Election Thoughts

A whole lot of feelings for me today and yesterday in what proved to be an unprecedented election.

I am feeling grateful.  I am grateful that Brandon and I have similar opinions on politics and policies. We often relate to one another and draw on one another for strength and support.

I am feeling lonely.  I do not feel that I belong in the Republican or Democratic party.  Sometimes my opinions make me feel unique or in the minority.  I cannot and will not vote based on party lines.

I am feeling thankful.  I am thankful that our children are young enough to have been sheltered by much of what has gone on in politics this past year.  I am especially thankful that they do not know about the hurtful and offensive comments that Donald Trump made about women, Muslims, immigrants, Black people, etc.

I am feeling disheartened.  I am feeling disheartened that more people from the Republican party rallied behind Donald Trump than they did Mitt Romney four years ago.  It is a horrible irony that they weren't willing to support Mitt because of his religion and convictions, but willing to support and trust Trump despite his rhetoric and behavior.

I am feeling disappointed.  I am disappointed because it seems that the very minorities that I was standing up for, did not show up to the polls and vote.  Love, inclusion and equality are words that all have really resonated with me over the past months and years.

I am feeling proud.  I am proud that my daughters saw a woman run for President of the United States.  She made some major mistakes along the way and is far from perfect, but she was prepared, polished & powerful in a male-dominated arena.

I am feeling sad.  I am sad for the young people of the world who heard what Donald Trump had to say, and saw this result.  It is very difficult to explain how the bully won, and that the hate-filled comments resonated or were overlooked by so many.

I am feeling hopeful.  I am hopeful that not all of Donald Trump's supporters believe all the racist and sexist and insensitive things he has said.  I am hopeful that he will be a catalyst of change that so many American's are hoping for.

I am feeling American.  I will support Donald Trump in his Presidency.  I accept the vote and the process, and I will give him a chance.  I pray that he will attempt to unify a very divided America, and surround himself with the right people.  I hope that he will be a good leader for all of America, and that he will focus on important issues.  I pray that he will try to work with others - both on the home front and abroad.

Despite what has been going on in this election, I can choose to focus on teaching my children to treat others with respect.  To be kind and considerate.  To put themselves in someone else's shoes.  To communicate.  To listen.  To debate.  To stand up for what they believe.  To fight for a good cause.  To have an open mind.  To research something out.  To pray about decisions.  To love other people.  Because I think the world could use a lot more of that.