When you hear something you don’t believe, what do you do?

When you see something that contradicts what you hear and believe, what do you do?

When decisions are made that you don’t agree with, what do you do?

The result of the EU referendum debate, leaves those on all sides with this question – what do we do?

What’s been done cannot be undone – much as though we may wish it to be so.  All of the reports and media articles of people saying I didn’t realise what it would mean, do not change the outcome. Change is upon us.  Our choice is,  now what do we do to make this work?

I am fortunate to love and live with a senior Foreign Office diplomat. Over the past 10 years  I have struggled  hugely with him remaining in the FCO.  With my commercial mindset I  find it difficult to reconcile why he does not go out into the world of business and use his extensive experience, skills and knowledge of policy and economics in some of the largest trading regions of the world, to benefit us financially as a family.  If skills, experience and  knowledge are currency, his are eminently marketable.

But despite supporting him through a year off to do a Masters degree in Corporate Social Responsibility and a further year to then support his ailing parents and look after our son, he chose to return. I was baffled and resentful – this surely was the opportunity to move into corporateland?  To make money commensurate with his knowledge and experience.  To expand his experiences.  Why would he want to return to an ailing Foreign office  with budgets cut to the bone, people resources cut to the bare minimum, pay cuts over the past 10 years (not picked up in the media as populist press would have you believe the life of privilege and Ferrero Rocher chocolates)?  The reality is while the cost of living increases year on year, he has seen no pay rises since his promotion 8 years ago (and his take home pay now actually lower than it was then, as more money is taken out through frequent increases to pension contributions) little development (hardly any money for this either), and an increase in responsibility and accountability as roles that were senior Ambassador /Director level 10 years ago are re-graded to save further money.  Why on earth, is he still so loyal?  Why on earth does he stay?

His response?  Because he loves his job and his country.  It’s a vocation and a belief all wrapped up into one.  I have never claimed to understand this.  I have been irritated beyond belief that this is how he is built.

But today I am so grateful he is there. Today when as a country we are in turmoil, in disarray and division, it’s the vocational footsoldiers, those with the knowledge, skills and experience of how we work as a country, how we can work as a country in an uncertain future, who will support the emerging politicians and new burgeoning establishment,  in the months and years ahead.

And over the course of the next few days, weeks and months when the political punters, social commentators, print, digital and visual news media, the politicians, local councillors, bosses, colleagues,  friends, family and neighbours all pontificate and have their say, people like Craig will be tirelessly and diligently working long hours, quietly stressing about what more they can do to make the consequences of 24 June work for the electorate.

They deserve our support.  And our recognition.

Democracy hurts.  Choice of either/or will always create division. Friendships, beliefs and values are challenged.  But our personal choices, in these times of change,  fundamentally lie in our levels of  humanity.

Do we choose to love more or hate more?

Do we choose to get involved or observe?

Do we choose hope or fear?