2016 US Election Day

How I’m getting through this Election Day…

US Election Day is significant for Canadians. America is the only country we border. And even though Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world, we only have a tenth of the population of our neighbours to the south.

Even the confederation of Canada was born out of a desire for the provinces to stick together and not let American influences creep north of the border.

When the relationship goes well you get Trudeau & Obama hugs. When the relationship goes badly… well, we did burn down the White House in 1812.

This election, however, had Canadians on edge. Our national news is covering it. Casual conversations for the last six months have been about it. And the very real fear of a Trump presidency is palpable.

So today we watch & wait. Like seeing a moving truck arrive next door. We loved the old neighbours, always playing basketball in the driveway, the wife and her beautiful garden, the two daughters growing up before our eyes and those well behaved dogs. We really wish they didn’t have to move. But we’re also really nervous about who is moving in. Fingers crossed it’s a nice grandmother with a passion for social justice and not some tacky loudmouth who is going to paint it some gaudy colour.

We still have twelve hours to go and I refuse to spend them attached to my devices or CNN. I’m going to take my camera out and go for a walk. I’m going to hit the gym. I might write a little. I’m going to read about the people who make up Canada and be happy to live here. And if all else fails there’s always Ina. Did you know she was a nuclear scientist?

Good luck, America. May the odds be ever in your favour.