Hope

My children,

On this day, we the people have elected a new president into office. Not everyone voted for him, but that is one of the great things about living in our country. The majority did vote for him - and the majority had their voices heard on that day back in November and saw their dream realized today.

As I watched the coverage of the inauguration this afternoon with Evan and Hailey by my side on the couch. I realized that this is the first time any of you have had a new president in your lifetimes. This one is extremely historic because for the first time in history, a man of African - American descent will lead our country and influence the majority of the free world. Something that would have seemed unheard of back in the times of your great grandparents.

As I sat on the couch and watched the former presidents arrive and watched the new president and his wife and adorable daughters. I felt myself getting choked up. What a day for all of them! What a day for America! I know it was bitter cold there, but the sun was shining and I bet that most could not feel the cold with the winds of change taking over in our country yesterday.

I teared up many times during his speech, especially during this part:

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

This day is historic. I hope from this day forward we never have to explain why it is historic. I am finding it hard to write what my point is on paper without sounding blase' about the whole thing. I just want you kids and this generation to grow up without seeing race as a big deal. To grow up just realizing that everyone is equal and born with the same opportunities to be amazing. Basically to be colorblind and to know that people are different - everyone is different and that is OK and the way it is supposed to be.

You were all born in a time where anything is possible. You were born in a time where people are able to achieve greatness despite what others may say. You were born into a time where we can all strive to make this country even better than it once was. God bless America and my prayers are with President Obama and the difficult road that lies ahead for him to get our country back on track.

Love, Mom