As I was driving into my poll area's parking lot and saying good-bye to Daniela over the telephone as she was cheering me on to cast my vote, my eyes filled with tears. I got so emotional on what I was participating in, my right to vote for the presidential seat. I had tried to vote in Early Voting, twice, but the lines were too long for a 4 year old with heart disease to wait in the beating sun (lines were hours long). I was nervous all weekend that somehow, I would miss my chance to vote. Yes, I know, that in Texas (R), my vote is a long shot. But, I had something to say, and I just wanted to express it, even though as a state, the Republicans get their win.
I think the hardest part about this election was not listening to the badgering from both nominees, but how I would present this American piece of history to the girls. Isabela learned most of what she knows from my tv viewing of CNN and Fox News and my conversations with friends and Sammy. On an earlier post, I wrote how Isabela said she did not want McCain (R) to be President. At the time, I was thrilled and thought it was cute. But, I later changed my mind. I think I especially reflected on it when I had a telephone conversation with Crystal about it. Crystal was struggling with her first Presidential vote. She was asking me for guidance. I asked her if she wanted me to tell her who to vote for. She said, "yes, go ahead. I am so busy right now and too confused about it." For a nano-second, I almost uttered the words...but, instead, I said, "You know what, this is very important. Call me on Sunday night, after your L. A. trip. Sammy will tell you his side (R) and I will tell you my side (D). Then you choose based on what you feel is your fundamental way." (Period) I could have, wanted to get that extra vote for healthcare for all. That vote for all the other issues that I believe are the best way, not necessarily the only way, but the best way for my family and my fellow neighbors. But, how could I? So, that's when I reflected on what Isabela said. I don't want her to not "like" McCain. I hope she did not get that impression from me. What if he becomes President tonight? Will she not trust him to run our country b/c we don't like him. I don't want her to be unhappy about it, but hopeful for a new way of government, regardless of who gets the ticket. Actually, he's a pretty terrific American and so is Palin. McCain has served our country in incredible ways, not to mention, fighting for our country. Palin is an amazing woman who has managed to run a household and an American state! I just don't agree with their way of"government". So, what have we done lately? We have talked about what being a President means and how he/she may have particular ways in running the country. Our duty is to follow them as the good citizens we are and pray that it will work for our nation.
In the end, Isabela will hear me speak rationally of our post-election results and hope that Crystal feels confident in her choice. Sammy too....even though he's a Republican, he very carefully listened to the issues and kept an open mind. After casting their votes today, what they both told me is that they voted based on Isabela's future needs. Wow.
Lastly, I have to say, through all these 22 months, leading up to this day, my friends and I have had various political conversations. Most of them being Republicans (I do live in Texas). I am so grateful for the insight I have gained from them. They have encouraged me to challenge my own platform. I took all those perspectives very seriously and even used their ideas to present to Crystal, even if it did sway her to oppose my views. Like I said before, it's not that I believe the Republican way is not the way, just not my way.
Here we are finally...let's see what happens!!!
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