It's my privilege~

On November 6, 1984 I gave my dad the best birthday present of anyone in my family.  I voted for the very first time, with him.  I remember the days leading up to the election when he told me he would take me with him to vote.  With the excitement of a 5 year old at Christmas, I waited for Dad to come home from work that evening.  Ronald Reagan was the incumbent, and Walter Mondale was the challenger to the presidential race.  This was an historical election, as Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman to run on a presidential ticket.

On the walk to the polling place, Dad told me that voting was the privilege as well as the  responsibility of every American, and he talked about the importance of every single vote.  I walked into that polling place with such pride to have my Dad at my side.  Dad showed me where to stand and what to do, and I went into my polling booth.  With a smile of approval, he was waiting at the door when I finished.  We stepped outside and I couldn't wait any longer to ask... So, who did you vote for, Dad?  With a furrowed brow, he looked at me like I had just asked how much was in his retirement account, before responding, Girl....that's private.  You don't tell anyone that!  And I never have.

Today, on what would be my Dad's 94th birthday, I took my son to vote for the first time.  I gave him the talk about privilege and responsibility.  I told him that every vote counts.  Then, I told him how his Papaw would be so proud of him for being an informed voter.

Happy Birthday Dad!  I love you and miss you every single day.  Your impact continues still....

In Bliss, Shugie/Your baby girl