Election Day...My Dreams For Jack

Today is an important day in our countrys history.  Yet despite political views, and who we all as individuals want to win there is a deeper meaning for me behind this election.  Today I cast my vote (well last Weds.) not only for myself but for Jack.  My job as his parent is to teach, love, and protect him and his best interests.  So my vote was not just for my future, but more importantly for his.  Regardless of party or belief I believe many parents today feel the same way as they go cast their vote.  It is their vote, but it is so much more. In voting today I thought a lot about what it means to be an American, and the dreams that I have for Jack.

My dreams for my son is that he will be able to stand up with conviction for what he believes in.  That he is a respectful, honest, and good standing citizen that does the right things to make this world a better place.  That he knows we live in a country where we truly have capacity to go after all of our hopes and dreams, and that he does so with all of his heart. My dream for Jack is that he knows and understands that life is not about the things that you have, but the memories you make with the people you love.  That he understands the value of hard work, and that if you work hard then good things will come to you.  That he not entitled to anything except opportunity and from there it is his ball to run with. That he says please and thank you, yes sir and yes ma'am, that he holds doors open for others, that he smiles and waves at people walking down the street, tells others to have a great day, appreciates everything he has and thanks god everyday for his blessings.  That he recognizes life is not fair and not easy, but having a positive, optimistic, and great attitude will help him get through any curve balls that may be thrown towards him. That he is genuine and thoughtful in all that he does and the decisions that he makes.  That he understands the meaning of compromise. That he listens to people thoughtfully...this is an important one.  I am a Republican, but I respect the views of my Democratic friends and family.  I even share some of those views, as I am sure they share some of mine. One of our biggest challenges with American politics is the lack of listening thoughtfully to accomplish things together.  I want Jack to be able to listen thoughtfully to the views of others, and formulate his own thoughts and opinions to then share.

Regardless of who is our President when we wake up tomorrow morning I will get up and I will still be a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend, a niece, etc and I will work hard, and do whats right to make our country better, and teach my son the things he will need to follow the dreams his mom has for him above. I love you Jack, and will hopefully be voting for you in 2052.  Bottom line wge are Americans and this is the greatest country on the planet