I turned the sound alert back on on my email program.   unheard of in the days leading up to an election.  I can’t help it.  every time I hear that little bell I turn around and my heart leaps.

my best friend from high school just pledged $100! my theater professor from college. my ‘alterna-mom’ in Milwaukee. I’m just as touched by the ‘no reward, thanks, just want to help.’ emails as I am by the people ordering DVDs.   really?   you want to see the whole show?  that’s so incredible…

but two names popped up yesterday that made me really stop and think.  Erin Slattery and Katie Newcomb. their pledges came in right after another. right after Deb sent out my plea on the Marquette alumni listserve.   I wondered if they were just supporting the cause, or if they actually remembered me.

because I remember them. I remember them sewing in the costume shop.   I remember that their presence in the costume shop made it a less formidable place.   made it friendly.  made it easier, to go in for a fitting, to try on a costume that made you uncomfortable.  that pulled you so far out of your comfort zone you started to sweat and/or shake. neither of which things were going to help with that costume fitting.

I’ve forgotten more than I remember about those days. I don’t remember conversations or even moments around them. I just know when their names popped up I had a rush of thanks.  thanks, to those two people.  who probably don’t even know what a comfort they were to me. who may have no idea that just by their presence… by their laughter, kindness and personalities… they made a scary place safe.

they are clearly still doing it.

thanks to Katie and Erin. thanks to Penny for being the first.  to Lelia for writing her own unbelievably poignant email and blasting that out.  to co-workers on jobs I did last week, who just handed me their business card and almost immediately got hit up for money.  to people I haven’t talked to in years, and so many that I’ve never met.

I’m overwhelmed.  and we are so energized to bring this kind of comfort to these young people. thank you.