I went to visit my Grandma in West Virginia after a long interruption to protect her from possible exposure to Covid-19. We spoke on the phone and she genuinely wanted to see me. My Uncle Rodney, who is her primary caregiver, was agreeable with me visiting. He told me no hugs or kisses, and to wear a mask. That was fine with me.
I did my own contact tracing in terms of asking, “Who all has been over there?” It was touching to hear my Grandmother say, “We don’t know what a visitor is anymore.” What would have been the 91st Smoot Family Reunion during the second weekend in August left a void of visitors in the Smoot Avenue hollow.
My Uncle and I were discussing the 2020 election. To make a long story short, it turned out they voted early for the primary, but not the general election. I went online to show him how my mail in ballot was received in Kentucky. No updates were found for him or my Grandma. The Boone County Courthouse was open for early voting. My 96-year-old Grandma was eager to cast her vote.
Being the photo person that I am, I had to capture this precious moment. A gentleman saw me taking selfies and what not. He asked if I wanted a photo together. Next, I asked one of the poll workers if I could take a photo of my Grandma being assisted by my Uncle.
Before we got home, I composed an email to the writer of the Coal Valley News, Phil Perry. The news spread like wildfire. Phil made a Facebook post that was shared on the Smoot Family Reunion page. A few days later, this is what my Grandma woke up to:
This absolutely made her day. Knowing that she exercised her right to vote, and to have the moment captured in the local newspaper was the cherry on top.
Another reward was being in the garden to reap the last crops of the season. I brought home a bag of bell peppers, collard, turnip, and kale greens.
Sometimes, it’s worth the risk! I am happy to say that everyone is safe and doing well.
Kelsie Lou
Kelsie Lou's Blog 
I love everything about this post! All of it!!
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I appreciate you Karen. I’ve been very strict on preventative measures. I cancelled a Fall Break trip to FL because they had just lifted mask mandates. I said, Nope not going until the air circulates some more down there. My Mom doubles up her masks when she goes out for essential items.
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I don’t blame you. I would have nope’d out of that too. I wear a mask into my office, even though a majority of my office doesn’t even do that. And it has a filter in it. I’m with you…I’m very strict on preventative measures. As an athlete, I don’t want to deal with the possible long term after catching it. I am glad you had a safe environment and were able to go and be there and be a part of this momentous occasion. I’m hoping to make it up to Minnesota this coming summer for my Grandpa’s 100th birthday. Time will tell…
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I would definitely keep wearing the mask and I’m sure you disinfect all the surfaces around you. I face shield probably wouldn’t hurt either. Wow! 100….you gotta make that trip even if you decide to drive and wave from a window or something.
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100%. I have been disinfecting surfaces even before this pandemic happened because I am THAT person. Always have been.
I would totally drive for a drive by if that’s all that I can do at that point. I would be totally worth it.
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Wow beautiful post! Lovely photos. It’s rather inspiring seeing your grandma going out to vote as well. No person left behind
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Thank you! She is a strong lil lady. I should have included some of her words of wisdom in this post. She’s so fun to be around. I’m about to call her right now…
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That’s sweet! Maybe you can share one of her favorite sayings. 🙂
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“Once a man, twice a child.”
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Ah yes! It leaves me thinking about how much we should take great care of the elderly as much as we give care to a baby.
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This is so positive and sad at the same time. Such a complex world we’re in mixed with so much uncertainty.
Your grandmother is a legend. It just took the rest of the country to find out.
No matter the results of the election, I hope we can figure out how to get things back on track as a nation. Thank you for sharing this.
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Wow! Thank you for acknowledging my Grandma. I will have to read this comment to her to put a smile on her face. I agree with you a 100%. Regardless of the outcome we have to do better and treat each other with respect and not like animals.
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Very moving.
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Gotta protect my precious jewel who I call Grandma 💕
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Absolutely.
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Your grandma is cool! 😊
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I will relay the message. Thank you!!💌
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😽🍀
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Blown! Kelsie, this is so so awesome and LoL, maybe I should consider sending good stories to local newsmen too. 😊
I’m super happy your grandma exercised her constitutional rights and I hope every vote counts in the end.
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Yes! Those votes are still rolling in! Definitely have to promote yourself and those around you when it’s something good. Obituaries get published, so why not celebrate special moments. 😊
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Great idea!
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