Nauseously Optimistic

I woke up to my messages lit up with “how are you,” and “????,” and “tell me we got this.”

I am nauseously optimistic.

This is not the time for any of this. It’s the day to vote, follow up wherever we might have forgotten, and to stay away from all media until later this evening, when the results actually start rolling in. Do yourself a favor and stay away until then. Our bodies have been through enough, and nothing is real until after 7 PM.

It’s also a day of grateful appreciation for the circle of influence I call my friends and family. Send a note of thanks today to those who have worked hard over these past months. Here are some of mine.

Bryan and Shanette, who will be at the polls for seventeen hours today, helping people vote in their district, are the most well-informed people I know. They help me think through my point of view. Shanette, who worked for Bush Senior, is now equally committed to the Democrats and to the Kamala-Walz ticket.

My cousin-in-law, Jeff, who went out to caucus a few Saturdays ago, stepped outside his comfort zone because he knew he needed to do something.

Leslie, who is all over doing everything asked of her and whatever she can think of to fulfill the assignment. We disagree on so much, but there is no more committed American, and I am grateful to have her voice in my head.

Randy and Larry, who for months have done everything they could think of, right through last night when they were still making calls. They forwarded this blog and have supported everyone they know as we all did what we could to make this happen.

My daughter, about whom I am not allowed to write. She is the one I think of most, with her job in government and past legal counsel for both impeachments. She made bracelets, did calls, and went with friends wherever they were needed after her world at the Capitol. Just this past weekend, she alerted me to the need for drivers in Pennsylvania, and she is now traveling overseas for work but has not left a stone unturned for the Harris-Walz ticket.

Alexandra and Fred, who think and write and support and push me to think deeper. And their granddaughter, who has her birthday today and asked for contributions to the campaign rather than presents. And, get this, she is not even ten years old.

I could go on, but you get the picture.

I wrote some little people in my life letters this weekend. I’m close to their parents, and I wanted to write them a letter before the results are in to tell them about this moment in history and my hopes for their future. Write a few letters today. They might matter tomorrow.

This morning, when I went on Threads, I saw so many women from all over the world, rooting for us, filled with hope and belief that our republic will hold on this day, this most important day. Thank you.

“You can do it American sisters! We believe in you! You got this!” - Scotland

“I’m Sarah, you emotional support Canadian, sending you all my feminine rage and hugs!”

“Sending love and strength to the women of America right now! Cheering you on from Australia.”

“Here in Scotland we are standing with you.”

“Germany here, wishing all our American friends the best of luck, much strength, patience and resilience for the next little while. Breathe easy. You got this!”

So, as we mark time through this day, remember that we have a world of people behind us; friends, family, an American majority, and while we all understood and completed this assignment, we realize collectively that the course in citizenship, and the responsibilities around it, has just begun. So tomorrow, we will continue to be better Americans, more informed, more vigilant in what we are willing to accept, and determined to continue the journey … together.

I am going to the sea today to thank Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, who were tireless and kind and appropriate and funny every single hour of every single day for the last months when this journey for them began. Not one mistake. You left nothing undone, unspoken, untried as you stepped forward when the void needed to be filled. Forever, we will be grateful. The world is grateful. Joe Biden? You are the unsung hero of it all.