Being the kid of a political junkie, Justin hasn’t experienced much political apathy.

In the 21 months since he asked me the question,“Dad, Who will you vote for?” he’s been involved in the political season that culminated last night with Barack Obama’s inspirational win.

Justin accompanied me to our local polling location, waited in line with me for about 30 minutes in the early morning chill, and held my sample ballot while he watched me participate in democracy.

While waiting in line, and in typical 12 year-old fashion, he asked, “How many McCain supporters do you think are here?”

I said there was no way to tell; that people don’t look Republican or Democratic.  They’re all citizens interested in casting their vote for the candidate they hope would bring change to America.

Later in the evening he sat beside me watching election returns.  He also sang a short song he’d composed about Barack Obama winning the election.  That told me that 1) he’s been listening to the political conversation and 2) he’s more likely to be politically engaged in the ensuing years.

That makes me happy.

We sat and listened to both John McCain’s concession speech and President-elect Obama’s acceptance.  I continually wiped tears from my cheeks, moved by the tremendous step forward this country had the courage to take yesterday.

He looked at me and said, “I really am witnessing history, aren’t I Dad?”

I hugged him and softly whispered, “Yes, son. You are.”

As I sat in the dental hygienist’s chair and tried to answer questions with my entire mouth anesthetized (offered verbal gibberish in staccato fashion), I was moved to near tears when she said:

“As a single parent, you’re really ‘on-24-7,’ aren’t you?  It must take its toll on you.”

The tears that blurred my vision were immediate. She may have thought they were due to the sharp, pointy scalars she was employing to remove some subgingival calculi, but I knew where they originated. They came from the deepest center of my being - the one that’s securely guarded by layers of emotional Kevlar.

In the five years since I became a single-parent with full custody of my now 12-year old son, the number of people who really get what it means to be in this position have been few. I think it was the sudden recognition of this spot-on understanding that allowed me to let down my guard and simply feel that it’s OK to acknowledge that it’s a tough journey.

Part of this journey is balancing the demands of my job with the responsibilities at home. It’s a common issue faced by all single parents who must work to support their children and still be an effective parent.

In my job, I travel about two to three times per month for a couple of days at a time. Limited travel can work in my situation, but anything more that a three times a month is a hardship for both me and him.

I have minimal local support.  I’m a good 40 miles from my nearest adult child and all three of them are busy leading their own lives. I’ve made few friends in the past five years, most of which is a function of my self-preservation modus operandi I fall into.

I’ve been burned too many times in relationships and, as a result, allow only a few into the inner sanctum of my life.  Protecting my son is paramount; and it often regulates my own social interactions. Add to that my introverted nature and I can very easily become insulated and hermit-like.

But a hermit, I don’t want to be.  It’s not healthy for me or for him. And so I’m getting comfortable with the idea of venturing out of my comfort-zone and into the unknown.

Anyone have a map?