Thurs, 1:30 am

Finally headed to bed. I should be exhausted but I’m too excited (or is it anxious?) to sleep. Never—in a million years—did I expect to be elected to public office. As a write in candidate, no less! I googled it and other mayors have been elected as write ins.

My gut reaction is to be happy about it—confident that I can do this job that these wonderful people have entrusted to me. Throughout the day, however, my faith in myself waivered. By noon, I was ready to notify the Commissioner of Elections that I wouldn’t accept. But then Tonya Holmes insisted we walk over to Pete’s for lunch. He’d set up a buffet in the private room upstairs to celebrate. Everyone on the committee (except Alex, of course) was there. I couldn’t believe Sam got away from the school and even John Allen took time from his veterinary practice to be there. These people believe I can do it and with their help, I know I can.

Russ Isaac didn’t show his face at Town Hall—just issued a concession statement. I ran into FH by the elevator after lunch. He congratulated me through clenched teeth. I wanted to gloat about beating them, but bit my tongue. They’re still on the town council. I’ll need to work with them as mayor. If I’m going to be effective, I can’t cross swords with them at every turn.

I’m scheduled to make an acceptance speech on the steps of Town Hall at 3 this afternoon. I haven’t written a word of it yet. I spent most of yesterday in shock. My heart is full of emotion and my mind is racing with a thousand things I’d like to say. I’ll sleep on it tonight. Eve will get me up well before dawn. I’ll take my coffee into the library and write my speech before the day starts.

I’ve been feeling my mother’s presence so strongly. A day never goes by without my thinking of her, but it felt like she was right by my side all day. I know she’d be proud of me. She may not be with me on this side of the veil, but her wisdom transcends and I know what she would say to me: “Don’t ever sell yourself short. God has graced you with many talents. If He sees fit to give you the opportunity to use them, look to Him for guidance and move your feet confidently on the path He has set before you.”

And so I shall.