A Boat, A Vote

I said, "When Daddy gets home, we're going to vote."

Big One heard, "When Daddy gets home, we're going on a boat."

It took me a while to catch the breakdown in communication. At first, he started talking about how he would miss us. I told him he would be going with us. He wanted to make sure that Little One was also going. Once it was confirmed that we were all going, he was thrilled.

Then he started talking about boats. I didn't think much of it since random thoughts strike him all the time. He'll suddenly start talking about something we did last month as if we've been having a conversation for 10 minutes about the topic.

I finally realized he was expecting to take a boat ride upon Daddy's arrival from work. I felt guilty. I felt as if I had to hunt down someone with a boat so I could fulfill his expectations. After all, as he had already pointed out, he has never been on a boat. He seemed ok with the fact that we won't be taking a boat ride this evening. At least I think so. We'll find out in a few hours.

How do you explain voting for a president to a 3 year old? I did the best I could. He didn't really understand. But I think it's important to try. To say the words. To get him accustomed to these rights that belong to us as citizens.

The thing about this vote is Big One and Little One are the most important reasons I am voting. Don't get me wrong, I always vote. But this election seems more urgent than previous presidential elections. Perhaps it's because I'm now a mother and the future of our country doesn't just impact me. It impacts my kids too. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the economic issues, the war, and all of the other things that seem to be going wrong. Whatever the reason, this feels like a critical election.

And I don't yet know who will receive my vote.

I'm struggling with this one. There are things about both candidates that I really don't like. They also both have certain views I strongly back. Unfortunately, I can't pick and choose. Just like everything in life, you take the good with the bad. I feel a lot of pressure to make the "right" decision. And since I don't know what that is I still haven't decided.

If you haven't yet, vote. Or don't. But vote. You should. I didn't mean for this to turn into a "you should vote, it's your right and responsibility" post but it seems it has. The older I get, the more it surprises me when people choose not to vote. That's your right too. But I really hope you vote.

Anyone up for a boat ride?