To My Kids

Last night, a racist, sexist, unqualified man was elected as the president of our country. 

I am disappointed beyond belief. 

We have watched this man's campaign trail and trail of horrible misconduct with wide eyes, and here we are. With a disgraceful and embarrassing president.

After this man, who has numerous pending lawsuits, sexual assault allegations, and no political experience, has beat out perhaps the most qualified candidate in history,

 I have a few words. 

Well, more than a few, but I will refrain from an epic rant.

We are all entitled to our anger. It is entirely justified, given the situation. We need to utilize this anger to demand better. Better leaders for our children, better leaders for our country. A change for the better. I hope we all hold onto our feelings and make the anger count for our nation's future. 

This election was unlike any other. It was not about different beliefs and opinions of a country choosing between two parties. 

It was a decision between a highly qualified candidate, who was being investigated for using inappropriate email servers that had terrible consequences, and a candidate who has spewed hate, sexism, racist, and lacks compassion towards anyone. 

This is not what I want for my children, especially my daughter, and my special needs sons.
I voted for their futures. I voted to raise them in a country with tolerance, acceptance, and love. 

To my daughter.....

You are a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman.

I can tell already that you are going to change the world. 

You never need to make yourself into anything other than what you are. 

You owe no apologies for being a woman; you have the right to your own body, you have the right to be strong, vicious, amazing, strong willed, and fierce.

Never let hate or sexism bring you down. Never let society or the ignorant few dictate how you live and what you do. Always rise above and fight for what you believe in. 

Girl power and the beauty of feminism in our country is a force to be reckoned with, I will raise you to know you are a part of this. 

Be proud, my daughter. 

To my sons:

Respect, above all else, will make you into a real man.

Having love, sympathy, kindness, and understanding of all people around you is not an option; it is basic human decency. No matter the race, gender, wealth, or orientation of any individual, every last one of them deserves compassion. 

Never fall into the misogynistic ways of our sad country and show admiration and the utmost respect to every woman you encounter. 

Be teachable, have an open mind, be curious about different opinions. 

Speak for those without voices, stand up for right, always, and never falter in your beliefs.