A New Day

Like millions of people, Kelly and I stayed up to see history being made Tuesday night. I like to think that I had something to do with that historical outcome since I volunteered for the Obama campaign and we live in a battleground state that turned blue after a history in red. So we're obviously thrilled with the election. All of us, that is, except for Lola.

Lola has an affinity for the underdog so I guess after being exposed to the numerous polls and projections as I devoured ever bit of political news during the election I could find online, she sensed McCain's impending loss. So, even though she can recognize Obama's face, his written name, and his logo, and she wouldn't recognize McCain if he shook her hand and called her "my friend", she still supported McCain.

Kelly — always the diplomat — was careful to let her know that her political choices would be her own and that no one should sway her opinion once she's made her decision. Even Mommy and Daddy. Well, I certainly bristled at that thought. But, as hard as it is for me to accept, I know it's a good thing for both of us to hear. I'd love for Lola and Locke to grow up believing what I believe, and holding the values I hold dear — and, for the most part, I think they will. But that doesn't always extend to our political choices. Coming from a politically conservative family, I know that all too well. But I hope we can at least discuss our differences with respect for the others' choices and maybe even learn a thing or two from them.

But that's a long way off. For now, I'll continue to try to teach them kindness, compassion, intellectual curiosity, and honesty. If they learn the importance of those values, I can rest assured they'll do the right thing when it's time to make their hard choices.