Today I voted for Obama. I wasn't alone. I am not referring to just the co-worker who asked if they could catch a ride with me to the polls as I headed for the doors. No, their were others with me. Others who could only be their in "spirit"..in memory.
As I pressed the button by Obama's name and the X appeared beside it I thought of my grandmother. She'd actually been born in 1898. As a young woman she fought for the right to vote.
I thought of my mother who'd taught me by example that all politics were local as she fought the state legislature against a bill that would have put her and her co-workers out of a job while making the roads less safe.
However as I reviewed my ballot making sure all the X's were in the correct places, I was mostly haunted by the benevolent "ghost" of Bob Richmond.
Bob was a mountain of a man. His voice was deep and rough like an old truck rumbling down a dusty Hoosier lane. He smelled of pipes and cigars. He was a close family friend and to my father he seemed to be a big brother.
I once interviewed Bob for a paper in college regarding the Freedom Rides of 1961. He told me what it was like to be a black man in Indiana in that time. He worked for United Telephone as a line man and there were some towns where he was warned not to be after dark.
I was shocked! The Bob I knew was a city councilman! (He'd even been President of the Council!) He was an honored member of the Rotary club! He was an executive at United Telephone.
My father, who worked a factory job, looked up and respected Bob! He was the example of who my brother and I should be. It seemed impossible anyone would disrespect Bob!
Bob just chuckled. He told me about being a black man in the army during WW2. He told me of the prejudice about being warned not to be on the train going to Texas returning the soldiers coming back.
He told me about coming back stateside and the prejudice here (even though he was so happy to be back he wept with joy to see the city limits sign).
And yes, he told me about people's reactions to the Freedom Rides. That's when he said, "People don't like to look ridiculous, and the violence..what's going on down there is making us look ridiculous. Things will change."
As I pushed the final button to cast my ballot I couldn't help but think of Bob. He passed away in 2004. Many times my father and I have talked about him this election.
Dad and I would have loved to head over to Bob's modest house by the lake, sip some whiskey and talk politics. I'd love to hear Bob's barrel laugh. I'd love to see his eyes sparkle with delight just to see Obama on the ticket.
So Bob, Grandma and Mom, where ever you are, Dad and my brother are voting for Obama. I voted for Obama. We are doing our part to turn Indiana blue. If on Election Day we really are on the mountain top of an Obama victory..I will remember you!
sr