A Simple Letter

First off, let me preface this by saying I'm by no means a political pundit. I've lived all 37 years of my life in spite of the government, honestly. My father fought in Vietnam, a war in which my mother lost her first husband. I find politics and politicians distasteful for the most part. But this isn't a letter about politics, this a letter about people.

The night of the election, I found myself enthralled by what was happening. Not by the results, but by the emotions of Americans and the world as the results came in. There was joy, there was sadness, there was confusion, and there was fear. Throughout it all I made myself an observer. I'm a white male, and as such, I've not struggled as others have. I haven't been oppressed or ridiculed. I haven't been passed over because of the color of my skin and haven't been demeaned because of my gender. So I'm choosing to observe, to learn and understand how others are treated and to try and walk a mile in their shoes.

I am blessed, BLESSED, to work in a place that values diversity. Diversity of race, religion, gender, and opinion. However, when I walked into work the morning after, it was as though a president had died, not that one was elected. So again, I became an observer. I wanted to listen and understand why people were so emotional. I shared my opinion when asked, never wanting to become the focus of conversation. That's what this election has taught me. That I have the ability to understand, and the potential to help someone heal by simply listening. This isn't me telling you what to do or how to feel, because that would make me no better than the people at the podium, shouting that their way is the best. I'm telling you that I have an open mind and if you have an opinion or feel a certain way, I'm all ears.

When politics and the government fail me, and it often does, I've put my faith in people. And I've yet to be disappointed.

And before I forget...Happy Veteran's Day, dad.