To my sons after a twisted election.

My Dearest Sons,
Last night, the presidential election took a horrific twist, and instead of electing the first female president, the country elected a reality game-show hosting, beauty pageant sponsoring, fear-mongering, racially divisive, anti-intellectual, misogynist.

I cried because of the hateful tone that won out this election. I cried for the giant back-step our country took. I cried because as a woman, I've been groped on subway trains, walked into football games as drunk frat boys raised numbered signs rating me on my appearance, and now, a man who is on tape bragging about such behavior toward women is to be the face of our nation.  I cried because you're four-years-old my sons, and his name will the first president in your memory...

After the realization set in, I went into your bedroom. As always I re-tucked your blankets, kissed your foreheads, and whispered "I love  you," but I lingered longer, trying to find some hope in this bleak period. And I realized you will help me smile again, and soon--your laughter and imagination will save me from dwelling.  In the coming afternoon we'll play "pirates" and "wizards," meander our cul-de-sac for sticks we'll deem magic wands and yell "Abra-cadabra-cadoodle" on the wind as you tell me what spells you're casting.  You'll keep asking me how to spell words that capture your interest and laugh hysterically as Jack weaves the words "poop," "poopy," and "booty" into any sentence.  Alex, you'll hug me close as you protest my leaving for work, and coo"Awww, thanks mama" when I remind you how much I love you just the way you are.

You're also the hope at the end of this dark tunnel stretching out across the next four years.  You're inclusive, loving, affectionate, compassionate, intellectually curious little boys. And we will ensure you grow into the same kind of men, men who not only embody these traits, but inspire them in those around you.  In this way, I know, through you, I'm helping to make the world better than it is in this dark hour.  I'm forever grateful to you both for the wonderful human beings you're turning out to be.

Love,
Mom