Bask in These 2 Heartening Views Today

Some cheer to overshadow election dread

As I stood in line to vote, I looked around in amazement. I looked at the brimming parking lot, the line of people that wrapped around it, and then down at my son kicking his little legs back and forth in his stroller. For a second it was like looking out over the Grand Canyon, a surge of beauty and disbelief that was a little overwhelming.

I had scouted the early voting sites for days, looking for a nonexistent calm time to just pop in real quick and cast my ballot. I think the knowledge that the lines were happening all over and all day, added to my wonder as I looked at crowds I’d never seen for voting before.

The only other time I have seen this many people show up for a civic event was the 2016 Women’s March. And what a parallel. In 2016 we missed our chance to cast Donald Trump away from the White House. Are these hoards of voters evidence that we have learned from our mistake, that we know we have to show up at the polls? I sure hope so.

As all these thoughts filled my mind, I caught my line neighbors (shout out Jeff and Becky!) looking around at people walking toward the end of the line.

“It’s kind of nice to see these lines for something other than Black Friday,” I said.

“Kind of restores your faith in humanity, huh?” Becky said. “People are paying attention.”

Now, I have no idea if she was coming from my point of view or not. I think people on either side of the ballot might say the same thing. Either way, I liked it that we both agreed that this voting turn out was incredible.

This morning I wore my VOTE VOTE VOTE tee, and when I strode out of preschool drop off, a dad said, “Excited to get going on election day!” As I drove home, I swung by the local library and again saw a very congested polling place. I saw people going in pairs or alone, smiling as they went to wait their turn. At the coffee shop, a woman casually passed by and said, “I like your shirt.”

Four little kids were giggling, “I’m a democratic!” “I’m a democratic!” “Ka-ma-la Harris.” “I want Kamala Harris to win.” Then, “Vote for meeeeee! I want to win!” And more laughs.

I’m taking these moments and putting them in my pocket. I’m carrying them with me as I brave the hours ahead.

Next up, I’m pulling my husband away from the news, and we’re going to walk around our neighborhood park. We’re going to see people out walking dogs, tossing frisbees, and shooting hoops. We’re going to lay under a giant tree and look up at the leaves, and we’re going to feel a part of this whole big world that’s infinitely bigger and more powerful than MAGA.

We have less than a day now before we know what leader and what ideology will shape our world in the upcoming years. Let’s use it to fill ourselves up with awe. To feel what it is we’re fighting for, no matter what the outcome of the election is. Let’s soak up these last hours of not knowing with appreciation for what we have, and let’s use it to build ourselves up for what lies ahead.

With love an hope for the future,

Stephanie