I awoke at four o’clock this morning with a feeling of both dread and anticipation. I got my cup of coffee and sat down in front of the television almost nervous to turn it on to see what had transpired as I slept. I must admit, I was shocked at the level of calm portrayed by the local news. With all the hubbub and hullabaloo over the election, I thoroughly anticipated utter chaos to have arisen overnight, the media to be well on its way to inciting mass hysteria, and campaign drama for both candidates.
I was pleasantly disappointed. There were running tickers along the bottom of the screen displaying the current status but very little was being said. There was almost no drama with the focus on emphasizing patience and calm. I must admit, I was relieved. Really, my sense of relief began yesterday morning after I had gone to vote. Although there was a steady stream of citizens doing their civic duty, it was not the chaos I anticipated. At one point earlier in the morning there was a line of twenty cars or so with voters waiting their turn, but when I went at eight o’clock, things were relatively quiet.
I felt a sense of relief in having made my voice heard, seeing the calm of the process, and knowing that within a foreseeable time, this would all be over. I no longer feel the unidentifiable stress that I have been feeling for weeks. An invisible burden has lifted for me and it is indeed a relief. I am hoping things continue along this path. My hope is that all parties and individuals remain calm, level headed, and diplomatic. I also hope that the level of respect can be maintained. I have a sneaking suspicion this may be the calm before the storm but I am trying to remain positive and hopeful.
Perhaps it was my approach to the day that lends itself to the sense of relief I feel. Rather than sit in front of the television watching the news and listening to the commentary, we worked in the studio and then came down to the house and watched The Munster’s. This has become our nightly ritual. I thoroughly enjoy the simplicity and humor of this classic black and white show. I also enjoy the antics of Herman. Introducing my bean to a simpler time is also part of my enjoyment. It is so different from the Youtube videos, television shows, and movies she watches on a regular basis. I sit and laugh out loud at the campy jokes and corny special effects. It is an hour of simple delight and laughter where we escape the nonsense of the day. We then went to bed at 8:30 and didn’t give the election a second thought.
I feel I have done my part; I voted. There is no more I can do. We must now allow the numbers to speak for themselves and respect what the majority of the population has decided. No amount of protesting, bellyaching, or soapbox standing will change the numbers. This is the one time I see and appreciate the solidity of numbers. Now, we wait. Hopefully, we can exercise patience, decorum, and respect while we do so.
As always dear reader, stay safe, stay smart, be respectful, and patient no matter the outcome, and wash your hands. Handwashing is one of the things you can control.