Public Service in Real Life

My husband, Adam, is running for a seat on our local school committee. It’s a strange thing to be pulled in the direction of public service. And make no mistake: we both are. I, in my work for free play recess and other issues in public education, and him, from a firm root desire for our democratic government to work as it’s intended.

I read somewhere that Lin Manuel Miranda wrote the musical Hamilton assuming that everyone had seen the HBO miniseries “John Adams” which depicts not only the American Revolution, but also the personal lives of John and Abigail Adams and his eventual rise to the presidency. I was inspired by knowing that it was relevant in the writing of the musical Hamilton to watch it again – the first time I saw it, Adam and I watched it together when our son was just an infant. (I think this was before we could pause the television so we had to watch it when HBO was airing it. It may have been one of our last collective experiences in appointment television!)

It’s now nearly a decade later, and that show still resonates with me and my family life. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I relate to Abigail and John, both in their passion for what is right, and for one another, as well as their uncertainties and vulnerabilities. As a write this, Adam is at work, and it’s nearly 10 o’clock on a Thursday night. He works a lot. Part of that is perfectionism. Part of that is what it means to be a partner in a law firm. Part of that is that he loves what he does and wants to do all of the things he does.

Raising a family is hard work. Not just the constant laundry and meal planning, preparation, consumption and cleaning up after but the intimate view of the development of these two little beings who live in our house; the front row seat we get to the development of their values and challenges and ease and will and wantings and talents is – without overstating it – astounding. I feel like I’ve won the lottery: that I get to witness these kids every day as they figure out their worlds and influence them is amazing and fantastic; a gift beyond measure.

But yet. There remains in both of us this desire to serve the greater good. Beyond these two children and beyond ourselves. Sometimes, maybe to the determent of ourselves and our loved ones. I cannot count – though I won’t forget – the nights I wept after disappointing meetings in which I made the case (I felt unsuccessfully) for a bill to ensure recess and thought all my work was for naught.

And I cannot tell you how many nights Adam has spent at the office past 10pm or 11pm or midnight because he spent much of his day time working time on things mattered to him: like being with his family, or serving on the Board of Bar Examiners or the Bristol Warren Education Foundation or any of the other things he does to give his time and attention so selflessly and with such love. Oddly, I hope for more of the same: I know he wants to serve our community on School Committee and I know his talents will be put to good use there, if he should be elected.

Tonight I am left (re) watching the Adams series alone, as he campaigns to serve in this other capacity, and again I’m inspired by the Adams Family and their sacrifice, and I relate yet again to the willingness to be of service to one’s country, and I’m proud to be married to man who is so passionate about the work and service he offers. So, even though I wish he was here with me, I’ll settle with knowing that together, we are working to make this world a better place.