This election has been humbling. It shines a light on my flaws. I am most definitely not a gracious loser. I am still justifying my lack of graciousness because I feel sure that had Trump not won, his supporters would undoubtedly be less gracious. I don't know this, I think it in my head and believe it to be true; it's the same thought pattern I get upset about with regards to Trump. I didn't like the choices, but I need to believe everyone is doing the best they can...it's not so much about policy for me, it doesn't have to be for me, because I am not in your shoes or many other people who voted for Trump for reasons that had nothing to do with my unease...it is easy for me, I'm not having to sacrifice anything (like being able to live and provide care for my family when I am trying so hard to make things work) but I feel hurt and disappointed that we did not insist on a representive who spoke and behaved with decorum and decency. It would have cost us, but right now, my mind only sees a lot people justifying their vote and support of man who spoke and behaved in a way that was hurtful, over and over and over again. We teach our children values and love in our homes and communities, I am 100% behind that, but if they see that those values (kindness, respect, refrain from name calling and mocking other) can be ignored and excused, who are we really? And it is interesting to me that so many are singing a very different tune about the basic human decency that is required to rise to the top and represent us when it's not in their best interest...now, we should teach those values at home, the how the president acts/speaks/behaves doesn't matter that much? Standing up for human kindness suddenly doesn't seem to matter so much. I want to so much to come around and understand and feel more compassion in my heart, but so many have drawn such hard lines in the sand about behavior in the past that it is a hard thing for me to understand and/or excuse their total change of heart. A gay man who is an upstanding citizen who was a Boy Scout growing up and wants to lead a troop, not allowed...because of his sexual orientation. People have no trouble getting behind that. (An example, not in anyway directed at you.) But we can be ok with a president who speaks hate about so many. My question, essentially, and sincerely is where do we draw the line, and no one seems comfortable even responding to that one.

Adrian...your precious Amos may have few words now, but YOU have many profound words. Just as you don't want him...or the rest of your family...in a shadow, take pride and comfort in your truth. I respect your opinion and your vote and the light you chose to share. Bully's come in all colors and ages....don't let them dim your light.

Sometimes the gift of being transparent and honest is challenged by anger and hostility. That being said, the gifts you have been given truly make you a person admired by so many, even those with opposing viewpoints. That's life, for better or worse, that is just life. Perhaps we will learn to be more tolerant of viewpoints that differ from our own. Perhaps we will realize that criticizing each other is vastly different from taking a deep breath and talking things out. Perhaps . . . that would be a good start Love, Moi

Bravo!!!! Yes we have been silent too long. I work hard with pleasure that I am able at the young age of 72!! The people that have left your blog are probably not effected by the same issues as you. I applaud you and I can't wait to say I knew you before your book was published!! With kindest regards. Annette

I appreciate your thoughtful blog post and I resonate with much of what you say. Being from eastern NC myself I understand the economic climate and the struggles of it's people. I applaud your honesty, your concern for your community, and your Southern etiquette. I wish you all the best in your commitment to making a lasting difference in your family and in the world around you. I love the picture of your precious children.
May God richly bless you,
A Southern Lady

Life is a long, hard road in my view. You have a beautiful family that brings you joy during the trying times; all times really. I too supported Trump, after first voting for Ted Cruz in the primary election. Hillary was public enemy No.1 and had to be stopped. I spoke up when I needed to do so. So called friends stopped following me on Facebook. A first cousin implied that I was a racist. She and I likely will never patch that up. I have written her and most her family off, believing that we no longer have anything in common. I would rather spend my time with people, relatives or not, that seem to make some sense to me. Hang in there. Somehow, relationships that matter will surface.

Dear Adrian, As a pediatrician and Hillary supporter, I read your post with interest and found that we share several concerns (affordable, accessible, high quality health care, particularly for people with chronic or complex conditions) despite our differing opinions in who best can lead us to solutions. I found Donald Trump's behavior during the campaign to be beyond the pale, but I have accepted that he won the election and will be our next president. Moving forward, I hope our country can turn away from the cult of personality (Trump vs Clinton) and focus instead on the issues. It seems that Speaker Ryan will likely be involved in health care policy. Ivanka Trump appears to have her father's ear and has expressed interest in issues regarding children. I plan to contact both of them to ask that they support continuing the protection for patients with preexisting conditions and improving coverage for children who need multimodal therapy for complex conditions.
Peace be with you and your beautiful family.