On Monday before Sarah went back to school, the three of us took ourselves off to early voting for her FIRST presidential election!
It’s a solemn . . .
yet joyful privilege . . .
that our family takes seriously.
The only presidential election that Steve and I have missed in our 34 years of marriage was in 1984 when Reagan was running for office. We had been out on the road with our singing group (consisting of him, me and my two sisters) and on the way back to Charlotte and the voting booths, we had an accident. We flipped our truck and RV (which we lived in full-time) on its side and went skidding down the highway with the trailer ending up over a bridge in a small creek, and our oatmeal, and shoes, and books, and shampoo and cookie sheets strewed and spewed every which way imaginable. (Thankfully, we were not injured.)
When all was said and done, we felt like we had a pretty good excuse for not voting that particular year. And somehow Reagan managed to win without us.
But this year? Steve and I voted.
And so did this wacky girl of ours.
But in the midst of that first special voting process with Sarah, I couldn’t but be a little sad that her first presidential election has had to be such an ugly, divisive one. I think a large number of Americans have forgotten the meanings behind important words like courtesy, respect, and civility.
A couple of days ago, Sarah wrote on her Facebook wall.
Loving like Jesus means loving everyone–not just those who agree with you. This political season, please be kind as you stand for what you believe in.
So much truth in that statement.
We Americans are so privileged in this country. There are so many nations around the world where elections are rigged, where women are not allowed to vote, where there is not a peaceful transfer of power. I am so grateful live in America where every citizen has a voice and every voice has a means to be heard.
If you haven’t voted yet, be like Sarah.
Be kind and courteous. Be true to your convictions. Use your voting voice well.
I really like the new blog, especially as how the comments section allows everyone to interact!
As for the election, I will be glad when it is over. With all the sniping at each other, they ought to build a giant sandbox and put both candidates in it and let them throw sand and toys at each other! All our local candidates are the same, each ad sniping at their opponent. It’s disgusting for adults to act this way. I rarely watch any television except the news when we eat dinner, now it is just one nasty ad after another. I turn it off.
O.k., done with my rant!
Kari,
So happy you like it! Actually, readers were able to interact in the old comments area as well. So, interact away! 🙂
I’m with you–television news has gone way down my list of things I want to do on a daily basis. I glance at a few headlines, read a couple of articles and that’s about all I can take.
You idea of a sandbox is a good one! 🙂
🙂 Aha, yes, I read your blog all the time and rarely think about politics. You are glad Regan won. The other day I brought out my Mondale/Ferraro button. I was 11 years old at the time and a friend’s mother took us out to campaign for them. I was 11 and Geraldine Ferraro told me that I could be vice president. When I pulled it out of a box that 11 year old girl reminded me what is happening right now. Now she can run for president.
Anyhow, my point. I find it lovely that while the tenor would make it seem that people with different politics can’t get along, I have discovered the very opposite. I’ve discovered that people have a lot more in common than not and politics is just an arbitrary line that tries to divide us.
Glad Sarah got to vote. The first election I got to vote in was Bill Clinton’s. And yes, I was grateful I both made it to the polls and (unsurprisingly) that he won.
🙂
Brooke,
Yes, it is a great thing indeed when people learn to get along apart from poliitical disagreements. We have so much more in common with our fellow inhabitors of this great earth than not.
It’s fun to look back our first elections, isn’t it?
So what was your first election Becky ? 🙂
Katrina,
That is a very good question. It must have been the Reagan/Carter election ins 1980 because I was 18 then. I don’t remember anything about it, though!
Fascinating. I was not even born by then ! (I am from 1990) Which is the first election you do remember something about ?
Katrina,
I’m afraid you are straining my middle aged brain a little here. 🙂
I have vague memories in my 20’s and 30’s going into a variety of government buildings and high school gymnasiums where booths were set up; beyond that, it just gets fuzzy!
Now that made me giggle!
I too, will vote, but boy, it is a sad voting year. I keep going back to, God knows what He is doing with this, this year. Ugh!
Wendy,
Yes, it has been a rough political year, that’s for sure. Even with the ugliness, I am still so thankful for my privilege to vote.
Love the new design–very classy, like yourself! 🙂
So great you could vote as a family. We will be doing the same. You and Sarah gave some great words of wisdom in regards to this election season.
Love, Deb
Deb,
So this is Caleb’s first year, too? I had forgotten that! It really is a special moment to share, especially knowing that our kids are really and truly grown up. WHEN did that happen??!
Glad you like the new design. It was definitely time.
We will vote. 🙂 We haven’t missed an election, local or national, since we were old enough to vote. It is a huge privilege and one we take very seriously.
LeeAnne,
Good for you and never missing an election. A lot of people make national voting a priority but overlook local elections. It’s ALL important! Thanks for making that lifetime commitment.
We voted but as you said sad time. So proud of Sarah. She is beautiful inside and outside!!?❤️?
Ann,
We were very blessed to get to vote with her on her first time. In the next presidential election, she will doubtless be living out on her own somewhere so probably won’t happen again.
well put and as usual beautiful model. I see you have a new format
Becky,
Yes, a new format and blog redesign It was way overdue!
Thanks for your encouragement.