"I'm really sorry" she said...

[OneAngryDemocrat]

Freeport, Illinois resident Tina Miller really, really, REALLY wanted to vote.

The lady, however, didn't want to burden anyone with her medical condition in getting her to the polls and back - severe Multiple Sclerosis.

"I'm really sorry," the gal said, over and over as her DORS (Dept of Rehabilitation Service) appointed assistant and I moved her from wheelchair to car and back to to wheelchair when we got her to the appointed place.

I told her plainly, "No problem, Tina... it's my honor and privilege to help you out with this."

"I'm really sorry," the gal said, over and over, again, as we moved her from wheelchair to car and back to to wheelchair when we got her back home.

I finally had to set her straight...

"Every four years there comes a day, Tina, that has the solumn dignity of both Veterans Day and Memorial Day. That day also has the patriotic zeal of the Fourth of July and the the same promise of a new beginning as with any New Year's Day or someone's birthday. It's the one day that says, 'I am an American.' That day is Election Day, Tina. Please don't apologize for it: Enjoy it!"

This is a photo of Tina Miller and her "I Voted!" sticker.

[Care Acutely]

1. Amen. nt

[Scuba]

2. Thank you Tina, and thank you OAD.

[Hoyt]

3. Thank you.

[wellstone dem]

4. This is beautiful

thank you for posting, thank Tina, and thank you for making sure she got to vote!

[PATXgirl]

5. Thanks to both of you!

[JI7]

6. i thought she was apologizing for not voting

when i started reading this. that's the only reason she should apologize.

[skeewee08]

7. This is AWESOME!!!!Thank you OAD & Tina & DORS

[longship]

8. That is a beautiful photo!

R&

[freshwest]

9. Thank you for your generosity, turning what some consider a chore into a honor.

I've been pushed in a wheelchair in the past, and apologized the entire time. She was blessed to have a person like you.

[JNelson6563]

10. Kind soul.

[Firebrand Gary]

11. Tina, we love you!

[PatSeg]

12. Thank you!

[Sophiegirl]

13. Dammit!

I thought I was done crying with joy.

And here I go again!!!!

[Cha]

14. Bless her heart.. when I think about all the apathy

I've run into..which just boils down to ignorance.

Thanks Tina Miller and OAD!

[Digital Puppy]

15. Thanks for this picture...thanks for the story...thank you for your service!

[Indpndnt]

16. This is awesome! Both of you are just wonderful.

[Plucketeer]

17. You're a peach, OAD.

So is Tina.

[Historic NY]

18. Thank you Tina..everyone no matter what their station or condition in life has a right to vote..

and there should be no impairment that overcomes that right.

[lumberjack_jeff]

19. Completely awesome. I wish I could stockpile recs. n/t

[nolabear]

20. Thank you, Tina. You are just plain awesome.

[Lilma]

21. Thank you for taking her

As a person with MS, not as bad as hers, be sure and make sure she has a way to get to the polls next time. Please!

[defacto7]

22. This is a true American!

[SunSeeker]

23. Bless you.

[Auntie Bush]

24. It's because people like the two of you that we win elections. Thanks!

[susanna]

25. You're amazing, OAD.

I'm crying. Bless you, all the DORS volunteers and Tina!

[Kennah]

26. OAD, you're my goddamn hero!

[yesphan]

27. Excellent !!

[sarge43]

28. Don't forget Thanksgiving Day.

Well done Tina and OAD. Thank you.

[Dont call me Shirley]

29. Way to go TINA!! Keep on going, girl!

[Sophiegirl]

30. DAMMIT..

Here I thought I was done crying for joy.

Tina - you inspire me to be a better person, a better mom, a better spouse and a better friend.

Sheesh...I'm investing in Kleenex tomorrow. Who's with me?

[dvhughes]

31. F*ckin Hell

Happiness and desperate sadness existing in the same small place.

[Ya Basta]

32. Awesome!

Thanks OneAngryDemocrat

[Crusoebear]

33. THIS is what it is all about...

Tina, a smile & a Thank You to this kind person is all that is needed - but please don't ever feel like you have to apologize for voting! Your friend here is obviously (and deservedly) quite honored to give a helping hand. What a wonderful example for humanity. Great job (both of you)!

[McCamy Taylor]

34. No one should have to apologize for voting.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

35. You did a great thing.

Well written OP.

[JoyBugaloo]

36. May the Gods bless you Tina!

So mote it be!

[carolinayellowdog]

37. I'm really glad, Tina

and OAD-- you both helped make this happen

[fascisthunter]

38. This is what Moves me more than Anything

my eyes are welling up, but this time for a good reason. Thanks for posting and for just being you.