History Is Made
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."
- President-Elect Barack Obama
I took my kids with me to the polling place so they could help me vote. They watched as I bubbled in each of my selections, and they were particularly excited when my pencil stopped at the name of Barack Obama.
My daughter said, "Yay, you voted for Obama!"
She couldn't tell you why she likes him so much. She just does.
We came home and turned on the network news to await the results. My kids sat still for six hours. Well, except for that one moment at 8pm when Charlie Gibson, of ABC News, called the election for Obama and my daughter started jumping up and down on the couch in joy.
That's the one time it'll be okay to jump on the couch. Because it was history, and I'm glad my kids had a chance to see it. I think they'll remember this night for the rest of their lives.
My son kind of stunned me with this thought: "Just think, Daddy, it was only 50 years ago that black people weren't even allowed to vote in some places."
Whatever you think of Barack Obama's politics, you can't deny that this was a good night for the soul of America.
And the future feels just a little brighter.
Permalink posted by Idaho Dad at 11:07 PM
9 Comments:
Yes, it was amazing to watch, but I sent my kids to bed before the final numbers. (They get too cranky for school if they don't get their sleep.)
Phil, well said!
I took my 6 and 4 year olds to vote with me too and it was wonderful to engage them in the process. They were in bed by 9:00 ET but I had to promise to wake them up with the results were in. After President-elect Obama's moving, historic speech, I snuck up to their rooms and whispered the good news in their tired ears, with tears in my eyes.
Congratulations America! We hope this is a point that starts a better future for the world. And..congrates too for being hired..wow that's cool!
Very exciting for America. Hope he does lots of good for your nation.
We're in Seattle, so we could let the kiddos stay up a little late to watch the election results. My first-grader did her homework, but for the first time ever we only did 5 measly minutes of reading time so we could cuddle up back on the couch and watch Obama's speech. It was worth it, and her teacher understood (I sent an explanatory note regarding the lack of reading time).
Very well said Phil. I wish Luke was old enough to understand the enormity of the night, too. At least we can tell him he was there.
My girls tried soooo hard to stay up. My seven year old has followed it every step of the way.
They watched me vote and watched me tear up when I watched the acceptance speech this a.m.
Tried to explain the feeling of HOPE and UNITY.
I couldn't agree more. It was a magical night and we too shared it with our children.
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