Today I voted.
I did so because I strongly believe that you can’t complain unless you vote, and this election has certainly been the cause for some of my complaints. And somewhere during the course of my adulthood, I have started to realize that my vote does matter. Mind blowing, I know.
Today I voted for the first time.
Actually, to tell the truth, I was a little nervous to vote for the first time. I used to be one of the “my vote doesn’t matter” citizens that so many oppose. But let’s be honest, I live in Texas. Regardless of my personal political affiliation, my state will always end up red. Or will it?
Today I voted for the first time because I am a mother.
For the first time, I am fearful of the kind of world my children will grow up in. Children are sponges. They can see and hear everything. They are learning through the examples that are set before them. They are constantly listening to the words being spoken and taking note of actions going on around them. They emulate what they see, they repeat what they hear (for better to worse), and they look to adults to teach them, both directly and indirectly. And ohmygosh do they absorb every ounce of knowledge they can. How they treat others is a reflection of what they witness. Whether or not they show compassion to those in need or set a good example for their peers all depends on the teachings they have acquired. Our children are leaders and they are followers and we must stop to think about the climate of the country in which they live in before we can think about their future. What kind of world do we want them growing up in? I know what my hope is for my kids, so I took that to heart when making my final election decision.
Today I voted for the first time because I am a mother of two half Israeli children.
My concerns go beyond the confines of this country. My people have a homeland that is constantly at war with its neighbors. Jews are fighters and have survived attack after attack after attack. But the Jewish people, the citizens of Israel, need the help and support of the rest of the world. As Americans, we can’t turn our backs on those in need of our resources. Israel has thrived and survived as a direct result of strategic alliances and outside support. I refuse to buy into the idea that Israel’s problems are not our problems. They are very much my problem and I can only hope my country stands in solidarity with Israel.
Today I voted for the first time because I am a mother of two half Israeli children who are being raised as practicing Jews.
My religion is part of my everyday life. It is related to my work, to the schools I have carefully chosen to enroll my kids in and it is very apparent when entering my house that a Jewish family resides there. I wear my Star of David proudly. My four-year-old (albeit the fact that she loves to look at Christmas lights) will proudly announce to anyone that she celebrates Hanukkah, not Christmas, and my son bears the same name as the strong Jewish men who have come before him. Judaism is in my heart, in my soul, and is my way of life. We are fortunate enough to live in a country where this is not only allowed, but celebrated. I will vote to ensure that my religious freedoms, among many other freedoms we enjoy, are not interfered with.
Today I voted for the first time because I am a mother of two half Israeli children who are being raised as practicing Jews and my vote, does in fact, matter.
I am not looking for a pat on the back for doing my civic duty. I didn’t post the obligatory Facebook “I Voted” sticker selfie. I am not pushing others to share my opinion on presidential candidates. I am simply urging you to take a look at what’s important to you and use that drive to get your vote counted at the polls.
