The Election

Dearest Lil' Hammer Gals,

Ugg... We are officially on day two, post Presidential election.  It has been rough.  Really rough.

You both surprise me so much.  I think that we are the only Democratic voting family at your school and you two have really taken notice.  While you have MANY years ahead of you to form your very own opinions, I am proud that you both stand up for our President.  Are daddy and I that passionate?  I don't feel like we discuss politics very much.  I guess we must, as you two are very observant and have taken on positions (politically) that we never intended.

I really shouldn't be surprised that you are interested and already have formed opinions in the political arena.  I remember the mock elections we had in elementary school.   It was 1980.  Whoa!  I was eight years old and in third grade.  President Carter was running against Reagan.  I voted for Carter.  At the end of the school day, our principal got on the school's intercom system to read the results.  Reagan won our school election.  I was so sad.  All of the cheering going on around me made it worse.  My guy lost.

Twenty two years later, on election night, 2012, I couldn't watch the results come in on t.v.  We left daddy watching the states slowly get colored in red and blue, and the three of us headed upstairs.  We actually all got in my bed and snuggled and fell asleep.  I had anxiety soaked dreams.  I would wake, and attempt to prepare myself.  President Romney...we would survive.  The environment would, too.  Oh, I forced myself to look at the bright side his presidency would bring us and our nation. I promised myself I would pray for him.  I imagined walking into your school in the morning and everybody would be in a celebratory mood, except for us.  I just wanted it over with!  I was so ready to move on.

Then daddy came into the bedroom around one in the morning.  I immediately awoke.  The dread knotted deep in my stomach. "So?", I hesitantly asked.  "Who won?"  Daddy said, "Ooohhh, some guy...named BARACK OBAMA!".  I immediately jumped out of bed threw my arms in the air and said, "PRAISE THE LORD!!!".  Then I threw my extended arms around daddy's shoulders and hugged him with the biggest sigh of relief and I jumped around in a circle, holding him the entire time.  You both joined in the happy hug.  We all celebrated and smiled some really authentic happy smiles.  Then we went back to bed-RELIEVED.  Oh, sweet relief!

The election, I believe, brought us closer together as a family.  We talked about our beliefs and values in a different kind of way.  Daddy and I wanted you to understand how incredibly blessed you both are to live in our country.  We talked about the song "Sister Suffragette", in Mary Poppins, and what it meant.  We talked about civil rights.  We talked a LOT.  What I really love is after one really good conversation,  daddy and I turned to you and almost simultaneously said, "BUT...QUESTION EVERYTHING!  Even what we tell you.  Really."    Personal truths...that is what drives us and that is something we can't give you.  We guide, hope, encourage, and pray for you...but ultimately, your experiences and seeking will give shape to your direction.

Much love to my sweet girls.  I am so lucky and proud to call you my daughters.  Watching you on your paths and seeing life unfold for you brings me deep joy.  You are godly little girls who inspire me every day.  Thank you!