Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Yes We Can!!!  I am so excited to be able to say that Barack Obama is going to be our 44th President!!  It has been such an intense campaign filled with strong passion on both sides.  Last night was the first time in longer than I can recall that I was proud of our country.  Regardless of who you were voting for, the country was actually united in wanting to create something great for our future and future generations.  And I do believe that even those who voted the other way will be able to join behind this man who defied all the odds to ascend to the highest position in our nation.  

I watched the election coverage with Megan at Ron Tom's last night and I have never seen it so crowded.  People were standing on chairs and booths in order to view the huge projection screen.  As the numbers started rolling in, the cheers were far outweighing the boos and the butterflies in my stomach grew as it became a real possibility that Obama would take the election.  Shortly after 8 pm, the graphic popped up on the screen that Barack Obama was elected the 44th President and the entire place shook with cheers, clapping, crying overwhelmed tears.  It was an intense feeling that I had never felt before, and I just knew that I was present for something so historic and amazing.  Everyone fell to a hush to watch McCain's humble and gracious concession speech before erupting once again when he finished with his support for our new President.  When President-elect Obama walked out to the podium in Grant Park, the entire place shook again and flashbulbs went off capturing the first images of our President.  I don't think there was a dry eye as he gave his acceptance speech that examplified gratitude, humility, strength, emotion, hope and a realistic view of the challenges ahead of him.  

I am grateful to be here to see this moment in history and I look forward to what is to come.  Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama and to all of us!!!!