Before I developed social anxiety disorder, I went on the March for Women’s Lives in 1986. I felt it was a crucial action at a crucial time. I feel even more strongly now, about this March. But I cannot handle being in a crowd of 200 people, let alone 200,000. This anxiety is truly debilitating, though I manage to cope using several strategies. None of them will get me through the March in the conventional way. I am so grateful to have a way to participate even virtually. So much is at stake. We must show our love and solidarity with one another. We’ve fought these battles before and we must do it again for our daughters and granddaughters. My daughter and granddaughter are, in fact, marching in DC. I’m glad I can join them this way.

Check out more from Laurie on her blog: http://lafftur.wordpress.com