When my eyes flicker open shortly before 7 a.m. in the morning on November 4, 2008, I briefly close them again, reflecting on what this day will mean by the time it ends at midnight.
Living within a Paradigm Shift is a peculiar form of excitement. It's an unsettling thing to be present when the earth of life's experience decides to metaphorically shift beneath ones feet. These are the moments when life reminds you that it has its own agenda; one which will not be defined by your personal fear, hesitation or pettiness.
It is that time in ones life where you must choose to step onto shifting sand with a belief that the drift will bring you to a better place in the end. That time when you are clear on one thing, refusing to step out in faith is akin to sinking downward in place.
On the threshold of this November morning, as America prepares to make Decision 2008, I'm preparing to create a little slice of personal history. I'm taking a brand New Citizen to the polls who will be casting her first vote. It's my mother, a woman of African descent who at 75 completed her bachelors degree, became a US Citizen and registered to vote.
The polling station in my precinct is normally a little sleepy affair manned by patient poll workers waiting for individuals to drift in. On this day, the parking lot signals that Change is abreast. It's full and I weave my car towards an edge of lawn to find a place to park. There is a sense of good expectation in the air. Folks bid each other "Good Morning" as we prepare to step in line.
The poll workers indicate that they've never seen anything like this before. I glance around me. I see the faces of America...young faces, children with their parents, an African American father with his toddler, older Americans, immigrants, folks on their way to work, and my mother...dressed in a smart beige outfit, befitting of the occasion.
After completing my civic duty with mom, my day takes me to various places. I drive by signs of support dotting the front yards of my community, their homes and cars. A group of students at an intersection waive signs urging people to remember to Vote.
I wear the proof of my action on my person...a little sticker which proclaims a simple fact, "I Voted."
Yes, I Voted. I Voted for the turning of a new chapter in my nations history. I Voted for the Responsibility we each have to do our part in creating a better future. I Voted for the Hope and Promise that is embodied in this beacon of Hope, this Shining City on a Hill whose flame continues to shine despite the enormity of the challenges that she faces. I Voted with gratitude for the promise of my place in the American Dream.
As I closed my eyes, well into the wee morning hours of November 5, 2008, the images that color my memory are vivid reflections in living color. Scenes from a night in which the map of United States started to wash itself in the merged brilliance of blue and red; revealing the royalty of purple's nobility and power to transform. Renewing my faith that our nation has the capacity to heal within the divides of east and west.
Images of two great men, one gracious in defeat and the other humble in victory. Images which capture a yearning of a people straining to break free of the chains of limitations and struggling to stem the tide which has set our nation adrift.
And flittering across the lens of my mind, there is one endearing image. This one of a woman who this day, claimed her place in the rich tapestry of a land we call home. Through her eyes, I am reminded again of the wonder of this extraordinary right that we each have to express a choice with clarity. This privilege to cast a vote within this sea of democratic tradition which defines the embodiment of our union of these United American States.
Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. Thanks for visiting our blog. Here are links to some of our most popular posts for you to enjoy!
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Lola, this may be the most beautiul post I've ever read on Active Rain. And all I can say is wow! I am a happy woman today!
"Images of two great men, one gracious in defeat and the other humble in victory. "
Lola- what a beautiful reflection this is. I sincerely hope we will in my lifetime have a purple country. No Red states vs. blue states. Just a wonderful blend of citizens respecting one another and fighting for the common good of each other.
Patricia, Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate your stopping by.
Hi Tammy, Thank you for taking the time to read this post and comment. Every time I viewed the electoral map on TV which was defined by a sea of red and outlined in blue, it was a reminder of the deep divisions and differences which have marked our nation.
However, division does not have to define us. Differences are something to be celebrated when we choose to respect and honor the dignity of another's perspective and find common ground to work together. I believe that differences have the capacity to strengthen and make us all better than we would have been on our own. It's our choice...
Lola, Even with all the excitement of this election only 2/3rds of the registered voters came out to vote. We need to take the responsibility of voting more seriously. I still remember the recent election in Iraq and people being so proud to sport the "Purple" Finger. I did enjoy your story and hope more people in the future accept the responsibility of voting.
If only the media could write and capture the essense of what you have so wisely summed up here. This should be featured and I'm submitting it right now. It is too good to be passed over.
Terry, very good point. With 2/3rds of registered voters coming out to vote, it was considered the highest turnout in history. But, as you point out, 1/3 did not for whatever reason exercise this very important privilege. That's sobering and reminds us of the fact that we as a nation are still striving to perfect a 'more perfect union.'
Missy, I thank you.
Lola, What a magnificent post. It was an incredible day for most of us, for you and your mother it was truly monumental. I'm so happy to hear she's a new citizen and had the opportunity to vote.
Okay...I just read JMac's post (which you should read if you haven't already). These two posts together and just perfect for the current sentiments of our nation. GREAT post.
Lola,
Thanks for the post and sharing your family's triumphs during this very special occasion. Congratulations on your mother's accomplishments.
what a lovely post. i too am moved by this entire experience. thank you for sharing.
Lola, as always you have captured the essence of the meaning to be an American. Thank you!!
Lola: I also had the pleasure to accompany a first time voter to the polls. And it was an experience I will never forget. What an exciting time to be an American. I'm excited to see what our future will be.
Carole, Thank you. I think in many ways, we will look back on November 4, 2008 as one of the most pivitol days in American history. I will continue to pray for wisdom and guidance for our new president. It was a wonderful thing to be able to accompany my mom to the polls.
Melina, Please feel free to link the post you referenced here. I'd love to read it. Thanks.
William, Thank you. Appreciate the well wishes.
Benita, Thank you.
Keith, Appreciate your stopping by to read and comment.
Chris...Isn't it incredible to see the process of democracy through the eyes of a first time voter!
I bet you and your mom did a wonderful dance up to the polls! We were in line at 6:30 and were the first to step into the booths. (they smelled musty from past years all bundled up lol) In any case, we had a overwhelming blue in our state ...and we are so diverse there was no nastiness during or after effects either. It was a very pleasant experience and funny...this time around was a 2% lower voter turnout than four years ago.
Bottom line....I cried...The American Dream (like you said) and the rich history that will become another chapter in History lessons.
'Living within a Paradigm Shift is a peculiar form of excitement.' I don't recall a time Lola, of such sustained elation and excitement over an event like this election. Congratulations on such a momentous day to your Mom!
I am so happy for your Mom Lola, to be able to take part in such an incredibly awesome historical day! I was watching falling asleep to Life on Mars thinking how incredibly far we have come as a nation. It was incredible to me to watch that show and realize that is how it really was. What an awesome day Tuesday was!!!
Blessings!
Hello Lola...Your posts always impress me.
This year provided me with two wonderful days. I will not forget February 12th when I was able to vote in an historic primary and again when I voted November 4th in another historic election.
Perhaps you will share with us the country of your mom's heritage. How wonderful that you were able to share this historic day together.
Kate
Lola- I am so glad I found this....as was already stated it was beautiful. I saw a different Post with that picture of your mother, but didn't know who she was. You have captured the essence of the day so well, but I will bet nothing compares to how your mother feels to accomplish such milestones at the age of 75. Now that is America, the land of Opportunity at its best :)
Lola - Thanks for a wonderful post. You captured the essence of that meaningful day so well. The sense of hope is palpable.
What a wonderful story, a tale worth adding to the tapestry of stories that made up that incredible day. I am sure the ancestors are quielty smiling with joy.
I love this post. I am very happy that your mom voted,was part of history and contributed to it. America is not a land of opportunities. It is now a land of infinite opportunities. Sky's the limit now. No turning back. We have to pray for President George W.Bush and he finishes out his term and we definitely need to pray for President elect Barack Obama and his cabinet as they face a big challenge ahead of them. But we have to help them anyway we can. Great post Lola.
What a beautiful post! It was a phenomenal day and honestly, quite the tear-jerker. 2009 is going to be a great year!
Thank you for this wonderful post - it sums up so much of what I have been feeling. For the first time in my life, I understand what it is to be a part of the democratic process in America and how we all have a chance to make a difference. You know what's great about America? We don't all agree all the time - but this great country gives us the RIGHT to disagree without fear of persecution. If we all remember this and use our differences to learn from each other and become stronger, we are unstoppable!
Congratulations to your mom - my grandmother was a community organizer in Chicago during the civil rights movement. Her up close and personal experience with the workings of democracy gave her a deep passion and love for America. I'm glad your mother has had the chance to have her own personal moment with the best of our nation's promise.
Lola - what a magnificent post, and a memorable recounting of a very special day, on many accounts. A historic event in so many ways. I am excited about the future.
Jeff
Lola-A tear came to my eye when I read your post! Congratulations to your mom on her educational accomplishments, citizenship and taking the time to vote, a very inspiring woman. (Both of you)
Lola - What an inspiring story. Much respect to your Mother, I can see that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She has inspired me!
People like her inspire me to see myself as a spry old lady, wearing my purple hat and red dress, and still learning and growing. One of my goals is to get my PhD, and it's good to know that if it is the Lord's will, I have plenty of time.