Proud to be an American

Today I'm not writing about being a mom. I'm writing about being an American. For the past several days, I've heard many people complaining about the outcome of the election. Yes, I admit, it didn't turn out the way I had hoped either. You see, I am disappointed too. I am fearful for our national security. Yet, I am also proud.


I am proud that I live in a country where I can take my daughters with me to vote. Jena asked if she gets to vote, too. "No" I told her. "Not today, but when you're 18 you can. You are lucky you live in America, where women get to vote."


I am proud that I live in a country where a woman can run for president and for vice president and where an African-American can become elected. Brayden and Jena watched the election coverage with me on tv before they went to bed. When I tucked them in, I told them "Tonight, history will be made. We will either have our first woman in office or our first African-American." "I hope John McCain wins," said Brayden. "Me too," I said.


The next morning, the first words out of Jena's mouth were "Who's our next president?" "Barack Obama," I told her. "Aw, man!" she replied. "It will be okay," I said. "That's the thing about voting. Sometimes elections don't turn out the way you want."


However, I am proud. I am proud to have had the opportunity to cast a vote and to see the democratic process play out. I am proud to live in a country where not only can we elect our president, but where we can speak freely about it.


So go ahead and complain. It's our right as Americans. But let us not forget how lucky we are to have that right.