For the Record

Last night was awful. My blood pressure went through the roof, and a great heat filled my entire body, as I watched the Presidential election. The internet just made it worse, because you can watch three screens at once, and see the numbers constantly changing. I somehow knew from the very beginning, that when something seems too good to be true -- it usually is. I never really thought that the voice of the people would choose Romney . . . I just dared to hope. I am disappointed in the outcome, and can only hope now that in four more years (when I am 37 years old) that the Nation will still be standing in one piece. I will do as the First Presidency said, and pray for the President and the future of our Country. And I will, of course, do my best to be a good citizen. May God bless America.

In our home we gathered in our office. We pulled a couch in so we could all have a seat in front of the computer. (We don't have cable.) We watched as Brian Williams gave the latest updates. The kids were excited at first, as Romney's numbers were above Obama in the beginning. They were really into it, they have been apart of it from the beginning, they even sat through every debate. They were excited, and confident. They could not understand why I was so concerned. But as the votes shifted, I could see the disappointment in their little flushed faces. (My face wasn't flushed, it was pure white!) They kept asking questions, and saying little prayers, and hoping . . . and ultimately, all of our hearts sank together. Defeated. Being defeated hurts.

When Obama was declared the winner, Daniel (my 9 year old), ran upstairs in a rage and said, "My life is over!" We tried to tell him not to over-exaggerate his feelings, we tried to calm him down -- but he was just really upset and frustrated. He went to bed that way.

Charles and I stayed up late and watched both speeches, by Romney and Obama. Romney was great, and I wish his family the very best. Thank you, Mitt, for all that you went through . . . to the bitter end. You are a great man, and you did great things. As I watched Obama speak, I had to keep rubbing my head, in a circular, soothing, motion -- to keep me calm. I do not recall ever feeling as disheartened as I did last night. It was a first. I believe with all my heart that Obama will indeed deliver the "Change" he has promised us. Whether or not we will desire such change is yet to be seen . . .

I was restless all night. This morning I woke-up to find Daniel, still pouting, with a very upset look on his face. (He looked like an angry Anakin Sywalker, becoming Darth Vader.) I told him it was all going to be OK. And that he should be happy. I went into a speech about how lucky we are to have a Prophet to lead and guide us . . . but he was still upset.

He thrashed his way around the house, gathering his belongings for school. After a sluggish morning routine, we all piled in the car and Sammi said, "I know why Daniel is so upset." Daniel was sitting in the way back of the van, arms crossed, sulking. She went on to explain, "Daniel is scared because he thinks Biden is going to force China's one child only rule." And there it was . . . it all made sense. My poor Daniel had heard at school, and on the news, about Biden's view on China's one child policy. And he believed that now, they would enforce it here -- in the United States! Daniel was seriously (and I mean, no kidding, seriously), worried about being taken away from our family! (Which explains why he yelled, "My life is over!")

My poor, poor, Daniel. And all I was doing was telling him to just be happy!

I passionately reassured him that that kind of policy would never be put in place in America . . .

So, before we pulled out of the driveway, and with sleep-crusties still in my eyes -- I gave a speech. It was not a prepared speech, but I had to give it -- no question about it. My distinguished audience consisted of my four precious children. I explained to them that no matter what happens in our country, we would do everything in our power -- to protect our family. If we have to run for the hills, we will. If we have to fight to protect each other, we will. If we have to "cross the plains", we will. I tried to make it very clear that we will do whatever it takes -- to preserve, protect, and defend, our family. I made my crying Daniel unbuckle and come all the way to the front of the van, and give me a big hug. I also reminded him that his mother knows Karate.

As we drove to school, I explained that they will live in a world fraught with challenges and evil -- but they are also prepared for such a task. I told them to remember who they are, and reminded them of their special name meanings:

Samantha: The Listener -- blessed to listen to the Spirit of God
Daniel Evan: Warrior of God -- blessed to fight for what is right
William Turner: Protector of the House -- blessed to protect those in need
Henry Jones: Ruler of the House -- blessed to lead and guide

I dropped them off at school, and I watched as Daniel (my warrior) wiped the last tear from his eye, before jumping unto the playground. As I drove home, my heart hurt for my children. They are such good, sweet, lovely children. So full of life, and hope, and potential.

I hope that the future will be bright for them. But regardless of what comes, may they be equal to the challenges that lie ahead. And may I be able to teach them to know that no matter what happens . . . Heavenly Father is in charge.

We love Him. We serve Him. We follow Him.

And everything else is just details.