Passionate About the Privilege

Call me crazy -- as if you haven't already started doing so -- but despite the exultant end-of-campaign exhalation all of Bloggy-dom seems to celebrating today, I will miss this political extravaganza. Really, I will.

How I've loved the joint parental egging on of our kids to explain why exactly they favor the candidates they do...and then the good-natured heckling that we plan to vote otherwise -- honoring their opinions by offering detailed explanations of why we favor the candidates we do.

How I've loved that this season -- all two years of it -- my husband and I have been entirely congruent in our assessments of what we believe regarding the issues and their best route for rectification, and the re-establishment of our country. [I'll also miss the ritual frozen margaritas Double Daddy made for the two of us to enjoy during every debate...]

How I have loved that while I don't agree 100% with a single one of the four final names on the ballot, I am 100% convinced that in each of their hearts is a self-sacrificial love and undeniable dedication to the U.S. and her citizens.

The history-making aspect of a woman and an African-American comprising 50% of the top quartet of candidates? Simply icing on the cake.

Sure, we could have voted via absentee ballot, but why? Truth told, I was actually hoping for a wait lengthier than the mere 1 hour+ we experienced this morning.

Our bag was packed with appropriate reading material...

A few snacks (honestly, some crackers and Halloween candy) were thrown in just in case the wait proved newsworthy, and we were ready to participate in the process.

Our polling place is located in an assisted living facility...and since their births, the kids have annually proven to be quite the attraction for what is largely a long gray line, later-in-life voting pool.
After receiving a stick of Juicy Fruit each from the kindly Grandpa-type in front of us ("If I am with you, you can take candy from a stranger"), we patiently waited for our turn. As members of the L-Z line, we reached the machine in just over an hour. Our friend, Ms. B., who had been waiting prior to our arrival, was still waiting as my vote was cast, my "I Voted" sticker received, and our departure from the building proper. Yet, nary a complaint from her -- or any of those wise men and women queued up. They know democracy merits at least the time required to watch a couple episodes of Meet the Press.

Today, I'm thankful...

Darren resisted the temptation to press the touch screen as I was explaining how I was selecting my candidates and casting my vote. Loved his excitement evidenced by shallow hops of glee.

Sarah walked out of her way to go and greet Ms. B., looking her in the eyes and speaking clearly and audibly.

Double Daddy called after he voted early this morning and encouraged me to write-in "Spongebob" (as he did) in protest of a district representative neither of us agree with who's running unopposed. Great fun to explain "write-in," "unopposed," "protest" and "a far better sponge for the job" to the kids.

God Bless America.