I decided I was going to vote for Obama after he lost in New Hampshire and gave one of the most stirring speeches I have ever heard. I was so moved I donated money and helped canvass for the first time in my life. I loved being so involved and feeling for the first time that what I did could actually have an impact on the presidential race. When he finally officially secured the nomination I was ecstatic.
Shortly after this, my family moved to Turkey for one year. We had a wonderful opportunity to keep our jobs in the United States, but work for one year in Turkey. I was delighted to go, but also very sad that I would not be as involved with this thrilling and historic race for the presidency. I watched his acceptance speech on my computer and I cried because his message was so powerful and I could see how much he inspired and uplifted people's spirits. I got up at 4 am to watch the debates live with my husband, who, although he can't vote, is also crazy about Obama. And I stayed informed and connected with Daily Kos, without it I think I would feel completely isolated politically.
So, from so far away, I have been looking forward to casting my vote via absentee ballot for months. After some confusion about how to get my ballot, I filled out the papers and sent them in. I requested that my ballot be sent via email thinking that would be the quickest way. Well, after a week I got worried that I had messed up my paperwork, and started whining about how I was going to miss out on voting (I am a worrier). Well, finally, that wonderful ballot arrived with Barack Obama and Joe Biden right at the top! I read and reread the instructions to make sure my vote would be counted, then I went into my six year-old son's room. I told him what the ballot was for, and read him all the choices for president. "Who do you think I should vote for?" I asked him. "Well, I think Barack Obama." he answered. I agreed and filled in the oval while he watched. "Why did you want to do that with me?" he asked, and I explained that in the future he will remember this as the day his mom helped elect one of the greatest American presidents.
It felt so good to fill in that oval! I am so happy to be a part of electing someone who I truly believe will be a transformative leader. I am so happy tonight!
One final little brag: My 17 month old now says Obama, pronouced "Bubama."