Voted

[greatbear]

I did the voting thing on the way home from work today. Went off without a hitch, though for me, playing tappity-tap on a Diebold touch screen does not give me much confidence that my vote actually counted. There was a fair amount of people at the polls when I went in, I guess that is a good thing.

I've been "voting" since I can remember. It was Mom who, without fail, took me with her to the polls as a wee child and instilled in me the importance of being a part of the governmental process. Being that she came from the Soviet Union, she saw the U.S. election process her civic duty. To her, being able to shape the government in the country where she lived was an important gift. While not perfect all the time, and with results not always in her favor, she still had faith in the process and voted every major election. When I was a kid, she took me into the booth to watch her push the levers, most often letting me push the ones she selected. It was an exciting thing for me at that early age, because I knew from her telling me that it was one of the most important tasks that she'd perform. When I was finally old enough to vote, we would discuss the issues and candidates in the weeks before the election, then go together and perform our patriotic duties. Needless to say, in '00 we truly felt disenfranchised for the first time, with subsequent years being no better. Still we did what we knew was right. And being that we voted, we had every right to complain when things ran counter to our positions.

Tonight, in a light rain, I went to the polls and cast my ballot. I did so alone for the first time in my life. Upon completing my task, I was given a "I Voted" sticker from the elections official. I proudly stuck it on my shirt pocket, made my way past the folks waiting in line, and took notice of a woman at one of the machines with her kid beside her, getting involved early. I must have been beaming.

I walked back to the car in the increasing rain. Upon closing the car door, I broke down, bawling my eyes out.

Comments

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

I saw that last sentence coming, but anticipation couldnt stop me shedding a tear for you.

*hugs*

But isnt it wonderful to know you have the ability to love that deeply?

[fjdbear.livejournal.com]

Santorum is history. I heart Audioslave.

[beartech420.livejournal.com]

Oh bro, my eyes welled up and I'm crying also just from reading your painful moment. Look losing your mom is so tough, I can't comfort you. I can just pray and ask God to send that angel that is your mother. To touch your heart. To whisper in your ear, that she hasn't left you and she will always love you.
I know your heart is so broken, your in my prayers.
Big strong long bear hug bro,
pete
p.s. You know my mom is 84 and I remember asking her what see wanted in life she said, "I would like to dream of my mother."

[kymutt.livejournal.com]

That hit me hard. I wish I could be there to give you a hug, Phil. The joy of seein' the lesson you learned bein' taught to the next generation, and the reminder of the loss you suffered. Powerful emotions. Be strong, good sir.

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

How beautiful, truly beautiful! I was fortunate that my parents also instilled in me that it was not a privilege, but an obligation, a duty if you will, for every citizen to vote and as such I have voted ever since I turned 21!

Remember that every day is new, every day YOU are new. Put your life lessons to good use.

Thank you so much Phil.

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

My mom instilled much the same perspective to voting, even though she was a couple generations removed from those who emigrated here. I remember she used to refer to her ballot stub as her "bitching license."

It's wonderful when people do more - but casting a reasonably well-informed vote is the most basic obligation of a society like ours.

...and a big ole biker bearhug for ya.

[m-f-patterson.livejournal.com]

It's amazing what a simple everyday thing, such as voting, can bring back such a vivid memory, and produce such an emotional release. Those are the "good" memories that we have chatted about. Cry your eyes out buddy, it's a good thing.

Hugs, we 3 in AZ

[excessor.livejournal.com]

It's often important to remember where we've come from and where we've been, and who has been with us along the way. At some point, maybe not so soon, such reflections will come without the emotional upheaval. The strength of the emotions is just that: a strength. My advice is to revel in it.

Now if I could just take my own advice.

thank you for sharing bro!

[beartech420.livejournal.com]

Called my mom first thing this morning and said i loved her a few thousand times! Phil your in my prayers bro, it might feel like your riding thru this alone, but your friends are out their sending their love and strength.
best regards,
pete

[britbear.livejournal.com]

there are good cries and bad cries. That sounds like a good one.

Keep her in your memories bud.

[rockybear02.livejournal.com]

Aww thanks Phil - that was wonderful.

BIG HUG

[beastbriskett.livejournal.com]

My eyes are wet with yours, bud.