Be Proud America!

So while Wesley was wearing Nana's shoes around the houseand being chased by Daddy,

I was voting in what would become a very historical election. When I was standing in the line to check out, I was moved to tears as a mom with her three young kids gathered all of them around her and had each one put a hand on her ballot as they put it into the scanner. While there are many different political views on many different important issues, how lucky we all are to live in a country where elections are so peaceful.

That night, Phil and I couldn't wait until after Wesley went to bed to start watching the returns and predictions. We're pretty strict (obsessive?) about Wesley not watching TV, but this was an exception. He was so excited the TV was on, he didn't even care that it was CNN and not Curious George :).

So serious!

The next morning, we rejoiced in the good news!
While Barack is inheriting many too-big-for-Kim-to-even-think-about issues, he will also be taking over an office with a mostly supportive and proud nation. Earlier this fall, Ruby Bridges came to speak at my school and just this week, a mere week after the election, I went to a Diversity Conference, and was surprised at how many times this election was referenced. (As an aside, Juan Williams, senior NPR correspondent, gave one of the key note addresses that was perhaps the best speech I've ever heard. Do see him if you ever have the opportunity!) The majority of speakers said that even six months to a year ago, they just didn't think it was possible for a person of color to be elected. So, regardless of our politcal views, how proud we all should be that not even 50 years after African Americans could not take a front seat on buses or drink from some water fountains or attend some schools, we have elected an African American as our Commander in Chief!