. She died 3 weeks to the day that my daughter was born. She hid it too. My baby shower was in January and she died in March.
I had a new baby and was exhausted going back and forth everyday. The one day I just wanted to give my body and new baby a day to rest, she took her last breath. I know she lives with me each day.
Thank you so much for sharing by your story and sound advice - Hang on to who we are.
Your story mirrors mine. Bless you. I understand.
“Lose her fear, to find my strength” 😢
I saw my father die ten years ago. It was sudden, painful, but he’d cried out with pain like that before. He was my rock and the center of my life. His death completely broke me, but i was his executor. My relationship with my mother (who had died 12 years earlier - Parkinson’s and dementia) had always been fraught. It’s taken me decades to realize that she was mentally ill during my entire life, and I believe a malignant narcissist. So my experience is in many ways completely different, yet we share the traumatizing death of a parent.
I feel your heart! My parents are in their 80's and I dread this day. Much love to you political girl. I buried a husband from swine flu, butvwas so grateful to have been with him until his final days. So much loss, and so much love ❤️
I love your strength ❤
Your mum would be proud of you. Thankyou for sharing your story,it gives me hope for your country and gives me hope in my own life.🎉
Very well said. Keep your voice coming. We need you for this unpredictable future.
Your story is very touching. Thank you for sharing it, and giving your very good advice as to how to make it through difficult times.
Such a wonderful message Leigh. I've lost both my parents, a niece, and three of my six brothers all to bad genetics. Thanks for making us remember what's important.
This woman is such an inspiration ❤
Thanks for taking her under your umbrella, Meidas Mighties. You made a very wise selection!!
Leigh you are so brave and inspiring. Thank you for sharing. You hit on a lot of the human condition, as you often do. Thank you for your contribution.
My mom once said, "Maybe I don't want to be enlightened." I can relate to your experience so much.
I love listening to you. You are very articulate, insightful and real. Thank you for telling us your stories. Our stories are very helpful to others. I had a dear, dear friend who died from brain cancer. I was with her at the end. She couldn’t talk anymore, was incontinent but was not in pain. We had a a deep moment of soul to soul. It was beautiful and I will be forever grateful for that experience. She died the next day. I felt at peace and so did she.
Thank you for sharing such personal & profound truths.
I am saving this to watch again.
It was after my parents died that I found out who I am. I believe they are proud of the person I am, which is pretty much what I was before, but not out of trying to please them, which they didn't want, but because I want to be who I am. Who knew?
I was the oldest of 3. I had physical issues, was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos at 50, ADHD & Autism at 65. At the same time, I was treated almost like the boy of the family. I resonate deeply with what you said about being all the children. I pushed myself all the time.
My next sibling was almost 3 years younger than me, a boy, and severely physically disabled. The youngest sibling was 6 years younger and a girl. She wrapped everyone around her finger from the time she was a toddler.
It was "me and the kids". I was basically another parent.
Bless you Politics Girl. I needed to hear that.
Great show! Thanks!
Thank you. 🙏 I've enjoyed your videos this past year. You're one of my favorites. Wishing you a great 2025!
Thank you for sharing this, Leigh. You are so inspirational.
Much love. ❤
Thank you Leigh, your personal story was appreciated and hit the mark. I, like you, was responsible for keeping the stability in the family, but unlike you, they were never my rock. I had to find my own. So the political environment is so important to me and I’m glad we have people like you fighting beside us shining the light through this darkness. Strength and love for 2025. 😊
thank you for sharing. lord knows I've had my share and more of grief! huge hugs!!!❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you.
I feel you dear one. I suddenly lost my beautiful mom to a medical misdiagnosis. I was 30.
Thank you so much for this! My wonderful Mom died 2 years ago today. She was my best friend, confidant and advisor. I too am an only child - my Dad passed in 2019; but we were never very close. Mom was so much of my world. Tonight I felt like someone I will likely never meet, who I see only on an iPad, knew exactly what I feel like today..
My dad was my best friend, my mom is terrible. ❤
Thank you
Leigh you fluidly spoke to many aspects of my experiences too, beautifully and riveting.
The complexities of life unfolding. Bravo
Thank you on a realistic outlook! This is all temporary! Have a blessed 2025!
Damn girl! You are incredible in your ability to...make sense. While I know you don't ...'need' to hear that, I want to tell you that. I had the opposite experience with my mother, and yes, it is sad. Sometimes, I still cry for the abandoned, neglected, and abused little girl. But, like you, I have found strength through the endurance of it. I admire and appreciate your grit and compassion. Thank you for the beautiful words, wisdom, and wishes. ❤
Your experience with your mom was so similar to mine and my mom's death in 2005. Watching her die was traumatic, even if she was dying for 3 mths, and my brain tried to be ready. Kidney cancer took her out after a tough battle. I am now a life coach, as I think I earned the experience from many lives lived in one. Abusive relationships, near death experiences, you name it. The most important thing is to take our struggles and use them to better ourselves and others around us.
Thank you Liegh, I had no idea I even needed this talk. Thank you for sharing your personal stories, they hit home for me in the same but different ways. As far as going forward in 2025 you are spot on, we have so much to do and we need support. After the election I found I needed to release those who were directly against what I believed in. I recently noticed how much I had been changing to try to be comfortable in a community that was less kind, more angry, and sometimes down right threatening during and after the election. I am not willing to lose myself - what I was and what I can be. I have pulled back and am now focusing on moving forward with issues I believe in and what might help us be better people and a better country. All the best to you and your family.
Oh Lee, I am feeling your your pain and frustration. My father who I adored was an immigrant from germany and came over in 1923
My mother was born and raised in WI in 1916 so when they met they had13and1/2 years between them. They had the perfect marriage. They never fought. My dad built our house in the country in sort of a suburb of the town of Sheboygan, WI. Called Black River. And to me it was paradise. We had forest about 1/3 around our property and river front around the rest. My childhood was wonderful. Except for all the orthopedic surgeries I had to have but that's another story. When I got older , after my dad passed away, I made the mistake of marrying to early. Bad move. But my second marriage many years latter was a gem, he was 26 1/2 years older than me and we married for 13 1/2 years. I can honestly say those were the best years of my life. But when he died, lord it took me forever to get over the grief. Sometimes it still hits me, so I know what yourself going through. But with much prayer and good christian church family you get through it. I will definitely put you on my prayer list sweetie. God never turns a deaf ear to those whom we love. And trust me, you are loved. God Bless You sweet heart. With love from, N.M.❤❤🎉🎉❤❤
Thank U Leigh ! Just Thank U! 🙏👍💙
We all believe in you lovely and you inspire all those you have "touched".
Thank you for this candid vlog. Many have shared in aspects of your life challenges, and understand the pain. I wish sincerely a successful new year for you and your family.
This is the very reason POLITICS GIRL is my favorite podcast!!