Before the End of This Fateful Day

[pepperlandgirl]

I've been looking forward to this day for so long, as I'm sure many of you have. When I voted today, it was raining and stormy. I stupidly drove past the middle school and had to circle the block, even though I knew exactly where I was supposed to be. I finally found a parking spot, and the winds picked up more, whipping the rain and the dead leaves. I followed the signs into the middle school and gave the poll worker my name and address. She had me sign the sheet, and gave me a voter card. I walked a short distance to the machines, and I finally gave Barak Hussein Obama and Joseph Robinette Biden, JR my vote. I voted a straight Democratic ticket--a hopelessly optimistic stance in Utah. But it didn't feel meaningless. The national percentage didn't put Obama in the White House, but I am proud to stand up and be counted with the over fifty-five million people who called out for change, hope, and optimism.

I cried at the polling place. I am not an emotional person, but I couldn't help it.

After I voted, I walked up the block to Obama's Utah headquarters. I volunteered for an hour, calling people in Florida and encouraging them to vote. When I stepped out of the building and returned to my car, it was still raining.

I can't say I was completely faithful today. Waiting for the returns on the first states made me beyond anxious. I spent the day keeping busy just so I could get through the hours. I had to work tonight at 7:30, but on the drive to the office, I heard NPR called Ohio for Obama.

And I knew things would be better.

Every time I realize who is the President-Elect and what it means, I cry again. And that's why I wanted to get this posted tonight before Midnight.

Because we made history tonight. And I never want to forget that.