My kids learned some good lessons last week.
On Tuesday, we got up early to hear drizzle hitting the windows and knowing that it was VERY chilly outside. In the 30's to be exact. So we bundled up and headed to the polls. It was an off-year election so there weren't that many people at the polls, but we camped out in front and began handing out sample Republican ballots. We live in a heavily Democrat county in Virginia, and needless to say, many voters did not want our ballots. For a 2, 4 and 6 year old trying to hand them out, it was hard to hear, "No thanks," or even a stronger "NO." Lesson number 1: Rejection is part of life. Learn to handle it gracefully.
The kids kept track of how many ballots they each distributed. Let's just say you could count them on 2 hands. But they were thrilled each time someone accepted their "gift." Lesson number 2: Rejoice in all things, even the little things.
We stayed outside for about 2 hours at which point our hands were numb. I offered hot chocolate to the kids at home, and they ran for the car. Their red noses proved how cold they really were. Lesson number 3: Sometimes service requires sacrifice.
The results came in the next day -- every Republican on the ballot in our county lost. I read the paper to the kids, and we lamented the truth. Lesson number 4: Sometimes you lose, even though you work hard.
Now the kids are excited for the primary coming up this Spring. They'll be out there again with me -- this time supporting Rudy Giuliani, since they don't want a Democrat "to raise their taxes" among other things. Obviously, they're a bit young to form their own political opinions, and they're clearly mimicking what their mom and dad believe. But they are learning a more important lesson. If you want something done, you've got to do something about it. Get off your duff and get involved. I want them to be activists, whatever they choose to pursue.
Warmly,
Lucy P.
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