The parking lot was full, a rarity, and so I drove around thinking about the power of news and social media hype to bring people to the library even before the real Election Day! After finally parking, I noticed two ladies, with walkers, slooowwwly making their way towards the door.
I thought, for a moment, about passing them and securing a place in the line ahead of them. Instead, I asked if they were coming to vote and held the door as they sloooowwwly entered. Then, we both stopped in awe of the line of voters wrapped around first the local memorabilia and then all the way around the circulation desk!
Their collective sigh morphed my own sigh and displaced my thoughts of leaving. I thought of the energy it had taken for them to come out to vote. I thought of the nearly impossible challenge of standing in what was clearly going to be a long and winding line.
"How about your folks sit here and I will get in line. When it gets close, you can join the line," I suggested.
"Thank you," they said quietly and slooowwwly they made their way to the bench while I slooowwwly waded through the sea of voters to secure a spot at the end of the line of people clearly on their lunch break and others clearly frustrated by the long line..
I had lots of time to think of past elections of voting at 6AM before a long commute and at10PM as the doors were about to close. I really did not remember ever having lines like this before!
I really did have plans to circle by the grocery store, but instead, after voting, I walked slooowwwly towards their car, surface talk about the incredible line and the equally incredulous weather.
"You know, I used to just cancel out my husband's vote most years, but this time, while I miss him terribly, my vote counts even more," she sighed.
As I headed to my car, I was hoping I would remember to vote (by mail) when my turn to move slooowwwly came in the not-too-distant-future, because, our voices and our votes matter.
5 comments:
I love your post! The repetition of slooowly was effective and provided humor to a serious matter. Your care, concern, and admiration for others really came out, too. Excellent voice. You took me to the polls even when I voted by mail this year.
You did a good and kind thing for those ladies. May thst act of kindness return to you ten-fold. This election is so important. We voted early, too. Our polling place was busy. Some places make voting so hard, but even in my red state, we have polls open until 8:00 pm and ballot drop boxes. Folks could vote early until last Friday, and we have same day registration. I’m grateful my husband and I voted for the same candidates.
Anita, this is one of the sweetest election stories that I've read-and one you will remember for years to come. I'm glad you shared this positive story today. :)
This is so thoughtful and I so feel the sentiment of the lady cancelling her husband’s vote all those years. You were so kind to hold the door and allow them to come join you at the time. I often think about slowing down my gears to enjoy more because I’m always in a hurry - and now today I can be grateful for the speed to scuttle on and get things done. The world needs more people like you, showing kindness.
This is such a great post and a lovely positive take on this year's fraught election. It's the connection that counts and your kindness shows that so well. Thank you!
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