Vote

I munched on chips and creamy white cheese dip as I listened to the sounds around me in the small Mexican restaurant, El Zarape. Three kids behind me, some as young as kindergarten, talked excitedly about who they "voted" for that day. I was amazed at their knowledge of the issues. My son, DIL, and another college-aged friend debated on who they believed would be the best candidate for president. Others talked. Some passionate. Some, like me, fascinated by the conversations. For me, this is one of the most exciting presidential races I've ever participated in--for many reasons.

I drove home the other day and saw an elderly woman planting signs along the highway. The wind was brisk. She had her hair wrapped in a kerchief. Her skin was wrinkled and dark. I wondered what she had seen in her life time that would place her in alongside the road hammering signs for her candidate. I'm excited to finally be in a generation that will break racial boundaries.

As a woman, I'm grateful to be represented by another female in the mix. Not the Tina Fey version, but the real-life woman with a family and a heart to serve. Let's continue to break some of those glass ceilings.

As a daughter of a man who served in the Korean conflict I've listened to his excitement as a war veteran who served with honor runs as a candidate.

Who am I voting for? Many people, actually. Not just a president and vp, but members of congress and judges and local representatives that will impact our nation during turbulant times. And the names? That's between me and the little black felt-tipped marker in the voting booth.

But no matter who wins, I've been privileged-as we all are--to be a part of a process that stimulates conversations among children to adults, that stirs passion, that breaks boundaries, and that allows each of us to be a part of the democratic process.