Life is Too Short

Family, friends, colleagues, it is only a matter of hours. Our transformation is near completion. If you already early voted, thank you. If you are still undecided, time to put your game face on. If you voted the other guy, thank you for exercising your franchise and I wish you God's blessings. No more debates. No fundraising receptions. No more patio discussion fights. No more TV ads. It's showtime!

For many of you, I am sure this is an anxious moment. Your stomach is unsettled. You cannot focus on the task at hand. You are scratching your head nervously. You are praying for the best. All of these emotions are natural. But, here is the comfort: Senator Obama has run a noble campaign. He has steadfastly communicated his vision for our country (and the world). He has shared his core values for the tone of this campaign and for the politics of CHANGE. He has remained dignified in addressing bumps in the road of the campaign. He shown all other candidates in the primary and general election all the respect warranted of your rivals. He has brought us all into this election from the ground up - veteran voices, new voices, re-engaged voices. He has simply run a stellar campaign. No matter what, we can all be proud of being able to live through this moment.

So, my friends, this is not a time for stress or anxiety. I know you are probably on pins and needles. In the middle of any storm or hurricane or pending instability (including economic hardship), it is important to remain calm and focused. There is much to be done --- to keep you busy away from the television, radio and internet. We have to close this deal and it will be critical for you to assess what else you could do over the next hours:

Take the day off with family to vote and volunteer to help others;
Adopt a precinct to volunteer after voting (other voters will need moral support);
Call all family members and friends who are registered to ensure that they have a picture ID and that they have completed their sample ballot;
Volunteer to help transport others to the polls;
Call 1-877-2-FL-OBAM - for any trouble shooting questions at the polls
Be sure to have a healthy breakfast and to hydrate and snack healthily throughout the day;
and finally, offer a prayer in memory of all those persons who are not with us on this day to witness and share in this moment.

Promise me that you will conduct your daily movements tomorrow with the same dignity that Sen. Obama has conducted this campaign. Please be polite to the poll workers. Please and thank you are still part of the language of common courtesy. In addition, please be helpful to other voters and be on the look out for any poll workers and civil rights attorneys who are present to ensure that every person has the right to vote.

Life is too short. We have to live every moment to the fullest. I am heartbroken Grandma Dunham did not have the opportunity to live through tomorrow. Let's live it for her.

My final Blog of the journey will be No. 50 - after tomorrow night.