Any of you who know me can probably surmise that I have shed more than one tear today. For those of you who don't know me well, it should be noted that I also cry at Hallmark commercials and thoughtful cards out of the blue. Anyway.As we have since she was born, we took Sloane with us to our local polling place this morning. For every election, we get up early and go vote as a family. We go early - and I am not an early bird - so that I can have the privilege of wearing my "I Voted" sticker all day long.
Today, as Sloane sat on my lap with my ballot in front of us, she said, "Momma, tell me again. Why you are crying? I thought you loved voting."
Well, sweet girl, here it is again. For all of us.
Sweetheart, Momma cries each time we vote because it is such a blessed privilege. And because this is the most important thing we will ever do as an American citizen. I cry because voting gives every citizen the chance to stand up and be counted. I cry because by voting, even the poorest, the most uneducated, the weakest, or the most unknown American is equal to the richest, most powerful, most educated, or most famous American. Voting makes us all equal. I cry because our country has a government that is by the people, for the people and that means that I matter. Me. I count. You. You count. Daddy. He counts. I cry because there are so many people around the world who would die, who have died, to gain this right. I cry because I have a chance to help choose a president. I cry because in our country, you could grow up to be president. I cry because I love America and voting is the best thing we do.
Happy Election Day, my friends.
Sloane, feeding our vote into the machine. Me, wearing my school t-shirt and my sticker.
18 comments:
AMEN! what a good mom you are !
that's so neat that you go every election year as a family. what a great mother you are.
I voted the first day of early-voting option...no line, no problems. Not since Clinton has my vote meant so much!
It is a privilege, as you say, and kudos on voting as a family!
We went as a family also. I was surprised we had the only kids in line. I really wanted them to experience it and to be able to remember when...
Apparently everyone gets those little stickers but those of us here in Texas. :) I have been hearing about them but this is the first I've seen! You ARE a good mom - how wonderful for your daughter to see how grateful you are for this opportunity.
:) Debi
I cry for those reasons too. Beautiful!
You are born to teach, Relyn. You have the gift of being able to explain things down to their bare essence with clarity and passion. I'm so glad you are a blogger because now more of us can benefit from your gift.
I cried yesterday too, for all the reasons you stated and more!
And Debi, Texas needs to get their act together and give out those stickers!
That is the most beautiful explanation I've ever read. Sloane is so lucky to have had these moments with you from the very beginning. This election makes me happiest for the children, most of all.
We have different stickers out here. But everyone loves to wear them proudly. Mine is still on my desk. ;-)
I, too, shed a tear as I drove up to the polling place thinking of the people who gave me the right to voice my choice and vote for our leader.
Relyn your words always touch my heart. Beautiful.
So glad to see this day inspired you so!
simply seleta
Hi,
Wonderful post as always. I need permission to use one of your photographs. Star+fingers - Imagination.
I am giving a lecture on reading and writing to a group of students. I want them to imagine. Would love to use this in my ppt. Please do let me know. I will check your blog for the reply
Best regards
Lubna
Lubna,
Of course you may use my star fingers image. I am happy that it will work for you. I'd love to hear more about your presentation, too. Will it be on your blog? If yes, which of your blogs? Thanks for asking for permission. That was very thoughtful of you. Hope your day is full of laughter and that your talk goes smoothly and is well-received.
A very moving post! Thank you. :^)
you made ME cry:)
loved this:)
Relyn,
Please send me your address and I will be very happy to send you a handmade card.
P.S. YOU inspire me.
Peace,
Angelica Torrez
Torreza@msn.com
Hello Relyn,
Thank you for letting me use this image, it is very powerful
Nope, it will not be on my blog. This is a small workshop for a group of students studying for their chartered accountancy course. I want to instill in them a love for reading and writing. Also need to show to them that imagination is powerful and much required.
It is slated for Nov 22. Thanks for your wishes.
Best
Lubna
I love that you voted with your daughter. And I agree with absolutely everything you told her.
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