I managed somehow not to connect with my CT counterparts, but met many other neat people.  As I sit now this evening, I can't help but reflect on my day.  The rain and cold left me with the decision not to bring my child around canvassing.  It was a tough decision because it is clearly part of the mission.  I had to put him first in this case.  

Because we didn't canvass, we drove up to NH and stayed overnight on my husband's birthday just to see Barack for 20 minutes. And I LOVED it and wouldn't change a thing. I felt a renewed sense of community and optimism.  I got to see the person who has thus far inspired me and feel that energy in person.  I was able to share my interest and enthusiasm with my family.  All those things combined to make the event special.

I am not, by nature, a political person. I grew up expecting deception and obfuscation from politicians. I have rarely seen them as people "like me."  Our politics, especially at the federal level, has always seemed so far removed from me.  I have certainly never been interested never mind inspired by a politician before. Yet there I was.  

After leaving the rally, we decided to make something of our day in NH and did a little shopping, me in my Obama gear.  In one of the stores, I actually met a couple from my hometown in CT.  Not just from CT, but from where I live in CT. Small world. 

"What brings you up here?," he asked.

"We came to see Barack Obama,"I said.

"Really? He's here, huh?"

"Yes. In Manchester."

We chatted about nothing special and continued shopping. After he checked out, he approached me again. "You know, I am a Democrat and not sure what I am going to do." 

Oh gosh. This is it. Don't screw it up. Sound articulate. Sound knowledgeable.

"Well. I certainly hope you will give him a serious look. I am making plans to do some visibility around Middletown. Hope to see you there."

"I was thinking about Hillary. Seems like she  is doing ok," he says.

"Yes, and they do agree on many issues. However, I have never done this kind of thing before and --"

"Oh," he cut me off, "you and your husband aren't political?"

"No. Not at all. No one has motivated me to care before. And now here I am. Involved in this. I believe he can make a difference. Real change."

"Well good luck to you. And I will take a look. I definitely will."  He left the store.

"How did I do?" I turned to my husband. "Did I do ok?"

"You did fine. Just fine," he said.

There it was. My first encounter with a stranger on behalf of a politician  Or was that what it was? Was it on his behalf or my own or that of my son? Was it because the idea that things could really be other than they are seems actually possible? My own mini-canvass. Or perhaps, mini-witness is more accurate. But it made a difference to me. I had never done anything like that before.