Children at the Polls

[CatBO]

A few months back I posted about a bag boy at my local grocery store. I posted about him because he's a handsome, tall, young African American boy and the historic nature of Obama's presidential run totally hit me like a ton of rocks when one day I saw this young man at the store, and my first thought was, "He could be President of the United States one day." He and I joke frequently at the store, just making small talk. He's always been really sweet.

Well, fast forward to 6:30 this morning at our polling place in Fort Mill, SC. I was standing behind a middle aged white woman, who fit the stereotype of your typical rural voter. I must admit, I pegged her for a McCain voter for the first few minutes until she started talking. Turns out she's a school bus driver in the district and was a die-hard Obama supporter. ("You know, I don't care what color they are, or who they sleep with for that matter, I just want them to fix our economy!" she said, referencing both Obama and Bill Clinton in one sentence.)

Anyway, she suddenly yells, "Hi Terrence! What are you doin' here? You're too young to vote!"

I turned around and back in the line was my grocery store bag boy, the tall, young, handsome man who apparently is named Terrence. He was there with his parents, he said. They had brought him so that he could witness history in the making.

It came full circle for me at that moment, in the parking lot of a church, in very red South Carolina. A very personal symbol in my mind, of what Obama's candidacy means for our country, showed up in person, in the pre-dawn hours, even though he was too young to vote. He showed up to witness history, and perhaps push the button in the voting booth himself, to cast the vote on behalf of his parents.

It moved me to near tears. I had to start browsing the Internet on my phone so I wouldn't well up totally in front of my husband. :D

God bless America... and thank you Mr. Obama for what you have already done for our country.

[holiday]

1. aww great story. I bet lots of AA are very emotional today

as they should be.

[meow mix]

2. k&r

thanks for sharin
:pals:

[tazkcmo]

3. *applause*

THAT is why we serve. THAT is why our spouses and children endure our extended absences. THAT is why they live with the daily reality we could be called on to make the Ultimate Sacrifice of a sailor, airman, soldier, Marine. Not oil, not regime change, not some perceived Domino Effect. For that REAL opportunity to live happily, everday.

[Spinzonner]

4. That is what this election means

It is the beginning of a time when EVERY American-born child can look in the mirror and say "Someday I could be President"

[CatBO]

5. Thanks for the R's and one more K...

I just really want to share this story with everyone here. I just know this kid is going somewhere someday...