Sorry, Kids

Uggh.

I have voted in every election since I was eighteen years old.

Every single election.

Big national ones, little local ones, they all felt like an important way to use my voice, and I’m definitely a believer in that. (Even if it is much to the dismay of the people who have to listen to me~ha!)

If I were going to be out of town traveling, I’d mail in my ballot ahead of time because I believe so much in the process of a government by the people and for the people.

How many people in the world don’t even have the option? I don't even know, but I do know that I’ve always been proud to use mine.

But this year, I’m not feeling the pride.

I’m feeling embarrassed and depressed and baffled.

I know I’m not alone in this, and I don’t think I’m just cynical and getting old either.

This year, I’ve felt a little bit of throw up in the back of my throat every time I think about the election, and full on nausea if I think too long on the possible results.

This year, a whole crop of young people that I know have just aged into their voting rights, and this ugly election is what they have to face.

Sorry kids. For real...

Much to their credit, most of the kids I know are voting anyway. Most of them are interested in the whole political process, and some are rather passionate about it (which I love) They may be disgruntled, but are probably less skeptical than I am, which is a good thing.

I’m fearing revolution and apocalypse or at the very least, not being able to travel internationally. They’re just like “WTH? Uhhh...This kinda sucks…Sheesh. Thanks a lot guys..”

My apology for the situation they have inherited is genuine.

Anyhoo, none of us like the situation, but we’re all trying to bloom where we’re planted.

So, even though I’m vexed and heavy hearted and perhaps even a bit woebegone, I still believe that despite this dark and ugly place, people need to try to use whatever power they have... even if it doesn’t feel like a lot.

Alice Walker was right when she said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

Imagine if no one had stayed to fight at Hogwarts? If they’d all just gone home and said “Well, there’s no point in this. It’s too big and we’ve already lost. Let’s just go eat chips and complain on the couch..”

What would have happened then?

Well, the book and the series would have had a stupid ending, and we all would have been woefully disappointed, but thankfully JK Rowling created characters with heart, even in hard times.

So, sorry kids, this election sucks. Thanks for showing up anyway.

And sorry world. America really is a nice place, and most of us are actually kind people. We’re all baffled and sick at what’s happening here too. And we’re trying to figure out how to make it better.

Fingers crossed, prayers in the air. The election is almost over.

If you can vote, please do.

And let's all do whatever we can so the aftermath brings healing.