Growing up in Butte, Montana, I learned invaluable lessons from my parents, Dan and Kay Antonietti. Lifelong Catholics and Democrats, they taught me and my seven siblings fundamental values like honesty, compassion, integrity, fairness, generosity and respect. They taught us to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” In their messages to my twelve-year-old self, they wrote “be charitable to all.” And when we recited The Pledge of Allegiance, they affirmed that “liberty and justice for all” meant exactly that. All.
As we close in on the 2020 election, thoughts of my dad and mom swirl through my mind. So too do memories of Montana’s 2017 congressional special election. Embracing the principles instilled during my youth, I campaigned hard for the Democratic candidate. I phone banked, knocked doors, and tabled at the University of Montana. I harnessed my son Eric’s courage and graduated into solo door-knocking excursions, something I thought I would never do. I described my trajectory here.
But amid the coronavirus pandemic, I’ve scrapped door knocking this year. Instead, I’m phone banking alone at the dining room table. I’ve penned two hundred postcards, displayed yard signs and bumper stickers, and written a letter to the editor.
Our Papa died in January 2017. A World War II veteran, he was elected State Commander of Montana VFW in 1991. He later served as Montana VFW’s Legislative Chairman. Throughout his last twenty years, he testified on veterans’ behalf at both the national and state levels. Always his helpmate, Gram was his constant advocacy partner for the last seven.
In 2015, Gov. Steve Bullock invited my parents to Montana’s capitol. Though they had been there countless times, I had the honor of accompanying them on that special occasion. Gov. Bullock commended my dad for his years-long dedication to veterans and their families. Acknowledging my mom’s steadfast support, he thanked her too. Their humble pride was palpable. So was Gov. Bullock’s admiration.
Now Governor Steve Bullock is running for U.S. Senate. Montana’s Lt. Governor, Mike Cooney, a Butte native like my parents, is running for governor. And Kathleen Williams, a three-term Montana legislator, is running for Congress. During the years Papa navigated the halls of Montana’s capitol, he visited with all three. He would be so proud to vote for each of them in 2020, as well as other Democrats up and down the ballot.
Gram turned eighty-nine in August. Her memory fluctuates, but she remembers I’ve been phone banking for Montana’s Democratic candidates. She often asks, “Did you get everything done?” Occasionally she’ll pause, then add “for the election?” When I say I’m making calls one night a week, her reply is always the same. “God love you. I hope they win.”
In the quiet of my heart, I hear Papa echo her words.
I’m posting this on Facebook to encourage my Montana loved ones to follow your lead if they can. Hopefully, my Illinois loved ones may be inspired, tool
Thanks for sharing, Eileen. I hope your Montana and Illinois loved ones are equally inspired!
Oh Kare…..your words prick my heart, remembering Big Dan and Kay and their love and honor of this great country! You inherited their willingness to serve and to help ignite that fire in others! Never did I think I’d make calls for action but your nudging helped me proudly claim my place in volunteering and now, as I drive through my conservative town and see Democratic signs popping up in yards like Hope, I feel proud!
Thank you my dear and God love you!
Ame,
Big Dan and Kay would be so proud of you! So would your sweet Toby and Jane—I imagine a chorus of angels infusing us with strength and cheering from above. Yay for those signs of Hope sprinkling your community. I’m celebrating your justified pride alongside you. Thanks for your activism, my friend!
Great thoughts about your amazing parents. Thanks for your activism! I have my 200 MT postcards ready and waiting to mail!
Thanks, Kate. Thanks, too, for your activism and for introducing me to https://postcardstoswingstates.com/. Your shout-out created a wonderful ripple effect!
Such thoughtful recollection. I love the application for this election and the inclusive vision for the future. So well written! Gahh! 🧡
I love “inclusive vision for the future” Mary Anne. Your eloquence reminds me of words Joe Biden shared from his father. “Everyone’s entitled to be treated with dignity.“ Thank you!
Dear Karen, thank you, for your actions and sharing your story. Truly I’m so grateful, because your efforts are ultimately caring for and about us all.
And with my whole heart, I send a thank you to your mom and dad for the endurance of their good works, spirit and heart.
Thank you, Linda. Embracing the good works, spirit and heart of my mom and dad—past and present—continues to motivate me to do my bit in honoring their legacy. I’m so proud to be their daughter!
Love the rememberance of your folks Karen they were great people 👍
Thanks, Germaine. Your friendship has been a gift. When I told Mom I chatted with Guy yesterday, she said, “I’ll have to call them” (you and Don). Your phone number has a special place in her little green address book!
You are remarkable. I’m sure many of our grade school teachers are singing your praises 😉. Keep up the good work. Those little seeds planted by your wonderful parents are blooming!!
Thank you, Kathy. Your words speak to the power of education and reinforce the fact that teachers can be instrumental in shaping students’ lives in ways they might never realize. Our Democratic candidates up and down the ballot are fierce supporters of equity in education, including firm commitments to pre-K. Hopefully our collective votes will create a more equal playing field for the newest generation of Montanans.
Karen,
I love this posting. Your parents would have loved my Sisters of Charity. I can see your parents jumping right in to help, with liberty and justice for ALL.
Thanks so much for sharing with me, but also with all of your followers. I thought my 21 emails to the election office in Spokane was a lot just to be able to vote. What you’re doing is so much more. Thank you!
Yes, Karen, my parents would applaud the work you and your Sisters of Charity are doing. Given the chance, they would’ve been working right alongside you!
Thanks for your kind words and for your persistence in making your voice be heard. I hope your saga will reinforce the power and importance of each and every one of our votes. Stay safe.
Karen, you are my hero in so many ways. Your gentle and strong activism never fails to inspire and calms my fears.
Thank you, Kathy. I cherish the memories of marching alongside you, and I feel your gentle and strong presence when you’re beside me in spirit.