My Late Brother David: He never cast his vote

HE NEVER CAST HIS VOTE

My brother David died before he got to cast his vote.

He died October 7, two days after his 67^th birthday, one month after his diagnosis of lung cancer with metastasis to the brain.

David was not especially political, but he was passionate about fairness.

He had worked for years, paying into social security, and become disabled while still relatively young.

David was very proud of his son, who has struggled his whole life with mental illness. He has been stable for years due to his sweet caring disposition, his own efforts, and to tremendous support from programs provided by the Massachusetts Medicaid system. He is very active in the Recovery Movement and peer support system in that state.

What kept my brother going through years of disability?

Social Security Disability.

What kept him going through years of medical care?

Medicare.

What helps his son to live a meaningful life and be stable?

Medicaid.

After his diagnosis I suggested to David that he apply for an absentee ballot, in case he became too ill to get to the polls. He fully agreed. Little did we know that he would never cast that ballot.

He told me for whom he would vote. He enthusiastically backed President Obama, as the candidate who will ensure that Medicare and Medicaid will continue to fulfill their missions of helping older, poorer and disabled Americans. The President is devoted to giving all of us getting the opportunity to live up to our full potential.

These are values my brother shared.

As I cast my own vote, I would like to think that I’m sharing it with David.