Living in a household which is predominately male means I have the unique opportunity to spend my time reading, watching and doing things I might not otherwise. Take for instance the Museum of Flight.....Although, I am not especially interested in aviation, aeronautics or space travel I have a boy whose eyes light up at the sight of a rocket and who has the uncanny ability to suck me into his world. Often I find myself forgetting where I end and he begins. Although we are two very different people with vast interests, we spend the majority of our days as one.

I am eternally grateful for this time in my life where I can learn about things I would normally not stop and take the time to learn about. To learn the difference between front loaders, motor graders, bull dozers and back hoes. To break down gender stereotypes and teach my son to do the laundry, bake cakes, sweep the floors and be as domestic as his little heart desires. In my world it does not matter so much who was elected as president as to what we believe and teach inside our home. In our home males honor and cherish women, in our home men are humble, kind and work for the betterment of others. In our home I am supported and encouraged to follow my dreams, leave my unique imprint on the world and my looks or jean size have no effect on my value or necessity in our family.

I am sad hate, bigotry, sexism and racism still exist in the world. The one thing I can control is that these things do not and will not exist in my home. I think it is safe to say we are all ashamed ugliness still exists, but this election is a good reminder to us all to work on our own prejudices a little harder. I vow to do my part to raise a kind, open minded son who will support, honor and cherish all the women in his life. The type of man who will acknowledge the vital role women have played in his life to one day make him the great man I know he will be. Regardless of who is president, the future isn't white male or female it is all of us trying a little harder to dig deeper and fight against stereotypes and prejudices. There are many sides to all of us and when I am valued, loved and listened to I can be anyone I want to be.

"Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world." -Jack Layton