I've known Hillary Clinton since my early childhood. She and my mother have been best friends since they were little girls growing up in Park Ridge, IL. As a child, I knew Hillary not as a powerful attorney, child advocate or the First Lady of Arkansas, but rather as Chelsea's mom — a warm, funny lady who taught me how copious amounts of hot sauce on your scrambled eggs will keep you healthy.
To see Hillary portrayed as an evil, conniving criminal is baffling to me. Throughout my life, I have only known her as my mom's most supportive and loving friend. Hillary took me on my first roller coaster ride when I was 12 years old. She spoke at my high school commencement ceremony and took photos with every single one of my classmates. The woman who signs her letters as “Aunt Hillary” congratulated me when I came out of the closet, when I got my pilot's license, when I married my husband and when we adopted our baby girl. She checked in with my family regularly while my mom underwent surgery and treatment for breast cancer.
I often send Hillary photos of my daughter and she always writes me back immediately, telling me which photo is her favorite and how she can't wait to give the little one a squeeze.
Hillary has included me and my husband in countless events over the years and always greets us with warmth and sincere affection. Several times, we've had the privilege to sit down with her and swap stories and, let me tell you, this woman can tell one hell of a story. Her dry wit rivals some of the best sit-com writers I've had the pleasure to work with. I've even witnessed her make her husband Bill laugh until he has tears streaming out of his eyes.
So it truly pains me to see this smart, caring woman made out to be some sort of monster. I don't know if I should blame the scandal hungry media, a right wing conspiracy or her current political opponent, but whatever the case, I can promise you that Hillary Clinton is, as my mom puts it, a good girl. I am truly blessed to know her and to have been raised with her as a role model of how one can be driven and accomplished while remaining humble, personable and kind.
When you cast your vote for Hillary, I just want you to know you're backing not only the most qualified presidential candidate in history, but a real person, a woman who values family, friendship and service to her fellow Americans above all else. You'll be sending a message to my daughter that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. You'll be electing a good girl. So for the next few weeks, put a few extra drops of Tabasco on your omelette — the American people need you to be healthy on November 8!
Colin Ebeling is a father, a filmmaker, a husband and a private pilot living in North Hollywood, CA.
Ebeling's mother at the Democratic convention:
All opinions expressed are those of the author.
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