Inspiration comes in many forms. Beaches, music, books, movies, art, and injustice inspire me. However, one inspiration in my life challenges me to think and possibly reconsider my conclusions. That inspiration is my 16-year-old grandson, Bo.
I think grandchildren inspire their grandparents in lots of different ways. I have 10+ grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As their gifts for inspiration become apparent, they continue to enrich my life in remarkable ways. Even as infants, babies, and toddlers, they are inspirational just by being. And, always, their unconditional love inspires and transforms.
I am highlighting Bo in this piece because his unique brand of inspiration surfaced in a surprising way – he asked questions.
At about age five or six, Bo began watching the political news with me. He would sit on the arm of my recliner, lean back with his cheek close to mine, holding his ever-present blanket. At first, I thought he just wanted to be wherever I was. Then he surprised me by asking, "Why do you like the president so much?" Of course, he was talking about Barack Obama.
I thought for a minute and answered with what I thought was the most straightforward response, "Because I think he's doing a good job, and I believe he's a good man." "How do you know he's a good man, Gram?"
The conversation continued, "He seems to want to do the right thing for the country." Bo: "Who decides what's right for the country?" (I may be paraphrasing here. My 75-year-old memory can be selective.)
Me: "Well, I would say the voters decide." Immediately, Bo was hooked and began asking questions about who could vote, etc. At first, I selfishly thought I had gained a political ally to reinforce my liberal opinions and choices. I couldn't have been more wrong. By the time he was ten, we were having a very different conversation.
Over the next couple of years, he started finding his own information, asking general questions based on what he was learning in school and hearing on the news. Eventually, he told us he'd decided he wanted to be president someday. Little did we realize how serious he was.
Later, my son relentlessly prodded Bo about what perks were available to the First Dad. Could he get rides on Airforce One? Would he get free Super Bowl tickets? Could he hold press Conferences? Chris's humor attempts were met with rolling eyes and deep sighs followed by a chorus of emphatic "No's."
Bo was quick to research specific topics online and expanded his interest in the Constitution and American history. Then came "Hamilton," the musical. He was obsessed with the music and characters. He began reading more about Hamilton and Jefferson, the Constitution, and congress.
It was clear his opinions were pointing him toward the Democratic party; however, the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election fueled his more progressive tendencies.
In 2015, my son accepted a job offer in Florida. It wasn't long before Bo and his family moved from Pennsylvania to their new home in Clermont, Florida. He was ten years old in the fourth grade. I didn't see them often after their move, but phone calls, occasional visits, and social media kept us close. When I retired to Florida in February 2019, Bo flew to Pennsylvania to keep me company driving to Florida.
Politics filled the 1,000+ mile drive, especially the 2020 election and presidential primaries.
Once I settled in my new home, we found information about the South Lake Democratic Club in Lake County. We began attending the monthly club meetings and attended training geared to registering voters. Bo and I volunteered for voter registration and get-out-the-vote events and joined other Democrats in get-togethers designed to introduce local candidates. Bo was a star! He did not hesitate to engage people, get them registered, and ask for petition signatures for local and state ballot initiatives such as raising the minimum wage. The other club members joked with me, saying that I was becoming known as "Bo's chauffeur." Basically, they were suggesting that he was becoming the more visible participant. That was fine with me. In fact, I was proud of him and happy to be in his orbit – even as an on-looker.
He was also the impetus for the Club's increased focus on teen members. They renewed their efforts to register high school seniors to vote and invited the potential new voters to attend Club events. When several teens showed up at an event, they were immediately introduced to Bo.
Bo didn't shy away from conversations about specific candidates. Ultimately, he was asked by a candidate running for the state legislature to help with her campaign's social media efforts. His primary responsibility was to “follow” her opponent on social media and summarize information he thought might be valuable. He tracked the opponent’s legislation and quickly learned the legislative process. He was able to report legislation roadblocks and successes in real-time. He was 14 years old.
Bo made no secret that he was all-in for Bernie! He has the certainty and idealism of the young. It's at the same time maddening, encouraging, and joyful. His approach to moderate or conservative Democrats is evangelical, trying to get them to see the "progressive light." He always had detailed information to make his argument, including data to support Bernie's Democratic Socialism agenda.
As you can see, Bo isn't shy about expressing his views, nor does he hesitate to call me out when he thinks I'm wrong or if he holds an opposing view. This often makes for lively dinner conversation. 😊
My son Chris and I find ourselves going to Bo for answers to questions on the political process, the constitution, and candidates' positions on important issues. Bo's mom, while not especially interested in politics, is passionate about many issues. She now finds herself in the unique position of being drawn into Bo’s contagious activism. At a Gay Pride parade, Amy wore a t-shirt advertising “mom hugs.” It’s awesome to witness our family standing up for their beliefs and looking to Bo as our example.
Bo has always gone with his parents to vote. 2020 was no exception when he wore his “Save Roe vs. Wade” t-shirt. Our polling place has a history of right-wing presence. I was more than a little worried about our family’s prominent support of progressive issues: Choice, LGBTQx rights, civil rights, etc. I needn’t have worried.
There was only one person who expressed an interest in Bo’s shirt. A gray-haired woman volunteer leaned in to talk to Bo as she guided us toward the voting booths. “You’re very brave to wear that shirt in here,” she said with a chuckle. She continued in a whisper, “I agree with you!” As usual, the rest of us became no more than Bo’s groupies following silently behind him, going along for the ride.
I hope I’ve helped you see how Bo is, not only an inspiring but a model for active citizenship. It’s not just his strong beliefs or willingness to work for them. I see his genuine passion for our country's democracy and the rights our Constitution guarantees. He believes in citizenship that values service via our political process and activism borne of citizens marching to raise their voices in peaceful protest. He understands the power of the ballot box and believes that the defense of equal access to voting is the foundation of our republic.
I'm excited to see Bo continue to grow and find his path to service, whether it's the White House or city council, the law or the classroom, a large corporation, or a small advocacy office. Whatever he chooses, I know his love for our country will shine through.
I wonder how many others he has the power to inspire, in large and small ways. I'm getting popcorn.