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For the last few years, his school has been hosting student government elections on election day. The activity is optional and provides a great learning opportunity about the election process for students as young as 7 years old.  After last year’s election, I appreciate getting an email from the school alerting me that Gael did not win. This communication went to all the parents of those students who did not win the night before results would be announced at school the next day. 

I cannot remember if I talked to Gael before or after, but this allowed me to think about the conversation ahead of time. 

When we talked, he said he was disappointed he didn’t win but that he will try again next year.  This made me smile because this response was all his and it was one of those moments I tend to have as a mom that reminds me, “I’m not doing such a bad job!”

Fast forward to this year, a few days before the election he asked me to sign the student government paperwork. Unlike last year, this time it was the last minute. A few weeks prior, he had shared that he wasn’t going to run because all his classmates said they were voting for his friend. He said, “they are voting for him because he is popular!” 

Then he changed his mind because his teacher offered extra credit for those who ran. He said, “I’m going to do it even though I know I’m not going to win!” 

And he did. This time he didn’t work on his poster at home like last year, but said he did one at school. His teacher shared he did great on his speech- he wasn’t as nervous as last year. 

On election day, I decided to volunteer at his school’s student gov. Elections, and it turned out to be the best distraction for the day. For a while now, I’ve been feeling guilty for not making time to volunteer at his school like I used to. The excuse- too busy with work. 

I have decided to change that and actively make more time to do more of what really matters and show up for him in more ways.

I was deeply impressed with the thoughtful effort and attention given to the student government elections. The teacher leading the activity went above and beyond to create an environment that resembled reality. The library was transformed into a polling location with voting booths made with display boards and manila folders, paper ballots with candidates’ names and “I Voted” stickers for those who wanted one as they walked out. The students were also welcomed with a short civics chat from one of the volunteer parents- they received instructions about what they were about to do, learned about the privacy of their vote and were asked to remain quiet once inside the polling station. 

It was beautiful to see how most of the students took the entire activity extremely seriously. Some couldn’t wait to vote. 

He didn’t. The day after the election I got THE email, and I shared the news with him when I picked him up from school. The official results were announced the next day. 

I asked him how he felt, and he said that he was okay. Said, “I mean I knew I wasn’t going to win but I still plan to run next year again!” 

I smiled. 

The big election results made the conversation with him easier. He understood exactly what I was trying to explain, and I didn’t have to try too hard to make it make sense. He got it.

The morning after he found the index card he used for his speech. He shared it and let me read it. I smiled again.

And at that moment there was a burst of energy and positivity that took over my spirit. It was exactly what I needed after 48 hours of feelings of deep sadness and gloom.

I was reminded of the importance of focusing on what I can control and letting go of everything else beyond that. 

I was reminded to focus on continuing to work hard to raise a decent human being with a kind heart that hopefully one day will impact positive change.

I was reminded of the power we all must take actions, even if they are small to the world, to protect our future.

I was reminded that the future means different things for everyone and that’s okay. My immediate future is Gael and those closest to me.  Those who see me as I am.

I’m working to focus on that and everything else beyond that does not deserve my energy.

I’m hopeful you find your focus- find what brings you joy– HOPE! When you do, hold it tight. Try not to let go but if you do, give yourself grace and recognize that what ignites it may not always look or feel the same and that’s okay.  This doesn’t mean it’s gone; just means you must work on re-defining it- recognize it- embracing it and hold on to it for as long as you can.