This karate mom had the privilege of being on the third floor of the Republican Convention Center Wednesday night. I was trying to contain my excitement and anticipation for the Palin speech to come. I felt much like the red, white, and blue balloons that were being contained by nets at the top of the arena readying to burst forth in celebration.
We were so grateful for our seats that it didn't matter that Mrs. Palin was the size of a grain of rice from our view. Her words and persona filled the arena and were larger than life. Yes, her speech was as electric in person as it was conveyed over the airwaves. However, the real emotional moment for me was after the speech and backstage. A moment that came as the Secret Service was escorting her out of the arena.
We fully expected to see her hastily whisked away and were just hoping for one last glimpse and maybe a blurred photo of her leaving the hall. Instead we waited, and waited, and waitedWe finally heard a member of her "detail" say to us, "please don't keep her long because she has been up since 4:00 AM and we want to get them to bed". A heart-felt revealing comment that reflected the Palin fever that had swept over us all including those that had been tasked with her security.
Then we witnessed the reason for the long wait. We saw her slowly coming down the corridor with her family patiently in tow. She and her husband shaking each and every hand. They graciously and warmly met all those who waited.
Mrs. Palin looked me in the eye and shook my hand. Her 44 year-old maternal hand with my 41 one year old sister mom hand. Hands that I'm sure have mutually changed diapers, sponged off sticky counter-tops, and have even been licked to press down a child's unruly hair. In that moment, I knew that very same "club mom" connection would be felt around the world in the next months.
That sentiment was immediately confirmed by the woman behind me . She was the mother of one of the foreign language translators and she shared "I never vote, but this time I am!" Another mom-convert! The Palin fever was more contagious than the stomach virus in a kinder-garden class.
In reflecting on this convention week and on my "hand shake" experience I have to ask : Why are we surprised at this pick by Senator McCain? He obviously has a deep respect and understanding of the power of motherhood. Just look at his mom AND his wife!! I wish every mom could have the opportunity to meet this remarkable woman in person and maybe you will.
In the mean time, proudly re-apply your lipstick on the way to your child's team sport, and fill out an application for your PTA while you are waiting in the car-pool line.
I don't mean to burst your bubble, but this is the woman who has single-handedly fed into the worst instincts of the American people by fueling divisive, hatemongering and racist rhetoric. We have crowds chanting, "Barack Hussein Obama, he's a terrorist, kill him!" Please! She is a disgrace to McCain's race and politics and will go back to Alaska in disgrace.
Kathy, a terrific article about an outstanding person that has burst upon the scene. Her real-ness and her principles are upsetting many people, yet there are millions and millions who feel as you do! Enjoyed your article!
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