This Election Was Personal

I am so touched by all of your stories; the beautiful and soul bearing stories. Your authentic voices without a filter that would normally protect you from judgement. We all have experiences that have left imprints on our beings. But your stories have shown your courage, your resilience and your love.

This election is personal for me.

I voted in honor of my beautiul mother, Racene who died too young (This is a picture of me as a little girl with my mom).

I voted in memory of my grandmothers. Grandma Shirley was a fiesty old broad. She was a single mom and worked long hours as a waitress and didn’t take shit from anyone. She was bold and brash, and she loved with all her heart. She was ageless and courageous until she died in her mid 90’s. Grandma Ada was the primary breadwinner for the family, and had the biggest heart and was a wonderful cook. Her homemade blintzes were to die for.

I miss them each and everyday.

I voted in memory of my family who were killed because of hate by the Nazis and Russians.

I voted for all the women who feel that life has passed them because they are too old. If you are telling yourself you are too old to apply for a new job, or ask for a raise or a promotion, or run a marathon, or learn to swim, or travel alone, or date, or move to a new city, or anything else, remember you are not. Why? We have a women running for President who is 68 years old. She is not old. She has accumulated years of relevant experience. Remember you are not done until you say you are done! Age is irrelevant.

I have never been more proud to vote in an election. HRC has been criticized, mocked, and challenged in a way that a man probably would not have. She stands up, speaks up and shows up in the face of adversity. Living our lives sometimes requires us to dig deep and do things that maybe uncomfortable or unfamiliar. You cannot achieve without stepping out of your comfort zone. You need to find your courage, tenacity and self-assurance, and you to can break through the glass in front of you.

My story is your story. We are stronger together. May this day result in the election of our first woman president and the start of our collective healing.

In loving memory…