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This week has been hectic and I have been battling a case of poison ivy. My son won’t stay out of the weeds. I bought some highly toxic poison ivy killer at the local mega store and will be out destroying the follage this weekend.

I had a slow pitch game and of course I was not sure if I should take my child with me to the field. I tried to call the coach and my teammate to let them know what was happening. I did not want to have him spreading any rash around. I finally get in touch with my coach and because I did not show up they forfeited the game. I told her what was happening with my son and she said to bring him to the next game. They needed me. My son, in his infinite wisdom said, “Mom, you can’t let the team down!” I agreed with him. We made it to the field and I played my game. I was the only one who called to let them know the situation and see if I should even show up. Turns out I wasn’t the reason for the forfeited game entirely. Turns out there were 3 other team members who either failed to call and show or called at the 11th hour from out of state to say they would not be there.

This brings me to my point. We as a nation are a team aren’t we? If one of us says we aren’t going to vote then we are letting down the team. We don’t have to be on the same team. For instance, at the end of each game we all come together, high five each other and say “good game.” Why is it that we can’t realize that as a voter we have the same opportunity to be on a team? The responsibility to show up and play the game through even if we don’t like the score. The ability to be a good winner and an even better loser.

We did not win that game Thursday night. But that was okay. We have a great time. We laughed and encouraged each other. We joke with the other team and have a good laugh with them. Aren’t there many parallels in a team sport and being an American citizen? We are the team that makes up this country. It takes more than one team to play a game doesn’t it? This is not solitaire. We have to work together and at times be adversaries in the political arena.

How many have died for this right that some take so lightly? How many have died trying to bring these very same rights that we sometimes take for granted to their own countries? Why do so many take our right to vote for granted? Have we become that jaded and cynical? We all have to participate. We all must vote and have our voices heard. I don’t care what party you belong to. Vote! We have to individually be a part the process. If I don’t vote because I am going to rely on the next guy to show up, then I am failing myself, my children and my country.

We set the bar for those who come after us. I take my children with me when I vote and they push the very last button for me. This year my youngest will go with me. He is a team player. He already understands the concept at his young age. I don’t want him to forget this and will take him every time I vote no matter what the election is for. His future depends on me. Our future depends on Us. All of us.

So the next time you complain about the canidates and our lack of good choices just remember that at least we have a choice. Keep in mind your children and grandchildren learn from what they see, hear and experience. Teach them well.

We are all in the end on the same team…just with different opinions.

Don’t let your team down!

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