We Went Voting

Dear Stella,

Today is a truly historic day.  Last night Barack Obama was elected President of the United States thanks, in part, to our vote.  And while things are a mess in the world right now, I am hopeful at last that we may be able to leave you a better world than the one into which you were born.  I've been really worried about that and it has been so frustrating to have a political leader with whom I did not agree on anything.  At last we have an intelligent and inspiring President, a true leader, something that I have not known in my lifetime.  I am proud that so many Americans worked hard to get him elected and that our country was able to move beyond race and rally around a worthy candidate.  It is a great day and it was wonderful to share it with you. Daddy is in Tokyo right now but he has been very much with us in spirit.


















After school, you and I walked through the park -- it was a fittingly beautiful day -- to PS 166. We were apparently among the few Americans who did not have to wait on line to cast our vote though I was prepared to wait as long as necessary and to keep you awake no matter how long it took. When we got inside you told me, "Oh I do remember it here" I guess from the primary in which we also voted for Obama together (although that one was a bit of a hard choice). We found our voting booth and went in.













I love the oldie-timey voting machines we use in NYC and I know it is only a matter of time before it all goes digital.  You pulled the lever for me and we marked X's straight down the Democrat row, most importantly for Obama-Biden.  












My eyes filled with tears but you did not notice.  I was so happy and excited and maybe a little bit nervous.  I had a pretty good feeling that we were going to be victorious but there was still a wee bit of apprehension.  Mostly, though, it was the first time in my life that I really felt genuinely proud to be voting and so much a part of the political process.  

A few months ago I went to Pennsylvania to canvass for Obama because I was so worried about the outcome of this election.  Before now I cannot imagine wanting to do something like that. I think, in part, I was moved to do so because I am so inspired by Obama and have such hope for how he can change and influence the world.  But being your mother has also made me care about politics in a much deeper and more profound way than I ever have before.  I really worry about the world that we will be leaving behind for you, your children and grandchildren.  When you are older and start asking me questions about these things, I want to be able to look in your eyes and tell you that I did everything I could.

Even though you said many times today "Go Barack Obama", you cannot understand now how historic and important this election was and I only hope that history will prove him to be the great leader I think he will be.  You had a great time voting (I think the two peppermint candies you were given by workers at the polls helped) and told everyone about it.


















"We went voting. Mommy tell (insert name of whomever we are talking to) that we went voting" was a constant refrain all afternoon and evening.  I just hope and pray that with Barack Obama's guidance, the world you inherit will be peaceful, stable and prosperous.  That it will be everything you deserve it to be.

I love you.
Love, Mommy