Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Hope


Today I'm in love with my country and today I'm in love with my kids. Last night my husband and I went to a birthday dinner with friends. Big brother, at twelve, babysat. Before we left, however, the labradork decided to sample a bag of halloween candy.

Since chocolate is toxic to dogs we detoured to the clinic for an excavation of the dork's interior. At one point we were all standing around the dog watching him return his stolen goods (i.e. puke, vomit, up-chuck; the verbiage choice is yours). He had eaten Milky Ways, Butterfingers, and an entire Hershey's bar - wrappers and all. The kids each had a cookie in hand and were watching the show as if they were at the movies. Clearly they all have strong constitutions and are no doubt my children.

We left the dork for observation, took the kids home and headed out for dinner. After dinner we went back to the clinic to retrieve the dog. It was exactly eight o'clock as we pulled into the parking lot. The western polls had just closed. My phone rang. Obama won! Obama won! It was the kids.

Home alone the twelve-year-old, eight-year-old and four-year-old were watching politics. They were watching the election. The excitement in their little voices was palpable. We came home to find these sticky notes all over the house. Clearly they are also their father's children.

Today I have hope. Today I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be a part of and a witness to history. And today I pledge to work "...brick by brick, block by block, calloused hand by calloused hand..." not only for a better America but for a better world.

9 comments:

The WoodLand School said...

What a fabulous story! Thanks so much for sharing.

Amy said...

such a cute story, dork and all.

Memories Of Mine said...

I am glad he won too. I hope he continues to move things forward.

Anonymous said...

Dork as metaphor for the American condition, and the healing of it.

donna said...

Sounds like what was going on in my household

Molly said...

i love your kids. there was a lot of chanting and last minute banner making at our house, but no sticky notes - that is just too cute.

Bridge said...

me too! I am ready for some "bettering" and the advancement that hope brings. Fear will be overcome.

Anonymous said...

Your kids are too cool. Must be a reflection of great parents. Yay! Obama won!

Anonymous said...

Yay! Love the description of your evening - I was right there with you.