A week unlike any other, in a year unlike any other

Those who know me know that I don’t make many personal posts on social media. This is not a post about gloating over who won or demeaning who lost. We all know we have a long way to go as a nation. I do have a story that I am sure many parents across the nation can echo on this Monday morning. We all were captivated by the election last week. Tuesday went by, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and until the election was called on Saturday morning, most of us were experiencing uncharted territory. 2020 has been filled with uncharted territory unlike anything else in our history. 

As I watched the election unfold with my 4-year-old daughter, I started to realize that there were numerous teaching opportunities that could come from the result.

We all had our rooting interests, but that isn’t the point of this post. I was able to teach my 4-year-old about what is means to vote, and how great it was to see so many Americans vote…many for the first time. 

Being able to show her that a woman (like her) will fill the 2nd highest role in our government was awesome. Being able to show her a bi-racial woman (like her) will fill that seat. Being able to explain that a Jewish man (like me) will live at the Naval Observatory. Being able to explain that none of these have EVER happened, but she gets to see this so early in her life is a memory that I will “never forget.”

Above all, the fact that empathy was a hallmark of the person Americans’ elected to be their leader. It reinforced that this is the most vital trait for any leader. While the divide in our nation is stark, it takes open ears, an open mind, and most importantly, an open heart to lead this nation. We have endured a lot this year. A lot! But they always say that rays of sunshine appear when the storm is ending. My family and I saw the rays start to peak though and hopefully brighter days await all of us as 2021 nears!