I am still overwhelmed by last nights events, I voted for the first in my life and it felt great. I have been engaged in the political process, I've watched and tried to understand the implications and effects of voting within a democracy. I became an American citizen last summer after living with a green card for many years...longer than I needed to. Somehow, I didn't feel I needed to vote, I didn't think it mattered or I mattered. President Obama proves that we do, he inspires and exudes hope. He makes me believe that there is a chance for my daughters to dream big. I am proud to say I voted for President Barack Obama. ( and can I just say how absolutely beautiful his daughters are.)
At 5:30, the husband came home and we all jumped in the car and headed out to the VFW to vote. It smelled old and musty but you could see the determination in peoples eyes, there were kids the, babies crying ( mine!) and the poll workers were really trying to be orderly. We ran into some people we know on their way out and my neighbors on our way out. I signed my name, was handed my ballot and I filled in my choices behind a curtain, stood in line to scan my ballot and in that short moment, I had contributed to our future and it felt good. (whats really funny is I was wearing a blue and white striped sweater and red pants so I looked like the flag!)
After interviewing a woman for a nanny position at 7:00 we immediately focused on the TV screen watching as polls closed and projections were made. It was nerve-wracking, nail biting, exciting and bittersweet. The emotion built up as the various states were counted, tallied up and called out. We stepped away at 9:15am to put the babes to bed and returned to numbers which scared me a bit. I almost lost hope because lets face it, the race was tight and hard-fought. At 11:02, we watched the number for Florida and Virginia sway from one side to another. I stepped away from the TV for maybe 15 minutes only to return to a President Barack Obama as the projected winner. I am still getting chills this morning watching the replays of his
acceptance speech which came on at about 1:30am. What a night..I know that this was a tough road and certainly there are people who may be disappointed by this outcome but I think we must all realize how inspiring this entire time has been. YES WE CAN!
