In Palacios, at Palacios Mexican Restaurant, I introduced myself to an elderly African American lady in the corner and after giving me her name, Doris said, “I vote.”
I thought of all the times in her life when, due to discrimination, the right to vote was not something she could take for granted, and I nodded.
Doris cocked her head and looked at me again as if I didn’t understand. “I vote,” she said.
I thought of all the people who vote but only on sunny days when it is convenient and looking into her eyes, I realized that she voted no matter what the weather or what the excuse.
“I admire that,” I said.
Doris looked at her friend sitting next to her and she said, “We vote.”
That’s when I realized that being a voter was as much a part of Doris’ identity as being a Longhorn was to the woman I had just spoken to or being a fisherman was to the man who had just come from Matagorda Bay. All of us have many strands to our identity. I vote, is not one we commonly think about but it conveys so much about Doris. It says that she is proud of her country. It says that she is willing to put aside her personal preferences and suffer inconvenience for others. It says that she cares about our country’s future.
I vote for people like Doris.
Janice Scanlan
January 20th, 2010
You have a thoughtful and beautiful writing style. I'm glad I discovered it. The photo also supports the pride and interest Doris takes in life . . . her to the point dignity is refreshing.
Bill Hardin
January 20th, 2010
It’ amazing isn’t it ………….. the things we take for granted.
Kristan
January 21st, 2010
(((Doris)))
Great post.
Andrea White
January 21st, 2010
thanks, Janice. You’re kind. Have a great day and Happy 2010!!!
Greg P. Audel
January 21st, 2010
I love this and am going to pass it along. Thanks for sharing this, Andrea.