Why I Still Say It’s All Going to Be OK

I rolled over in bed at 6 am this morning and remembered how heavy my eyes felt the night before. I flipped on my TV and saw that Donald Trump had won. Like much of the nation, I groaned inside, and shock and dismay took over.

My kids started to trickle into my room one by one anxious to hear the news. I wanted so bad to tell them the first woman had been elected President. But, instead, I told them that Trump had won, and saw the disappointment in their faces.

I said to my seven year old, that wears his heart on his sleeve, “It’s OK though. In a few short years, you’ll be able to vote. It’s all going to be OK.” and I felt peace overwhelm me as I looked at my future in his face.

The truth is, I understand the anger that many of my friends are feeling. We don’t want someone like him representing us. It’s plain and simple. He has shown misogyny, bigotry, hatred, and racism throughout his campaign. It’s been, at times, terrifying, and disappointing to say the least. This decision by our country is not an easy one to swallow.

But, as my kids were getting ready for school my seven year old yelled from the other room, “How old do you have to be to run for President?” and my 10 year old girl responded before I could, “35!!” I smiled as I brushed her hair. Maybe he’ll decide to run someday, or maybe, just maybe, my girl will know it’s still possible to have a woman in the White House.

I do believe it’s still possible, because I have hope that our world is constantly changing. I have hope that those of us that are so disappointed are raising kids to know better, be better, and DO better.

Susan B. Anthony never got to see the constitution changed in her own lifetime to allow women the right to vote. Does that mean that her life’s work didn’t matter? Of course it doesn’t. What we’re doing matters.

Let’s not forget, America, that it hasn’t even been 100 years yet since women did get that right to vote. In the big scheme of things, we are still doing better. We are still moving forward. This is why I say it will all be OK.

I am a privileged, white, american middle class Mormon woman, what do I know, right? Go ahead and roll your eyes and call me naive. But, I know that what we do and say in our own homes and at the polls still matters whether or not Trump is the President.

Yes, it feels like a step backward. It feels frustrating, but the work we do to raise a different generation still matters.  Overall, I have hope and faith that we’re still moving forward. Racism still exists, but it’s only been 52 years since segregation was abolished.

We want it right now, I get that. We want love, and peace, and equality all at once, but some of the greatest people that have fought for the greatest causes didn’t make it all happen over night. We’re still making a difference every single day. Let’s not forget that, America.

Look into your kids’ faces. See the disappointment, but also see the future. I promise. It’s there.

I want my kids to live in a world where black lives matter, and women have equal rights, and discrimination doesn’t exist. I want that just as much as the next person. In fact, I want it to happen right now. I want to say to them, “SEE!! A woman can be President!” while I’m still alive. I still have hope that will happen, but it may not happen when I want it to. But, as long as we keep fighting, I can find peace.

We’re still changing the world.

I have hope it will still come. Because we are still getting better, even when it feels like we took a step backwards. My kids are being raised to love and not hate, and I have a feeling that yours are too.

Your daughter that dressed in a pantsuit on election day is disappointed today, just like you are. But, she’ll remember. My kids will remember.

The next generation is coming, and that’s why I say it’s all going to be OK.