a SAHM's hunt...

SAHM = Stay at Home Mom

What I love about being a SAHM is that when my children need something I can totally be there for them.  Whether it's to bring them a book, pick them up for an appointment or go on a hunt; I can be available without worry.   

Last week, on Friday, there was a rumor that Barack Obama would be stopping in town.  It was to be a "surprise visit".  My children are not voting age, but they talk of politics in their Social Studies classes.  How exciting to have an opportunity to see a presidential candidate up close.  

The following is something I posted on my husband's family blog:  

***the above photo was taken by my friend's husband***

On Friday, Senator Obama spoke to crowds in Columbus and Terre Haute, IN.  In between his talks he stopped by Bloomington.  What a day it was!  There was an air of anticipation around town.  Besides the fact that it was Little 500 weekend, to have a presidential candidate possibly come through town make Bloomington buzz!  

Bloomingtonians played "Where's Obama?" using the local newspaper blog entries as clues.  I swear I clicked my "refresh" button at least 300 times Friday afternoon on the HT's site.  Very little else got done at home!  

Stephen had said he'd like to go see the Senator if given the chance.  As he left for school Friday morning I told him, to keep his cell phone on vibrate - I'd text him if I knew anything.  Stephen had a field trip that day so I was able to call him without getting him into trouble.  When I finally got word that Obama was really going to stop in town, I called Stephen to let him know what was up.  Unfortunately for us, Michelle had to be at ballet rehearsal when Obama was suppose to be at the Little 500 track.  I told Stephen that after we'd drop Michelle off, I'd go on an Obama hunt with him and we'd see if we could find the Senator.  

After Senator Obama went to the Little 500 track, my sources said he was going to be at the Sample Gates (famous spot on campus) and walking down Kirkwood (a main street in town).  Those two spots do intersect.  So, Stephen and I went to hangout downtown.  A friend of mine kept me posted on our other friend's, Kim...whose husband is responsible for the great photo above, whereabouts.  I knew when Obama had left the track.  About five minutes later I heard the sirens from his police escort.  I called Chris, who was still at work to tell him the latest.  He said he was walking towards me but that he thought Stephen and I needed to get to Nick's...just a block away from where we were.  Chris said the police had the place blocked off and weren't allowing anyone to enter there.  

Stephen, his friend Harry and I went towards Nick's.  It was probably only three or four minutes before we saw a small crowd of people walking around the corner.  Senator Obama was smiling and shaking hands as he made his way towards us...yes, we all know he was really going to Nick's!  Stephen, Harry and I started to cross the street and were stopped by Chris who said the Secret Service (SS) men wouldn't let us do that.  I said I didn't care and we went anyway.  There was no crowd where we went.  The SS did tell us we needed to back up but I protested and said we just wanted to shake Senator Obama's hand.  WE SHOOK HIS HAND!!!!!!!!!!

As he approached I found myself speechless.  It's true I am a registered Republican.  I was totally crossing drawn lines.  But, this is a very charismatic, change-blazing, youthful, connecting-to-me-more-than-my-slated-GOP-candidate, individual who was walking right my way.  I was in the presence of a history maker.  I graciously put forth my hand and said, "Senator Obama, It's a pleasure."  He's so tall!  What a nice handshake too.  The moment I shook his hand seemed so larger than life.

I am glad for my children that even though I am registered voter of one party, I am not so narrow minded to keep them from being involved in history.  I do feel that no matter what happens in November, my son is on the shirttails of being a part of big changes coming our way as a nation.  It is his future, and my daughter's, I need to make a difference in.  I am raising my children to become their own individuals: free in thoughts, actions and dreams.  

Maybe someday I can put on my resume, raised a US Senator, Congressperson or President.  Regardless of those titles, I aim to raise a couple of wonderful human beings.  

For the best pictures of Senator Obama's quick visit to Bloomington check out my friend's blog:  www.twoboysandabeagle.blogspot.com