Thankful

At the election party, the restaurant manager approached, “Matt is in the office.  He would like you and your daughter to go to him.”

I knew it was bad news.  I collected our 9 year old daughter and warned her that this was it.  This was the end.  She didn’t believe me, “Why?  Who wouldn’t like Daddy?”

We were lead through the hot kitchen into the back office.  There was Jefe, eyes red and glassy, “It’s done.  We’ve lost.”  And then he cried.  Our daughter cried.  She cried the hardest.  To her, it was personal. 

Matt had lost 60% to 40%.  The witch hunt was over.  The mayoral take-down had just begun.  All of the incumbents lost. 

Out of all the campaigning, all the mud-slinging, all the public shaming; I was proud of him.  Do you know what he did first in that hot, steamy back-office?  He called his opponent.  It went to her voice mail, but he left a message, anyways.  “Hi, Debra.  This is Matt Riedemann.” (as if she didn’t know who he was)  “I just want to congratulate you.  I know you will do a great job.  If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me.”

Or something like that.

We had to tell the 50+ who had gathered to cheer us on.  Our little girl was a mess with her bloodied and battered heart splayed on her sleeve.  Matt barely kept it together as he delivered the news.  Every single person hugged us and congratulated him for being a good man and for taking the high road. 

He did take the high road.  He was given many pieces of information that could easily “take down” the other side, but he chose not to expose them.  Why?  Because two wrongs don’t make a right.  Ever.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Matt eventually took our girl out for a wound-healing ice cream while I stayed behind and said my final thank-yous. 

On my way home, I stopped to buy a pack of cigarettes.  That’s right.  F-U, proposed city-wide smoking ban.  I’m lighting up!  BAM!  In your face, suckers!

Pulling into our neighborhood, I decided to go past my house and drive around.  It was comforting to see all of his signs in all the yards.  I was told this was the biggest voter turn-out in our neighborhood ever.  I love that. 

It will be nice to have him back.  We’ve missed him at countless dinners.  For those who still believe a city council position is a part-time job, I assure you – it is not.  During his short term as councilman, Matt attended every ribbon-cutting and city event he could.  He loves this city and wanted to be there for her – in every way.  Selfishly, I am not THAT sad that we get him back.  But I am sad that he has been made the sacrificial lamb.  Our financial history is mottled – and, frankly, we’re not out of the woods, yet.  But his integrity is intact.  He… WE… would do it all, again.  Because that is who we are.  We are not perfect, but our love for you is. 

November 5, 2013:  I am thankful for Matt Riedemann.  I am thankful for friends and family who will rally to ensure we don’t slip into a dark depressing place of regret.  I am thankful our shit is all laid out and we no longer have to worry “who will find out that the crumbling economy got us, too”.  I am thankful the public lashings, stone-casting, and beatings are over. 

Xoxo

-B(Sting)