email to my folks

Mom & Dad,
Today had been pretty amazing for me.
My first real political “win.” (sure, I attended a rally for Dukakis. And I voted for Clinton…but I gave some real $ to Obama)
Your influence steered me towards being a Democrat, but this time around I truly embraced a candidate on my own.
I participated in a parade. (And explained to a reporter that I was NOT marching for Obama…I was marching for the USA.)
I was on the homepage of nbc.com right below the new president.
I talked to Mom live on the air during HugNation.
I spoke to Dad on the phone tonight.
Grandpa has been on my mind all day – as I mentioned to mom, the timing of the homepage placement was like the universe telling me, “Yes, Grandpa’s influence is still important… but YOU are the soldier now.”
I am not so naive to think that a presidential change is more than symbolic…
But the symbolism is significant.
I thought I would always be a part of the “protected fringe.”
But today my candidate was sworn in.
And today I was on the homepage of a major media outlet.
Politics is politics… it’s the social flow beneath it that gets me excited.
And yes, I am excited.
Thank you.
Thank you for the guidance. Thank you for the trust. Thank you for accepting me when my choices were counter to the status quo.
I feel so blessed. SO BLESSED to have had the upbringing I did.
I am so proud to be your son.
I hope I can continue to make you proud.
with boundless love,
-johnny