Feeling Blue

I’ve been absent from this blog for several reasons. One, we had two sets of houseguests since I last posted. Two, I injured my right shoulder over the July 4 weekend and could barely lift my right hand to the keyboard. And, three, the energy that remained between cooking and cleaning and recuperating went into political activities, including planning the panel discussion the Democratic Women of Catawba County is putting on next week (see "Exercising New Muscles," June 13, 2014).

In the midst of all this, I get a call from the Kay Hagan for Senate Campaign following up on an earlier request that I appear in a commercial for the senator on women’s issues.

Me? On TV?

Somehow my name had percolated up from the Forward North Carolina organization, which has dropped dozens of field organizers into North Carolina like so many smokejumpers over a blazing red fire.

Of course, I’d be in the commercial. We need to re-elect Sen. Hagan and it’s a big fight. (Can you say millions of dollars?)

And, yes, I will drive to Greensboro for the filming. My challenge, like it is for so many women: What to wear?  The bigger challenge:  What can I wear that will fit the campaign’s stipulations -- not too bright, not too busy or bold, and not too summery.

Damn, no short sleeves for my gimpy arm to snake into.

Off to shop and, of course, the clerk asks why I have so many restrictions on what I can buy. I explain. The schoolteacher turned salesgirl gets energized to help me dress for the candidate -- the candidate who supports teachers and public education.

We select blue blouses.

I take my purchases home. Hang them up and answer the phone. The filming is off. They need my time slot for the senator.

My feelings match the color of my brand-new tops.

Yet, I am also relieved. I wasn’t in shape for dressing up – even with a stylist to repair my hair since I would have arrived with one side of my hairdo looking better than the other.

As a longtime speechwriter, I had prepared for my 15, or 30, or even 60 seconds of fame. It was my right shoulder that hurt. I'm left-handed. I could write.

Here’s what I wanted to say to the women of North Carolina.

  Hello, my name is Lynn Dorfman. I am the mother of two daughters.

            Last year, I retired after 40 years in the full-time work force. I’ve had a lot of jobs. But, to me, being a parent is THE most important job.

            There is no greater responsibility than building a strong NEXT generation.

            Being a good parent is like good governing … providing a foundation and framework for citizens to thrive … especially our youngest and most vulnerable.

            Under our state’s Republican leadership, our children’s future is being short-changed.

            Look at the drastic cuts to public education and slashing tools that help struggling families regain their footing.

            North Carolina needs leaders like Kay Hagan.

We need leaders who support teachers and public education.  We need leaders who fight for jobs and equal pay.  And, we need leaders who want everyone to have access to healthcare.

            The stakes are high in November.

            What’s a mother to do?

            VOTE!           

  Get others to vote.  

  We must re-elect Senator Hagan.   

  For ourselves and our children.