I can't believe it! Thank you America!

Amazing...Seriously, I am almost in disbelief that Barack Obama has just been elected as the nation's first black American President. This is an amazing milestone for all Americans and others around the world who have had a history of exclusion in their government and society.

I go back and forth between crying tears of joy, laughing, shouting, and just sheer awe. Hallelujiah. This is really one of the most memorable and pivotal days in my life, and something I can check off of my "bucket list". It is unreal, because I have to admit that I didn't know that America would progress to not only allowing, but embracing someone with dark skin (or who wears a skirt), would be voted in by a majority of ALL Americans (who cared enough to vote) to represent us to the rest of the world.

As I think of the history of the country, when it has dealt with people of color, most of the milestones have come with a fight, that includes protests, rulings, marches, judges, and the changes have been made grudgingly. At this particular moment, I can't think of a time when the advancement has been embraced like this one. It was like a big fat hug from America, just for me. Yes, I know it wasn't about me, but it felt like it.

There is still so much progress that needs to be made, but first let's just glance back over the last few years and smile at the tracks we see in the sand. For example, as I was leaving today from work, one of my co-workers asked me what was the big deal about this election. And, a few months ago, this year, another co-workers was physically describing a woman as a typical American. I said to him, "So, are you trying to say that I'm not American?" and he said yes. Shortly afterwards, he changed his mind and realized that what he said was really stupid, but these are not isolated incidents. And, my brother, who's 15 years younger than me, and I were both told that it won't happen in our lifetime by our teachers. So, I offer these examples as illustrations but at the same time, I prefer not to dwell on these. I've come too far, and I thank God that my girls will never hear that type of stupidity and rhetoric to confine their minds and aspirations.

It's no secret that there are people who want to believe that racism doesn't exist, shouldn't matter, or would prefer for things to go back to way things used to be. I also believe that many people use racism as an excuse for their failures, lack of motivation to improve, and as a self-fulfillig prophecy. Regardless, we are still moving, and moving in the right direction. Praise the Lord.

I have always felt blessed to be an American, but haven't always felt welcomed by all Americans as an equal. The best way to describe this feeling is if you had a cold mother-in-law (by the way, mine is great, other than the fact that she didn't support Obama, she's pretty darn cool) who finally tells you to call her Mom, with a big convincing hug to match and officially welcomes you into a family that you 'technically' already belonged to.

Thanks....I needed that. And, for all of you who contacted me to share your excitement or to offer kind words, it meant so much to me. Thank you doesn't seem sufficient, but that's all I got. (Pics: partying with the girls when the announcement was made, screen shot when it was announced. I hope they get it!).