Voting

I was reading a friend's Blog last night and it inspired me to write this post (thanks Colleen).  A week ago Tyson said something to me almost in passing and it took me by surprise and made my heart swell with pride.  Our life lately has been one of chaos and I haven't had the time to tell him how much his comment meant to me.

As you know, last Tuesday was election day.  Tyson confessed to me that this was his first time voting.  He had an off-site meeting and cast his ballot during a break.  He came home to spend the rest of his break with the kids and I.  We talked about how each of us voted and then as Ty was walking up the stairs to go check his email he said  "you inspired me to vote."  It really took me off guard, I never thought that something I could say or do would inspire someone.  It really meant the world to me that he shared that with me.  It has changed the way I see myself.

Thank you sweetheart!

This election really brought out my passion for voting.  I don't care who you vote for, just go out and vote.  It honestly bothers me when people say they aren't going to vote because they don't like either candidate.  There is a line on the ballot that says "WRITE IN", you do have the choice to write in whom you want to vote for.  They may not win, but that's the  point of Democracy.  I took Alex and Logan with me to vote last week, firstly because I had to, but secondly so they know the importance of taking advantage of the wonderful right we have in this country to choose our laws and leaders.  As a woman, I find it hard to be apathetic about voting since 100 years ago, women didn't have the right to vote.  There were women who were willing to risk everything to fight for the right to vote.  Every woman owes them a huge debt of gratitude for their sacrifices.

I voted for Barack Obama.  He is the first presidential candidate that I have ever listened to that I truly believed he will do what he says.  I stayed up late to see if he had won, and I cried when they announced it.  The next day Oprah had a show about the election and there was a quote that I love.  U.S. Rep. John Lewis said "I felt that Barack Obama had been tracked down by the spirit of history and was aligning himself to be used for the common good."  For the first time in a long time, I have hope and I am excited to see what he will do for this country as President.  I hope that others will see what he has accomplished and be inspired to work hard and achieve their dreams.

I know that some people who will read this voted differently and don't share my enthusiasm about our new President elect.  I ask that you keep your negative comments to yourself.  I respect the fact you disagree with me and I would never say anything negative about you because of that fact.  Please show me that same respect.