What Made Me Smile Today

Claudine M Jalajas

Writer, Web Developer, Decorative Painter

I'm a tired, worn-out mother of three young children. I never really fully appreciated what being sleep deprived was like before my children--and I now believe it is a valid form of torture. I live on Long Island with my husband (who I rant about frequently) and three little angels. ;)...

Claudine M. Jalajas

Tuesday, November, 4, 2008

So I went out and voted today. I had my three children with me, ages almost 3, 10 and 5. I was lucky that there was really no line. I walked in and they directed me to my voting machine. I asked if I could take my children in with me--not sure how that would be viewed. They said it was fine I just couldn't let them touch anything.

No problem.

I gathered the three close to me and pulled the lever to shut the curtain. They looked like we just walked into church. They whispered, "Why did you close the curtain?"

"Because everyone should be allowed to choose the person they think is best and not worry about what other people think. It's private. You shouldn't feel pressured by anyone else."

I showed them how the machine worked, how the names were lined up, different groups divided, and that we were voting for more than just president. Then I said, "Now, when I pull the curtain open all my answers will be recorded in the machine and cleared for the next person."

"Wow.. that's cool" said Duke.

The curtain opened and we started to walk away. My 5 year old Zilla looked up at me and said, "You know who I would vote for if I was a grown-up?"

"No, who?"

"I'd vote for you Mommy."