And I'm proud to be an American . . .

Today is Michigan's presidential primary election day, or something like that. I'm not sure of all the official-sounding terms. Some people are saying Michigan's primary election is illegal, and some candidates have refused to put their names on the ballot. Despite all the hoopla, Hayden, Kara, and I went to cast our vote. Hayden kept trying to sway my vote, but I stood firm. I filled in my oval and accepted my sticker with pride. Here's a hint on who I voted for, in case you're wondering. I voted for the only candidate I have ever seen in person.

As I was leaving the Official Polling Place, I was thinking about how easy it is to vote in America. No one stands outside harassing you. We don't worry about bombs near polling places or backlash for casting an unpopular vote. Then I was thinking about people in other countries who have risked, and lost, their lives casting their votes and trying to uphold democracy. It made me a little teary-eyed. Then I ran into my friend Jan, who asked with concern, "Is everything okay? Why are you crying?" Why? Because I'm a big sap. Because I have pride in my country. Because I exercised my right to vote and felt immense gratitude at the ability to do so.

Enjoy my self-taken photo of my voting sticker. Hayden's wearing his too.

Amy